My fords are getting old and tired and i found a 1995 Dodge Cummins Reg Cab 4x4 with a auto. I've heard that the motor eats up these tranny's and i would prefer a 5 speed but it only has 110000miles on it and they are asking 8900. How do these trucks start in the cold weather like minus 10 to 20F? What can i expect to replace on this motor and with how short of time frame. Just looking for some info. I had a 94 chevy with a 6.5 for a short time because it kept sucking my bill fold dry and didn't like to start in the cold. I need this truck to start when i need it. I know you have to plug them in but will they start in extreme cold. thanks in advance.

 

I just bought the same exact truck and absolutly love it,my neighber is a diesel mechanic and said if I gave him a few hours he would have it running like a bear,one afternoon and a couple of hundred bucks and it's like night and day,the only problem is when you bump up the power you find out how weak the trans is in this truck I am in the market for one now.As far as the low temps go just remember to plug her in and she will start every time with no problems....

 

Welcome to DTR!!

yes your truck will start up no problem. No glow plugs for u to worry about! u have grid heaters instead which are much more effective than any glow plugs ever will be. Just keep the truck well taken care of, and make sure your starter, batteries, alternator are good, and the truck will be good to u.

a 12V cummins is about at bulletproof an engine as u can get, if you do decide to jump on it, kill that KDP as soon as possible, Killer dowel pin, plenty of reading on the subject is available thru here. NOt a hard job to do.

Modifications, well those will come, lol, you will love ur truck with a few mods if u do get it, But till then, if the truck is a 4wd, u might want to look at the tie rod ends and steering, those components tend to wear out quick. As far as issues with the 12v, all that i can think of would be the rubber return lines for fuel, and thats about it...

Have a good one!

Rick

 

Hey Rick, what are KDP's. I didn't realize cummins didn't run glow plugs. HUH!! that good news. Thay are a pain in the Edit.

 

KDP..

Killer dowel pin my friend. Its a pin that is used to align some stuff when they are assembling the engine for the truck, and to keep the internals aligned as well. It is found beneath the timing case and in some cases it has fallen out and caused several hundred dollars in damage to a vehicle, ive seen pics, its nasty... Anyways there is a TST kit fix for it, dont panic..

Here is a link...
https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...repair+TST+kit


Oh yes, and i had an old ford IDI myself, so im with u on the NO PLUGS issue.. i love my grid heaters!

Rick

 

Kill the KDP first. Then replace the fuel lines (supply/return). Also, replace the fuel heater strainer with the Cummins kit. Next would be the starter contacts. Depending on how the truck is driven you'll be in the market for a new tracbar. There are lots of options and opinions on tracbars. I like the Napa stock replacement. It comes with a lifetime warranty. I'd also add a DSS(darin's steering stabilizer). The DSS is a brace for the steering box. Doing both of these items will remove lots of slop out of the steering. If looking for a smooth ride try Rancho 9000's. Rancho's are on sale until Friday. Buy 3, get 1 free.

If you're looking to add power find someone who'll custom grind your stock fuel plate. Gauges should be added to any diesel. They help keep the truck alive and assist troubleshooting.


Diesel repair info
http://dodgeram.org/support_pgs/diesel_ix.htm


fuel, starter contacts
http://www.fostertruck.com/dodge/


DSS and tracbar solutions
http://www.solidsteel.biz/

 

Ok, another question. What kind of fuel milege will i get with the motor being stock and the auto tranny? Don't know what gears its running.

 

I have the same truck and i get aroung 18 to 20 but it will depend on how heavy your foot is.If you open up the exhaust and the intake you will do even better but when you do that you may be bitten by the bombing bug!!

 

what's the bombing bug? Sorry i don't know a lot of the termanolgy.

 

Sorry,More Power.It's very easy to do on these engines and if you keep your foot out of it you might even get better milage.....

 

BOMB

a term created by scotty if im not mistaken, Scotty is a member here, it is an acronym for Better Off Modified Baby. Once u get bitten by it, well theres just no turning back... ask me how I know, better yet, look at my sig...

Rick

 

B etter
O ff
M odified
B aby

 

well i won't be doing much modifying. I'm lucky if i can swing buying the truck right now. We had to replace the wife's car which wasn't in the plans. Anyway the only mod i would probaly do is exaust.

 

Uha thats exactly what I said but you would not believe the differance a few hundred dollars can do my truck is like night and day with a number 10 cam plate and a set of 3k gov. springs freeflowing exhaust and intake,start saving it's worth it...

 

doesn't doing all these mods take away the reliabilty of the engine?