What to look out for when buying a Dodge First Gen Cummins Pickup 

I drove one with a Cummins. 1990 Stripped down: no a/c, no heat vents just heat on floor and defrost. Was 4x4 manual transmission and drove like a tractor. Pulled a goose neck like a champion was always reliable,

Thanks for making this detailed video of things to look for. I'm hoping to own a first gen Cummins or second gen soon and this gives me ease of mind of things to look at so I'm not shooting blind.

The first thing your gonna want to do is check out the box corners, there should be nothing left, next your gonna wanna check out the door panels, make sure they are held on by wood screws. The headliner should be non existent at this point.

Dude! All that crap your saying is really nothing compared to the age of the truck. Usually those trucks are rusted out, used and abused junk! That truck is in great shape!

I sold my 89 W250 last year when I upgraded to a 2006 5.9 325cr. My 1st gen advice is to be understanding that they are not going to ride like the newer ones. Mine was noisy and rode like a dump truck. The 3-speed auto trans with non-lockup converter was not so good for highway speeds or for getting the power to the wheels. Get a 1st gen if you like nostalgia and cheap/easy to fix. I would suggest avoiding the early automatics. The one I had used 3:07 gearing which was a compromise for not having a 4-speed OD automatic. Lots of little issues with interior items. My rust-free 1St gen sold in 1 hour of being listed. I would still have it but I needed a crew cab. It's hard to drive with a 165lb Great Dane in your lap. My 3rd gen does things my 1st gen cannot but it will cost more when it needs work.

man i really need to get one of these before they're all gone. been wanting a w250 for years. thanks for the info.

My 91 still runs and drives perfect. With over 300,000 miles. Gotta be diligent about maintenance. But, that could be said about any truck for that matter.

so happy i hve this truck and everything your caring about im not even noticing, all i care is that the seat is torn to shreds and the engine needds a tune up.

Really miss driving these old Dodge pick ups my father used to have one wish I can drive it

Why i love my 1985 Dodge w150 Power Rams Hand Crank windows

My dad's 1990 1/2 ton had the same cab problem above the windshield but the 318 ran great

I've owned a few dodge trucks ranging from 75-81 and all of them have rusted in the same exact spots. I'd have to say you're right on with the what to look for one thing I'd add on is behind the seat right where the bottom cab corners are, all of mine had that rusted completely out.

I was very lucky with my truck. The only thing that rotted was the floor rockers and wheel wells that's it. Everything else was in great shape. The window seals were old cracking and falling apart and inside the door there is no rust. I love in Utah where it snows so I think I got very lucky. Already fixed the floor as well as replaced it with all new weather seals on the doors other than the vent Windows which they don't make yet.....I've been in contact with a company that are in the process of making them but because of the virus it has slowed down. I have a 92

I have this exact same truck in Ontario it’s a 1991 never winter driven and same paint. Nice.

I just traded for a 81 d150 with the 225 slant 6 the grill frame or shell, or whatever you want to call the chrome surrounding the headlights and grill, it is far harder to find on the older models with the single piece grill. it is not being reproduced like the grills with the 4 inserts

I HAVE ARUST FREE 91 250 5x4 5 SPEED, PAINT IS LIFTING BUT ITS NOT BEAT UP AND NOT RUSTY, HAD A MAN OFFER ME A 2013 350 DUALLY 4x4 STRAIGHT UP TRADE, I PASSED

From my experience. When it comes to the body, most body shops that do quality work will charge you at least $5,000 to do an all-over Quality Paint Job in urethane. Maaco is good, but there is shops that are far better, that use better materials. Dupont Imron is a excellent paint for trucks, it is a fleet style paint that can be color sanded and buffed to a very good shine. Imron is tuff durable paint. It will be difficult to find a shop today in certain states due to EPA laws that are willing to use a paint like imron that is that toxic. For quality paint job, a very good shop will pull the window glass, the seals, the trim the bumpers, everything to make sure that the paint adheres and doesn't peel. The biggest mistake I see people make on cars or trucks back then or even today is they do not rust proof the vehicle. There is no reason to spend a lot of hard earned money restoring a truck or a car even as a daily driver if you're not going to rust proof it. You are just wasting your money. Everything will need to be rust proofed. The underside of the body, the frame, the brake lines and even the insides of the bumpers and up under the wheel wells and even inside the doors. A good rust proofing job from say Ziebart, unless they' are having a monthly special, will cost you around 350 to $400 and it will be well worth it. If you like these trucks and you can do some of the work yourself you will save a considerable amount of money. It all adds up. 10 thousand dollars can be easily spent. Have fun. Cheers

Gorgeous truck man!!! I got an 86 dodge ram with a 318 gasser, but mines solid, and im really happy about mine, but i still have a few things to work out, anyway, good lookin truck

In the market for a 1st gen 318 ram this video helps

So pretty much when I seen my first one in 1992 the consensus was that Cummins will Outlast 3 Dodge bodies I guess it was pretty accurate

Who did you go through to get parts for the truck and what online store are they because i need the badges and a driver side vent window interior completely done and front end and fenders

up here in alberta, you have to get lucky when it comes to finding rust free trucks, cant be picky about everything you listed haha

Thx for sharing. Bought an '92 D250 base model few months back (June 2020) with 115K miles, 360 TBI. Sat 4 yrs, so tank cleaning was a must, and new fuel pump, Injectors, all the rubber line ends, ect. Now taking time to redo the interior, but had a dash with no cracks, a big pulse. If you care to see, please watch and subscribe to Bears Rod Shop. This will become our shop truck, so old tree sap pitina will remain, but have a right front fender to straighten. You mite like have I plastic weld and restore the interior trim and headliner recovered. Yes, wish it had a 12 valve cummins, but was to straight to pass up, and under $1K money,,,,Shes a keeper, and always been in TX, so no rust issues. Bear

Nice tractor

Wiring on these years is a nightmare, I have a Ramcharger try to find parts for that.

My father has an two tone brown 89 Dodge ram 250. Short cab long bed with only 55 thousand original miles. It used to be a farm truck it's in very nice shape

Where you get that ground cup holder at?

Do you know what year highlander that soundsystem headliner is from?

My windows in my 93 roll up like there on crack like it's very fast

You can get the tailgate plate on far from stock

u need a new window regulator most power windows eventually do that

my friend just purchased this exact same truck down to the color way

Do u know we're I csn find hard plastic lists

After market grills don't say DODGE on them, cabs are basically the same from 81- 93 , replace the window motors, they will work fine

Try finding parts for a 1985 they Dodge guys changed all the wiring the seals turn to stone, I finally have all the window gaskets. STEEL rubber parts. Ebay has tons of stuff its real easy to find parts LMC truck has lots parts, Brads mopar. I shit canned all the window parts put in aftermarket switches which solved the problem. I have always been a MOPAR guy so finding parts is easy.I rebuilt the heat box itwas easy to take out I dont recomend the cut the hole deal . You will still have to remove the box to replace the evaporator and heater cors. EBAY has all the retainers and fastener. There is no problem finding parts. especially for the 86 up try the 85 and older.

Yea i want a second gen with a 12 valve. You cant find a good one of those for a decent price.

Hey can anybody send me a video on how to rewire a 97 Dodge pickup truck I got tail lights I got running lights in the front I just ain't got no headlights

Agreed

Would you happen to know where i can find a manual window regulator for a 1992 dodge D250?

Is there Haynes manual for these?nice truck man!

Thanks for the tips. I am looking at importing one of these trucks to NZ in a years time from now. Are you ok with checking one out for me if it is your area before I fly over to pick it up?

Are the motors pretty stout? I been looking at dodges and was thinking of getting one for the ranch

I love my 1992 Cummins

I wish I had that truck

Where at in Michigan? I have the same truck in southern Michigan

hey man talk about the real important stuff like the (Killer Dowel Pin)!!!!!!!!

Cummins deal is what saved Chrysler. Best powerplant ever. But the rest of the truck is typical cheap chrysler junk

I want one

Do you like the sound system setup? I was thinking about getting it.

It’s 2020!! You Still Listening To Tapes?

I would bet a guy like me in the past had a CB radio mounted on the dash with sheet metal screws yeah I'm cheap

Just bought my 93 w350 in excellent condition for $3200 5spd 4x4 1 owner! What do you think it’s worth?

Good truck I have a 1990 5.9 in better shape than yours ( yours is good ) I do not know what transmission is in it I have 234.678 on it scary good condition its been kept in a garage ( thank you for yor time )

Aftermarket sheet metal is soft non fitting junk buyer's beware! Find OEM parts.

partsgeek.com has SO MANY parts of this truck... can it a look some time

its called a cowl

Cummins engine crate

Wow. All I have to say.

I know a guy to sells tailgate badges

The only good thing about these trucks are the engines. Everything else is built very cheap

You can end a lot of bullshite by oil spraying these vehicles every year,i have no idea why people buy brand new vehicles and refuse to pay 150 a year to krown it.i guess they just have a lot of money.

Plastic fuel tanks. Rare and expensive

Lmao if you buy door bushings you dont have to slam the door my 84 doors still shut like new and thats all four!!! Finding parts is like finding a needle in a haystack you just buy and keep when possible!!!!!!!!

Lol its a ol 12 just drive it

I know exactly where he can get all this shit lol

First, check for a disposable bit of metal, rubber and plastic surrounding the engine, called a dodge or ram or both If present, dispose of this rubbish then install engine in a relevant platform.

Haha. I owned these trucks new. You can have them. Lol

Watching this was a waste of time...

If it wasnt for the Cummins engine, dodge wouldve been done years ago. Man what an ugly truck that seemed to always be behind the times & cheap!

Your grill is not OEM. It needs the dodge badging. There hard to find.