Firstgenfanatic

Well, I'm not quite sure if I can openly speak of TDR (Turbo Diesel Register) on here? Anyway, my thread is not about whether they are good or not, but rather if anyone here on the forum subscribed to them back in 93/94 (when they first started)? I know regardless of what year publication they have, each magazine features a 1st gen section that covers how-to stuff. Does anyone have the 1,2,3 issue of TDR? I'm curious to see what ads and articles are covered during the earlier days. To me, it's kinda like getting an ol' 1960's hot-rod magazine and flipping the pages to see what was available and popular during that time. The same goes for my 1st gen.........what items and mods where popular and available back in 1989-1993? I realize that aftermarket stuff for these trucks is ZIP these days. Everyday many 1st gen folks are finding items being discontinued that were once available months ago or within recent years. Anyone else curious as to what 1st gen history holds or maybe it's just me?

Crossy's son

I definely do too. me and you makes 2 people . i picked up a BRAND NEW banks intercooler kit for a 89 or 90 truck. COMPLETE. and i mean complete. It even came with the banks tube grill for the 89-90 so the intercooler would fit. IM not gonna tell you how i found it or where i got it. [cool] . i think thats so cool. and banks made a power pin for the old girls in 89 and a couple different companies made power kits for them. like turbo housings,power pin,wastegate,instructions for tweakin,366 spring.. they never used to go as far with these as we do now.

Firstgenfanatic

Yup! That's exactly what I'm talking about........parts and pieces that disappeared over time. I'm interested in seeing what was available for mechanical upgrades as well as exterior cosmetic things. In old magazines I have seen 1st gens with very fancy body-skirt kits and front and top air-dams for 5th wheel pullin' Anyone else know what I'm talking about? I could be wrong but.........didn't anyone make custom running boards, windshield visors, bug shields, window vent shades, custom 5th wheel tailgates, custom bumpers, etc? I guess the question goes: If you were a retired person back in 89-93 that wanted to customize and "trick" out your 1st gen, what were your options?

powerrammaster

I think the future is bright, they hold their value, unlike any other Dodge, except the Power Wagon( I can buy second gens cheaper day in day out.). We are still learning and experimenting everyday how to re-engineer and push them further. In a way it's great that there is nothin' avail. for them, it drives us to think and create.

The articles of the time were probably in reguards to the best bugshields and running boards, as there wasn't much out there.I remember gettin' my '91 "turned up" by the dealer in '95, in retrospect he never even popped the hood! Also remember a neighbor constantly hounding me to join TDR, I thought he was a dork and a fool. Guess who likes being a member now and reading about their truck?

Firstgenfanatic

Haha. Yeah, when I first bought my 93' someone told me about TDR. My first impression was that it was more geared toward older retired folks. The kind that are snooty and have a love affair with hopping up their 5th wheel trailer pullin' Dodges just so they can race their friends down south for the winter. Turns out there are alot of "young guns" that are apart of TDR.

Crossy's son

Well hey, im 14 years old and im on here and dont get my permit until 16. Ive been to first gen meets and the guys think im like 19 (not just my size) but my knowledge when i join a conversation. And i put a 366 spring in our 91 pretty much by myself with just some light overview from Dad. I have been around this stuff since 4 years old. i used to help my dad change the oil in my dads john deere when i was 5. ...and yes my friends think im a geek that everytime they come over to hangout, my head is under the hood of one of our first gens with my dad, when they pull up in the driveway.

Firstgenfanatic

Hey, no shame in being a young person into mechanical stuff. I'm only in my mid 20's and enjoy tinkering on everything. I also can respect the older folks who have much experience under their belt.

Totallyrad

If I remember correctly, they advertised they had a surplus of old issues a while back and offered to sell them to their members. Here's a link to buy back issues. Here

Firstgenfanatic

Yup, I looked into it. Looks like you can still get some early ones for a fee.

powerrammaster

Yup, exactly what he was. A nice older gentleman towing a 5er with his 2wd plain white wrapper first gen, and there's me, 20 years old with every smoke tinted piece of glass and plastic you could buy, installing off road lites lookin at him like "yeah right, I need a magazine to help me customize my truck."
If I had bought that magazine or if the internet was what it is now, I would never have sold that truck and gone full circle 10 years later to basically replace it. But, I am happy now.

whereswaldo250

It is sad that companies are no longer supporting parts for our trucks, but your right it fuels ingenuity. I still don't understand why most companies still provide nice upgrades for the only 6.9/7.3 idi and ever the old 6.2/6.5? It makes me wonder...

Firstgenfanatic

Does anyone know if they still make bed-rail caps for the 1st gens? I'd like to get a set for my pickup. I've seen diamond plate and polished aluminum/stainless on our trucks before.

wannadiesel

Dee Zee still makes 'em.

921stgen

Got mine on ebay for 25.00 including shipping, they are on ebay under 1993 dodge ram or truck every once in awhile.

Firstgenfanatic

Man, thats a sweet deal! Hopefully I can find a set. Are they attached by bolts or studs?