chumstone

FYI, my chevy 454 gets 6 mpg and I need something that gets at least 12 mpg if not more, thats why I'm looking for a different work truck. I need to put my 8' utility box on it for work.

I looked at an intercooled truck yesterday and I have also seen a non intercooled truck. MPG's and longivity are the main issues. One thing about the Chevy is it doesn't eat parts, just ga$. Thanks a bunch.

Boatnik

I,ve owned Ford, Chevy, Isusu and Dodge. I really like my first gen. Dodge. It is rugged and dependable and I get about 17 MPG even after modifing the engine. If mileage is a major player, I would either opt for a manual transmission intercooled (1991.5 or newer) or go with a newer truck with lockup torque converter. The 1994 and up has a much better aftermarket selection. For hauling a lot of weight I would also look for a 1 ton single rear wheel truck. Duallies are great when towing and when heavy loaded but I just spent almost a thousand dollars on tires. Plus the extra rubber on the road eats up fuel mileage a little. Of course the size of your box will determine that.
One thing about any used vehicle. A lot depends on how well the PO took care of the it. That can be good or bad no matter who built it. Parts wear out. Especially steering gears and joints. Unless there is a huge amount of miles on the Cummins, it should last a very long time as long as it ain't been messed with. I have heard figures in excess of 500,000 miles. I know of one that was dyno'd last year with 750,000 on it. It was bone stock and did 138 hp on the rollers. But that is the exception to the rule.

89dieselkong

Mine is non-intercooled and I am still pulling MPG in the 20's, even after being modified and lifted. If you want to make tons of power, go with the intercooled, if you just want a really tough truck, I think anyone of the 1st gens is going to fit the bill.

90firstgen

I'm also non-intercooled. People knock these trucks saying that you can't get much power out of them but thats false information... Stock injectors can get you 300hp and around 800 ft. lbs. Definately try to get a manual trans if you can because the autos eat up a lot of fuel mileage and power. The trucks are very durable and they're up for about anything you throw at them. As stated earlier, check the steering linkage and box etc.. I rebuilt the whole front end at about 300,000 miles..

Free89W350

I also have a non intercooled 89 which is a auto. If you are after fuel milage I would go with a 5 speed or a intercooled overdrive auto. I average around 15 to 18mpg with mine. Which is unbelievably still better than my 94 V8 4x4 Dakota with an od trans (13-17mpg). But on the other hand I LOVE my truck and the ONLY way I would have gotten a different one is if they would have given me a extented cab for the same price I paid for this one (FREE hence my name).