1990 Dodge 2500

Gentlemen,
I have a 1990 diesel for sale close by and I know nothing about diesels. It is a 1990 with a 93 grill and intercooler. Single cab with the long box, recent paint, but owner does say it has rust coming up on the rear fenders. 4x4 with 5 speed. New brakes 170k. Aluminum 17" rims with excellent tires. Looks really sharp in the pictures. Has a fuel leak on the fuel pump and he said a local shop can reseal the pump for $700. It is his daily driver and says it runs/drives great. I have a meet setup for tomorrow to look at it. He was asking $10 and briefly talking to him he went to $8500.

I need opinions on buying this truck.. any help is appreciated.

Looks nice but the possibility of severe rust on the fender arches makes me think $6500 right off the bat.

I agree, with the paint being so fresh and rust already bubbling tells me there is a problem. Thanks for the input..

Rust is a nasty issue.
The 1990 Cummins has an old school injection pump.
If you're going to go through the effort of getting it re-sealed, I'd look into a hot-rodded unit. Get a different fuel pin & higher RPM spring and you'll REALLY wake up that old beast.

Example: Industrial Injection VE Injection Pump

Be aware, regardless of the body, that the Gen I Cummins just weren't that strong of a truck. The motor is FAR more capable than the truck they put behind it.

WhiteExpress said:

Rust is a nasty issue.
The 1990 Cummins has an old school injection pump.
If you're going to go through the effort of getting it re-sealed, I'd look into a hot-rodded unit. Get a different fuel pin & higher RPM spring and you'll REALLY wake up that old beast.

Example: Industrial Injection VE Injection Pump

Be aware, regardless of the body, that the Gen I Cummins just weren't that strong of a truck. The motor is FAR more capable than the truck they put behind it.

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I'm ignorant about diesels and see I have much to learn if I buy this old girl. Just need to figure out what it's actually worth.
Thanks,

Come on you diesel guys, I'm starting to think I need this truck but don't want to over pay or be stupid low. On the Internet I see prices from $2100 to $15k for the 1st gen. Since he dropped to $8500 already I'm thinking $6500 should be a legit offer as long as I don't find something that really turns me off. But on the other hand is it worth the $8500? I need a tow truck for old Red.... lol

Maybe it's the lighting, but the front fender looks bondo-picaso'd.
I think $6,500 for a clean straight Gen 1 Cummins is a pretty damned good deal.
I don't think I'd go much over $8k unless it has bodywork like glass.

Looks like we both got busy over the weekend and we are going to try for a meet early next week. Any input is much appreciated.

Be sure to let us know how the truck checks out with you

ST-8 said:

Be sure to let us know how the truck checks out with you

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I certainly will. I'm a sucker for old trucks and will probably take a beating if I get this one. lol

Here are some more pictures of this beauty.

Dash looks torn apart. That would be a huge no for me.

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SprayTech said:

Dash looks torn apart. That would be a huge no for me.

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Click to expand...

Dash was torn apart in that picture. Has a odometer problem. Apparently this is a common problem with 1G.

Shirtless male photographer? Auto no-no





Nah, looks fairly clean other than that rust on the wheel arch. And yes, speedo and odo issues are common to 1gs.

To my surprise this truck is owned and built by a young man. When I found out how young he was I told him I wanted his parents to be present. Apparently this has been a project for him for a couple of years. His dad said he bought it with his own money and it is his to sell if he wants. When I was his age I was tearing stuff up and fixing more than building nice rides. My guess is his dad has been a strong guiding light with this truck. But not withholding this is an exceptional young man who works everyday. I'll see how well he has done tonight. I've been checking the various diesel forums and like what I'm seeing. Anything anyone can suggest I look for would be appreciated. Top price I see when looking at this year is $7,250 for one all original in excellent original condition. Don't know how real that pricing is...

Well the short story is it was a bust, It's a very nice truck with a few problems. I asked my paint and body guy to take a look at it and he was really impressed with how little rust was on it. Repair would be in the $800 range. The rear end has a leaking seal, AC is installed from factory but the hoses are missing. Repair I would guess in the $600-$1000 range. VE pump needs seals, repair would be $700-$1500 range. The rear brakes were suppose to have been done recently, however the brake pedal goes to the floor. My guess is the master cylinder is shot. I was told it had been replaced two years ago as if that solved the problem. The truck has not been tuned and has original exhaust system under it. It was originally a non-intercooler model and he added the 93 grill and inter-cooler, nicely done. It drives nicely and steers with only a very little play. We agreed that a totally original truck that was a 9 out of 10, meaning no rust and mechanical excellent with a straight body was valued at $7,250. He was asking $8500 for his truck with problems. I offered $6,500 and told him that was what I thought was a fair price. He came back with $8000 being as low as he would go. I really wanted the truck but know with the repairs it needs I would be way over valued price. But still offered $7500 cash on the spot and he turned it down. Told him the offer would stand for a couple of days if he changed his mind. He said he has over $12k in it and couldn't go that low. I think he will soon learn that we very seldom ever gets our money out of a project. The funny part is I was prepared to pay the $8500 if the truck had checked out without any issues. Maybe next time, I really like the 1st gen diesels.

Update is in order. Bought a 89' two wheel drive owned by a old gentlemen. The truck has a new starter, lift pump, rebuilt trans with an upgraded TC, recent brakes, AC, power windows and mirrors, sliding rear window. Tires are shot, has a fifth wheel pin/plate that's coming out tomorrow along with new tires and a alignment. Straight pipe, hasn't been turned up, killer pin fix. Pretty straight body but needs body work and paint. Drives very nice with minimal wonder. Actually feels pretty fresh.
Seat is excellent, dash no cracks, door panels need some help and carpet in pretty good condition. I have lots of pictures so let me know if you want to see more of it. As anyone can tell, I'm really liking this old girl...

Looks like you found a great truck. Congrats!!

I have about 180 miles on it now and it has presented no surprises. It'll roll down the road at 55 mph without a strain, smooth, no vibration. It has a straight pipe but strangely it isn't loud. The wife was following me and falling back, I asked her what's the problem is it that smelly? She said no, I was just going too fast. So I'm thinking the speedo may be off. No real reason with stock tires. Don't know.