Turbo Diesel/5-Speed: 1990 Dodge Ram 4×4 Pickup

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This 1990 Dodge Ram 4×4 has an undeniable presence, from its physical size to its striking fresh paint. It seems to be in good mechanical health, featuring a Turbo Diesel that guarantees impressive performance in all circumstances. The new owner can immediately slip behind the wheel of a classic with no pressing needs, and whether the goal is off-road adventures or hauling heavy loads, this Ram should be up to the challenge. The seller has listed the Pickup here on eBay in Jupiter, Florida. They set their BIN at $32,995, although those willing to haggle might be able to score this beast for a lower price.

It is undeniable that this Ram possesses the “wow” factor, an impact heightened by its fresh Colorado Red and Black paint. It holds a pleasing shine, although some of the close-up shots call into question the work quality. The painter didn’t mask some areas effectively, which is a shame, because it is the fine details that separate a good repaint from an average one.  The panels are straight, and apart from a small bubble visible in the previously mentioned close-up, the photos confirm the Pickup’s rust-free status. That is to be expected because this gem has split its time between its current location and the dry climes of Texas. It is disappointing that we don’t get a look at the bed because these often paint a better picture of the life a Pickup has led than any other aspect of the vehicle. The chrome and glass look good for their age, and the Ram sits on a new set of Nitto tires.

The ace up this Ram’s sleeve is its mechanical specifications. The first owner equipped it with a Cummins 5.9-liter Turbo Diesel, a five-speed manual transmission, and a dual-range transfer case. Outright power of 160hp may not sound impressive, but this motor generates a whopping 400 ft/lbs of torque at a mere 1,700rpm. That will allow it to effortlessly carry a full payload, or to make the best use of this vehicle’s hitch receiver. The seller indicates that the tires aren’t the only new item, with this Ram also featuring a replacement complete wiring harness. Sadly, they supply no information regarding the Pickup’s mechanical health, but I can’t spot anything that might suggest that nasty surprises await the new owner.

The “Red” theme continues inside this Ram, with almost every surface featuring trim or plastic in various grades of that shade. The seatcover exhibits wear on the driver’s side, but the remaining cloth and vinyl items look surprisingly good. The same is true of the carpet, while the dash, pad, and woodgrain haven’t succumbed to age or UV rays. It isn’t loaded with luxury options, but the new owner will undoubtedly welcome the factory air conditioning and the more modern CD stereo.

It is possible to wander out today and purchase a sparkling new 2025 Dodge Ram 4×4 Pickup, and the lure of slipping behind the wheel as a first owner is understandable. However, that strategy comes at a cost, because even the cheapest example will lighten a buyer’s wallet by $51,000. From there, the sky is the limit. The initial purchase price is only the first obstacle because depreciation during the first few years can be horrendous. Someone could drive away in this 1990 example for considerably less, and its value is unlikely to plummet as rapidly. Are those thoughts enough to tempt you?

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Comments

  1. Nevadahalfrack NevadahalfrackMember

    Pretty truck! But it’s not for the inseam impaired-getting in without a rope ladder then disappearing beneath the dashboard when shifting are two challenges to overcome. I speak from experience as those two factors are the primary reasons my 6 speed had to go and replaced with a newer Cummins with adjustable pedals. No, the wooden blocks on the pedals didn’t work as my CFO couldn’t put them in place if she needed the truck and I was gone anywhere..
    The new paint job and replacement wire loom are good additions though on a truck like this-I think.

    Like 4
  2. Rw

    V8.. really????

    Like 8
  3. Roland

    These are wonderful trucks except that the suspension is so stiff you can tell if a dime is heads up or down when you run over it. The I-6 turbo-diesel can be modified in a number of ways if one wants to do a veg-oil conversion or other things. The mechanical injection pumps on these engines were very sturdy.

    Like 4
  4. Mike

    35 years old and $33 000 , my buddy has one of these and this is one of the most obnoxious loudest noisiest trucks I’ve ever heard run LOL I understand that it’s a unbeatable motor but no thanks I couldn’t listen to that everyday

    Like 3
  5. Bob

    I’ll have to agree with the above Jim Meekers comment…apparently Adam Clarke doesn’t know his Dodge trucks, this being an inline 6…still a damn good lookin truck but it doesn’t have the correct grill for the year, the one installed is from a pre 1986 model…86 thru 90 models had a different style. GLWTS!

    Like 0
  6. Billy

    The owner should have left the rattle can no prep paint job at Wally World.
    Bummer.

    Like 4
  7. John

    These are historic vehicles being the first pickup to come with commercial medium duty diesels with direct injection and not light duty engines like the GM 6.2 or IH 7.3 both needing glow plugs to start. I think in the future, good original trucks with be similar in value as the hemi cars from the 60s. The 2nd gen Dodge trucks are the last antiques, made up to 1998 with no driveline computers (5spd), all vehicles from then on have computerized engines with advanced electronics that reasonably will not remain operational 100 years from now like a Mode A Ford. Looks like it was repainted but still cheaper then a new diesel truck.

    Like 2
  8. Elwin Ostrander

    SWEET RIDE!! Not a DIESEL fan,,,, BUT,,this one catches my eye!! $10,000 over my budget~~

    Like 0
  9. Peter Conine

    I don’t even turn on the radio in my 98 Dodge 3500 because the music of the turbo Cummins is so sweet.

    Like 8
  10. Big Al

    Too bad they priced these trucks way over what they should be going for.

    Like 0
  11. jim

    Better with the miles on it than a new truck and no DEF If I was looking sure would consider it. They don’t make them that great anymore

    Like 4
  12. gabe

    thanu JIM IT IS A 6

    Like 2
  13. bull

    Unfortunately this is a Non- Intercooled Cummins engine truck which significantly reduces the value and desirability of this truck.

    The desirable Intercooled Cummins equipped trucks did not start until 1991 1/2 model.

    Like 1
  14. Big C

    The perfect truck for rollin’ coal as you pull into the next Sierra Club get together.

    Like 1
  15. Crown

    Why did he put an ’85 grill on a ’90 truck? smh

    Like 0
    • John

      Some people like the older style grills, sometimes they get smashed and that is what is available.

      Like 1
      • Crown

        Makes the truck look like an ’85.
        I factory ordered an ’85. I waited 6 weeks for that truck and two weeks after I got it, I was hit head on by a Plymouth Sapporo and it was totaled. The impact snapped the transmissions input shaft and folded the trans tunnel in the floor pan.
        No seatbelt and I walked away from it.

        Like 0

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