anyone out there own a 95 or older diesel pickup?

[grandkodiak]

i'm lookin at my first diesel pickup, can someone tell me the rules of inspection for a 95 non-obd2 diesel? its not commercial, but i also dont know the gross weight if anyone here knows?

95 ram 2500, 4x4, auto trans, single rear wheel axle, cummins turbo d

like do they check the emissions level of the exhuast? or do they just check breaks, horns, wipers and mirrors?

[z28rob18]

idk if its different for older trucks but my brothers 02 they don't even inspect it. like it doesn't need a sticker

[V]

inspection has been done away for the following...



All diesel powered vehicles model year 1996 and older that are plated passenger, not for profit, governmental, commuter van , farmer or farm truck except buses.
All diesel powered vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) 8,501 to 9,999 that are plated passenger, not for profit, governmental, commuter van, farmer or farm truck except buses.

http://www.state.nj.us/mvc/Inspections/VehiclesExempt.htm

[BigAls87Z28]

Sweet jesus man, give it up! 1/2 the gas milage of the CV, 50% higher price in gas, three times the size gas tank. Do the math...
Buy a Civic or something.

[grandkodiak]

nope, goin tomorrow to look at one! cv's gettin picked up wednesday.

[grandkodiak]

actually, (14mpg * 1.5 = 21mpg) 50% increase in gas miliage, only ($3-3.50 est) 15-20% increase in cost... size of tank a complete nonfactor (more gas, less fills, you pay per mile used afterall) so yea, 30-35% less in cost per mile fuel, and $37 less every 6 month insurance bill, and no $470 plastic hose connector dripping away ruining $45 ignition coils... added bonus, I can plow snow (truck will be comming with one) and put the motorcycle in the back with a small $150 invesment in a ramp, 4x4 for snow, and 420 ft-lbs torque to push commuters who are too busy doing thier hair while posting on facebook out of the way in the fast lane as they choke on black coal fumes of power. :D math works great around the board!

[redsoxsstink]

Sweet jesus man, give it up! 1/2 the gas milage of the CV, 50% higher price in gas, three times the size gas tank. Do the math...
Buy a Civic or something.

wanting a truck= priceless

[Tru2Chevy]

as they choke on black coal fumes of power.

Rollin' coal != good mileage, no matter how cool it looks.

That's just unburnt fuel spewing out of the pipes, which means it needs more boost :)

- Justin

[91chevywt]

I always thought they were "self inspection" meaning you have to keep up on it yourself, and you don't get a sticker. They should be able to tell you at the DMV if you stop in.

If you're getting a diesel trying to save money, it's not going to work out. Trust me on this. If you just want it for coolness, go for it. The cummins engine is great, it's just the rest of the truck that's the problem.

[WildBillyT]

actually, (14mpg * 1.5 = 21mpg) 50% increase in gas miliage, only ($3-3.50 est) 15-20% increase in cost... size of tank a complete nonfactor (more gas, less fills, you pay per mile used afterall) so yea, 30-35% less in cost per mile fuel, and $37 less every 6 month insurance bill, and no $470 plastic hose connector dripping away ruining $45 ignition coils... added bonus, I can plow snow (truck will be comming with one) and put the motorcycle in the back with a small $150 invesment in a ramp, 4x4 for snow, and 420 ft-lbs torque to push commuters who are too busy doing thier hair while posting on facebook out of the way in the fast lane as they choke on black coal fumes of power. :D math works great around the board!

Keep in mind that even though the engine is "Hooray for diesel!" the rest of the truck does not have the same longevity as those parts are the same.

[deadtrend1]

Keep in mind that even though the engine is "Hooray for diesel!" the rest of the truck does not have the same longevity as those parts are the same.

Yup. Main issue with a cummins is that there is a dodge wrapped around it.

[BigAls87Z28]

Good thing spring is coming, you can ride the bike to work when the truck breaks down..again

[V]

my Ram only broke down twice, and just one of those times was it on fire. not bad for 68k miles.

[bad64chevelle]

only reasons my ram ever went down were because a motorcycle decided to take out my steering box, and my freeze plug between the block and trans went. 97 2500 but a gas 5.9 @190k miles

[greenformula92]

Yup. Main issue with a cummins is that there is a dodge wrapped around it.

hey!! my dodge ain't so bad.....with the exception of front end issues and rust.....wait, i guess it is that bad, never mind

[grandkodiak]

body and cosmetics i could give two ****s. dont get me wrong, im not looking to get one BECAUSE it gets better miliage or cheaper parts then my car, they are just state of fact bonuses haha! i do want a big ass truck, i love torque, big noise and 4x4, and they are damn sure cheaper then most SUV's... and its something to have long term while i find a job... markets dead at the momment haha with no signs of clearing up for a good few more years. im done with sports cars, im not interested in anything asian that doesnt have a rack and female connector... so this looks like a good option! plus fuel plate mod, 125hp? dayum haha

alex its that truck or a disco that youll help me fix :D

[V]

yes, the 12v cummins are mechanical setups so pretty easy to mod. good motors. in around 98 they switch to the 24v electronically controlled motors.

on a serious note, the transmissions are a weak point. the one in my 96 2500 went at 38k miles, we had it rebuilt by a reputable small local shop and its been great since.(currently has 69k miles)
with the 5.9 cummins i can tow just about anything id need to. A setup that would make my old Denali struggle towing is not even felt by my Ram. The trans was the 1st "breakdown" we had, and the second issue was the fuel shutoff solenoid shorted out. As a result, we couldnt turn the truck off, the motor kept getting fuel so it kept running, finally it got so hot in the solenoid, it started a small fire which i basically managed to blow out and then the solenoid was completely shot and shut off the fuel. A solenoid later and some wiring and it was good to go again. Also had a charging issue but a few well placed ground cables i added solved that.

eventually id like to do a 4wd conversion on mine, and after researching it, the 2500HD(diesel model) apparently has the same frame as a 2500 4wd truck so i should be able to bolt on all the 4x4 components.

[LuvMyF8LWS6]

Ive got an 03 Powerstroke and it's one of my best vehicles. Nothin like a badass diesel tearing thru the snow!

[r0nin89]

Yup. Main issue with a cummins is that there is a dodge wrapped around it.

I've said that for so long....

The "diesel costs more so it doesnt weigh out" argument is BS. It weighs out perfectly fine the cost per mile is either the same or slightly less and if you tow with it its significantly less. Plus not to mention you gain range on a tank so if price are on their way up you can cram 40gallons in it and last a week or two w/o paying for rising costs.

[LuvMyF8LWS6]

I've said that for so long....

The "diesel costs more so it doesnt weigh out" argument is BS. It weighs out perfectly fine the cost per mile is either the same or slightly less and if you tow with it its significantly less. Plus not to mention you gain range on a tank so if price are on their way up you can cram 40gallons in it and last a week or two w/o paying for rising costs.

Plus diesel engines usually last longer and are able to take a much harder beating.

[1QWIKBIRD]

If you are looking at a Cummins powered Dodge, take the time to read through the linked file. It will get you up to speed quickly on the good/bad/ugly of the Dodge/Cummins.

http://www.turbodieselregister.com/issues/BuyersGuide2010.pdf

I recently turned 241,000 in my 97 and last night filled up with fuel. Mileage worked out to 19.3 mpg (done the old fashion way by hand) in combined driving and that's winter fuel with cold a$$ temps. There isn't a gas powered 3/4 ton 4x4 extra cab LWB truck out there that could compete with that, period.

There are weak points on the Dodge/Cummins package, but with some attention to detail and preventative maintenance, you should have a good reliable truck for many years.

Once you get used to driving a diesel powered truck, you'll never consider anything less.

Good Luck

Chris

[1QWIKBIRD]

body and cosmetics i could give two ****s. dont get me wrong, im not looking to get one BECAUSE it gets better miliage or cheaper parts then my car, they are just state of fact bonuses haha! i do want a big ass truck, i love torque, big noise and 4x4, and they are damn sure cheaper then most SUV's... and its something to have long term while i find a job... markets dead at the momment haha with no signs of clearing up for a good few more years. im done with sports cars, im not interested in anything asian that doesnt have a rack and female connector... so this looks like a good option! plus fuel plate mod, 125hp? dayum haha

alex its that truck or a disco that youll help me fix :D

I don't know what fuel plate will get you 125 hp? Maybe a custom ground plate with bigger injectors, exhaust, 4000 rpm gov spring kit, tweaking on the AFC and star wheel might get you 125hp. But no fuel plate alone will get you there. Plus a 95 or 96 has the smaller Bosch injection pump, so right away you start off at a lower point. And if you really start "bombing" the truck all of the benefits you are looking for go right out the window. Fuel mileage, reliability, longevity etc. are all sacrificed as you turn up the wick, just like a gas motor. EGT start to become an issue as the factory turbo won't flow enough air. In order to turn 3000-4000rpm you will likely need upgraded valve springs. Gauges should be the first order of business to keep an eye on boost levels and EGT. Your automatic tranny won't live long much past stock power levels and fully built autos that can handle the power can easily run 5K with the converter to match. Stock clutches are in the same boat, at the power goes up, the factory clutch won't hold it, so you have to upgrade them as well.

If you want the truck for the mileage, longevity, simplicity, hauling capacity etc, then go for it and enjoy it. If you want it so you can "roll coal", know that a "bombed" diesel truck can be just as expensive, unreliable and troublesome as any hot-rodded 4th gen f-body if you do stupid stuff.

My truck has 4" exhaust, a BHAF (big honking air filter) a #11 fuel plate (rated for 280HP/680TQ more power for towing), EGT, Boost, Fuel pressure guages and that's it. Plenty of power, great mileage and stone cold dead nuts reliable. My truck had 159K when i bought it 5 years ago.

I've had rebuilt/replaced the following in the last 80k:
Lift pump (sometimes called the transfer pump)
Alternator (rebuilt by Generator/Starter Exchange)
Starter (New from NAPA replaced once under warranty)
Batteries (Optima Red Tops)
Rear driveshaft u-joints/pinion seal
Front brakes/calipers/lines/rotors/hub bearings
Bilstein shocks

None of that is out of line for a 14 year old vehicle with 241K miles.

I've done the following upgrades:
2002/up Flip-up Towing mirror upgrade
Sport headlight conversion (best mod to date)
Prodigy Brake Controller (for towing)
Rear Sway bar (for towing)
#11 plate, AFC spring kit (more power for towing)
Stereo
Rear flood lights for backing up/trailer hook up.

I see no reason not to make it to 500k. I love my Cummins powered Dodge.

Good luck, be smart with the upgrades.