Dana 60 discussion posts have been split off to this thread: https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...d.php?t=153494

Carry on with discussion of which Cummins powered Dodge MattN should buy.

 

Since you're only towing 7k lbs it sounds like you don't even need a diesel. Might want to look at buying a gasser.

 

^^^^^


Who let that guy in?

 

I'd say that if you're only towing 7K, you can get by fine with a stock Cummins but that bombing bug sure is hard to resist.

The 1st gens are pretty much all mechanical so not much electrical to shut you down but the ext. cab isn't as large as the later trucks.

 

I have a 89 and a 98.5 as far as stock goes by a 24v I realize I just made enemies and that with a plate and some almost free fixes can make alot of power,but with automatics in both the 98 wins hands down.I have trashed a couple trannies plowing on 89 and my cousin had a 92 350 with dump plow and wing central hyd and hyd sander.3 trannies in 48k.he sold for 6500 with 60k and went back to a 454 chev.My 98 will out tow and is more comfortable than my 89 plow rig.And am thinking about a 3rd gen now.Bill

 

I don't think anything short of a V10 or really really big V8 is going to tow this enclosed trailer decently. They would be cheaper, but the 7mpg would KILL me.

I've towed with gas and diesel. Once you tow effortlessly at 70mph, with the A/C on while getting 15mpg with so much torqe availible the torque converter doesn't even unlock when you hit a hill, there's just no going back....

Edit: can someone please translate 2Ramsnocash's post for me^^^

 

OK, so the 12v engines have KDP, the 24v engines have fuel issues, all models have edit auto transmissions. What issues do the '03+ have?

 

I was just thinking you'd save quite a bit of money initially buying the gasser since it seemed you only towed occasionally. But you're right, nothing like going up steep grades in 5th gear with a load on the back.

For the '03+, they have lift pump issues, but there is a decent fix people have posted on this forum. Your best bet is an '03-'04 with the 6speed manual. I would stay away from the Dodge autos.

 

Mattn You might want to edit that last post as the admins frown on the substitutions on the bad words also. As for the lift pump issues that was a 98.5 -2002 issue from what ive read the HPCR is a very good motor. I wish I could afford one myself but the ole 12v is paid of so I'll keep it a while.

 

I think 2Ramsnocash said the flexplate broke? He's looking 3rd gen now. And the newer auto in his 98 is better than the one in his 89? Which is arguable since the 89 uses the 727 right?? Which can really be built.

Anyway, I'd bit the bullet and find a low milage 03+ 6 speed if you are looking for reliability... Bone stock, low milage and make it your daily driver.

 

Update:

The boys at Dieselstop.com have convinced me that the problem is a $20 wiring harness, not a $400 injector. So, I'm getting the $20 harness today to see if that works.

If it really is an injector, I'll get it replaced and go immediately to Wal-Mart to buy a "For Sale" sign. And then begin shopping for a Dodge....

 

I think the late gen 2's, 2001.5+, 2002 were very good overall, if you get a FP gauge & recommeded Vulcan kit. The only major isuue with Gen 2 is failing LP, which in turn, takes out the VP44. If you replace the LP right away, I think most agree the VP44 is reliable, for the most part.
Getting a manual will be more reliable then an Auto.
You can also check codes to see if there are other issues.
gen 1's are fine, but as vehicles age, the problems tend to increase in other areas besides the motor.
My $.02!

 

Do you have the E4OD in your ford (the auto) if so thats one of your BIG problems lol. My husband has a 97 pstroke with the E4OD when he had only a super chip on his truck he went through 3 transmission's on the last one he bought a 50 dollar shift kit and so far he has had 0 problems but we still have a spare trans sitting in the garage. He also has over 300K on his truck hes the original owner of the truck and it was also his first truck so the truck did kinda have a hard life in the beginning lol.

 

Twin I beam! I had 2 of them absolute garbage.They were constantly wearing out parts,wouldnt stay alinged,drove like you were steering a car-top boat,not to mention the constant clunking when that rubber doughnut in the middle gave up the ghost.