This would be my first diesel purchase. Am currently driving 99 Ram 2500 V10. (And I'm on a budget here) I'm looking at a 92 Ram 350 2wd 5.9 cummins. It is a dually with brand new tires. Diesel pump replaced 5 years ago. Milage is 110,000. Standard cab (bummer!) Pretty good looking for age. No leaks. One owner. They are firm at $5,500. Is this a bargain or for this money are there others out there? Is this too old for my first diesel? I do need to stay under 10K. I tow a 27 foot 5th wheel. The only reason for trading is I've got the engine out of the 99 Ram for the 3rd time. I've lost faith in it.

 

A 02 Ram would be the 12 valve engine and from what I hear they hold up really well. 110K doesn't sound like a lot of mileage at all. My guess is that as long as everything seems dry and it runs good it might not be a bad deal at all. Hopefully someone with a little more experience with 12 valvers will chime in.

 

92 mayfair

 

At least Mayfair is right about the 12-valve thing, although in '92 it had the VE rotary injection pump. It's a solid pump, can't fuel quite as heavy as the renown P7100, but does plenty well. It is a good thing that it has been replaced, however I have heard a number of stories about the seals in these VE pumps shrinking due to the ULSD switch-over, might want to check what the owners know about the "new" pump. Stick or auto? The autos back then didn't have overdrive, and they were a bit weak even for a stock engine. Honestly it sounds like a pretty fair price for a low-ish mile 2wd, although I have seen some ~150k+ mile 4x4s of that vintage for around the same price.

 

It is an auto with overdrive and the previous owner had the pump rebuilt 5 years ago. Don't know if that would resolve the problem you talked about. I appreciate your input.

 

Check for rust on the drip rail on top of the cab, they are prone to rusting. Find out what kind of oil/filters have been used. If a Fram oil filter has been used during its life, I wouldn't buy it! Hopefully Fleetguard filters have been used.I do agree w/Batphreakabout the pump. However, his info about the auto. tranny is incorrect for the 92. As you said, 92 does have overdrive with the auto. It's basically the good old 727 Chrysler tranny w/overdrive. The old 12 valvers are BULLET PROOF if well maintained! For what it's worth, I bought my 92 Club Cab in Feb 06 with 137K on the clock and paid $6100. From how you describe this truck, would look better in my driveway then yours Good luck!!

Paul