These first-generation Cummins diesel Dodge Rams that are in decent shape are getting hard to find. While this one isn’t perfect, it’s still a nice one-owner example of this body style. In spite of its imperfections, it has some options that make it a more sought after truck. Found here on eBay, the bidding war is in full swing and quickly nearing the end.
The Cummins diesel was new to the Dodge 3/4-ton and 1-ton trucks in 1989. The new straight six-cylinder offering gave truck buyers an option outside of the V8 diesel engines from Chevrolet and Ford. This Cummins B Series was turbocharged and had an output of 400-foot pounds of torque. Needless to say, buyers were interested in a workhorse of a truck and that’s precisely what this original owner was after. The seller states that the first owner purchased the truck for farm use and that it spent its entire life in Florida. Technically, though, this could be considered a two-owner truck after being purchased by the seller. Even so, it’s great to have the firsthand knowledge of its time with the original purchaser.
The seller does state that everything appears to be in proper functioning order, except for an issue with the odometer intermittently not working. If this is, in fact, a common issue it could potentially and hopefully be resolved without much trouble. There’s also the concern with whether or not the mileage is actual, which is said to be just under 150,000. Even with some paint issues and a bit of worn interior, it appears as though the stated mileage could very well be correct. Overall, this truck is a nice original example and could be brought back to factory condition without turning into an in-depth restoration. Two options that add some definite value to this truck are the five-speed manual transmission and four-wheel-drive.
Thankfully, this first-generation Dodge Cummins doesn’t appear to have any ghosts hiding in the closet. It looks like a “what you see is what you get” type of vehicle. With it being a decent original example, it’d be great to see this one restored to factory condition. Do you think that this truck would be better suited for workhorse use or a nice fixer-upper and then maintained in a life of ease? With a current bid of over $12k, what do you think this original example will end up going for?
love it!
Great truck, had many , but this, in diesel, stick, and either way 150, or 300k. Worth the money., plus in Connecticut, these would all completely rust away and all you had left was a motor tranny , front and rear ends, frames crack , then break in half. This is a keeper. These engines will go 4 ever
WWAAYY to much $$$$$$$ by about $5000 here in Utah and they are all over!!
Bought a 92 in 2010 for $4,000. Had 201,000 miles. Was a single cab, rear drive dually. Sold it 4 years later for same $ and it had 247,000.
I needed more torque, and got a diesel with 500 ft lbs, crew, dually. Still have the second one.
17.7 mpg pulling 10,000 lb enclosed car trailer
Newer gets 10.75 to 11.75
Newer pulls at 75-80 mph around the country with ease.
My dad has a 92 model LE with 5 speed and 4×4 his is a two tone paint with AC power windows, tilt wheel, and cruise control. Up here the best offer he’s ever got was $8k also his has an 8 out of 10 paint job and no rust. It also has a matching topper. It’s a fantastic truck. I have a 1994 2nd generation SL model with 4 speed auto and 4×4 mine was a bit of a rust bucket until I cut out the rust and welded in new metal. Both our trucks are just under 300k kilometres. I’ve read up on these engines and cumins rates them for 600k kilometres before need a rebuild. There a fantastic motor. I’ve herd them referred to as a cumins diesel with a dodge rapped around it. Really other than rust there only weak point is the dodge auto trans which will need a rebuild by 250k kilometres. Good thing this one has the 5 speed stick in it. Sorry for the metric measurements but that’s how we roll up here in Canada.
Bidding is up to a HORRENDOUS level! Still it’s excactly the kind of truck I like – driver quality, 4WD,stick,torquey engine. Great candidate for a Greasecar conversion!
Would not kick out of bed
closed at over $16,000
Amazing but if you drive it up north in salt country is will soon disappear
16 smackers for a faded 150k mile pick up that’s not vintage per se seems very high to me but I realize I’m stuck c 2000 on old car values!
Last new truck I bought was a 1992 Dodge exactly like this one down to the color. Great engine and trans and pulling a trailer I would get 22 plus mpg if I didn’t push it much over the speed limit. Had issues with the rear axles seals otherwise a great truck. Also like the style over the newer models.
Awesome looking truck. I remember when the Ram truck looked like this. I find this way more attractive than anything offered today. :)
There’s a guy with a 94 model in my town that had 1.2 million miles on it with out ever rebuilding the motor
Ended at $16,200
That’s Insane for a single cab so what it’s got a Garbage Getrag 5 sp trans built to many that’s a good Part’s truck but I wouldn’t use that 5sp I’de use a nv4500 or better yet a Built 47rh Auto Trans much better for cruising .
You can get them for much less out here in California.
Iowa