Alright, Im gonna be getting a cummins to replace my work truck and i figure id turn my 94 5.2 1500 into a plaything. Thing is it already has over 200,000 on it and the frames rusting in two. As I was looking for a replacement(A little newer, thinkin late 2nd-gen) I found these 2500 v10s. dont know nothing about them personally, but I liked what i read about it(other then the heads!!)
So my question to yall is, does the extra power make up for the weight or should i stick with the v8.(snow, sand, dirt and mud.)

 

I don't think you can go wrong with either. Really it depends on what level and type of offroading you are targeting.

In general I think the difference will be in replacement*parts. I hope some of the v10 owners chime in to confirm that aftermarket parts are slim for engine.

Rest of drive train is ahead of the game with front d60 and rear d70 (typically with autotranny) or d80 (manual). Factory 4.10s were an option. Txcase will be 241.

I think a v10 can a really good platform if you are comfortable and resourceful for maintenance. It will definitely have more torque but what you may do can also be sufficient for the 5.2/5.9.

What kind of wheeling? What level of modifications?

 

nothing to extreme, probably a 6in lift(maybe a slight bigger) some 38s or so. I aint trying to build a monster truck!! mostly just mud and snow. But ill be doing some climbing a few times a year down in the west virgina, kentucky area. on average id say 2 to 3ft holes with a few big ones here and there.

id wanna be able to handle something like this and not have a tow truck on speed dial!!

 

The V10 will shred the V8 offroad with all the torque available right off idle. The down side is the lack of aftermarket support for the 488. You'll find headers and a couple of different cam profiles (but they'll be regrinds) and a tuner from SCT/hemifever, but no intakes or better heads. They're durable engines with a lot of owners going 200k or more. I hear there's a facebook page for dodge V10 owners so you can try there for more info.

 

The V10 IMHO gives you more options (Dana 60 front/70 rear). You can haul, go off road, trailer it to save fuel, pull the rest of your friends out of the mud or at the end of the day you can put a 12 valve in it (option mind you). Or you could do like Jimythefan's truck and have one of the best looking V10's on the road. It always sounded like the issue was aftermarket support for performance. Staying stock, are the parts available for sustainability, that was the question I couldn't answer since I don't own one?

I'd go V10 if I could aggressively off road like the photos you attached. K.

 

I think the idea of a V10 Mudder is pretty sweet!

 

DJ Gaston from Dodge Off Road built a v10 mud truck, you could take some ideas from his build. If you don't mind shelling out some $$$ he also makes/sells his own custom suspension & steering parts on his site...pretty pricey tho.

 

I've always debated getting a v10 for heavy offroad/towing etc. Its still an idea.. The ridiculous torque allows you to move some big rubber pretty quickly. Also, the 12,500 tow rating is nothing to laugh at either. People always say the only downside is the lack of aftermarket support. Sorry but I just don't see that... Depending how extreme you want to build a v10, you can still build a mild v10 and you honestly don't need more than that. From the research I've done, you can buy CAI, headers, rocker rollers, SCT Tuner, intakes, better exhaust system (they say the stock is restrictive).. I might be forgetting some. What else would you need? These are all the mods I would do if I had the money, some of which I've done to my v8. Keep in mind that modding a v10 with mods such as rocker rollers or headers will cost you more money than to mod a 5.9 v8. Also, mechanical maintenance and repairs are a little bit more money. But don't forget, ridiculous torque and a 12,500lb tow rating.

The first years of the v10 had head problems (I believe cracking issues?) but from my understanding somewhere around 97 they fixed this. You get a D60/D70 combo, 241 transfer case, and a stranger transmission that is only available with the v10 or diesel. (47rh/re) You can also get a 4.10 factory gear ratio but keep in mind you will probably need to upgrade to 4.88 or lower regardless. Not to mention a huge 488. It's honestly hard to beat this for a full size offroader.

 

Alright, well im leaning towards the v10. And I like what thornloe said as far as the mods go. I mean stock it has what, just over 300hp, 450 pounds of torque. Lift her up strengthen the suspension a bit and throw some tires on it it and shes pretty much ready to go right? but the one thing that has me worried is the rarity of the big beast. Like Tincan asked, how hard is it to find stock replacements and just how pricy are they in comparison?

P.S. That truck dj gaston built up is a thing of beauty!!!!!!

 

They are rather rare, that's for sure....especially rare if they are still in good condition with low-ish mileage (under 125k) and not rusted out to hell and back. Remember that most people who wanted the v10 wanted to use it for towing, hauling, plowing, etc and they were used and abused...every v10 i've seen in person here in western PA looks like it has fenders and bumpers made of swiss cheese from all the rust holes :/.

If it was me, I'd try to find one from 2000-2002...the newer ones unfortunately come with around a 14-20k price tag from a lot of places....although something like this seems reasonable:

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...66770605&Log=0