Turbo Diesel Buyer's Guide Looking At The Changes - A Turbo Diesel Buyer's Guide
by Jim Anderson
Updated: November, 2001
Aside from the quarterly column and articles that I write for the TDR, I also serve as the “e-mail and call-back” guy. Yep, that means I get lots of correspondence from those interested in the TDR as well as those interested in the purchase of a truck. With the ever-changing ownership of vehicles, the idea of a Turbo Diesel Buyer’s Guide makes perfect sense. To that end, the editor asked me to do a study of changes by model year to Dodge/Cummins trucks.
Since its1994 introduction, the current body style Dodge Ram pickup has undergone many changes and modifications.
To properly compile such a list, changes for each model year seem to build on each preceding model year, and therefore you may want to read from the start (1994) to see total changes and cumulative modifications for the particular model year you wish to research.
Each model year after 1994 contains changes in the form of additions and deletions to the previous model(s). Only major changes and major new options are covered. As you know, each year contains changes to paint colors and schemes, and interior upholstery colors and materials. These are not outlined in our research. Likewise, many minor technical adjustments and changes such as a change in tailgate hinge pin diameter are not listed, as they don’t really affect the overall performance of a given model.
Changes and modifications covered will only be for those truck models (2500 and 3500 pickup and cab/chassis models) which were offered with the Cummins Turbo Diesel engine option package.
Sharp-eyed owners may pick up discrepancies and/or errors of omission. These errors are solely the responsibility of your columnist who was assigned this daunting task. I went with the information provided by Dodge’s data books, which are written at the beginning of a model year and do not reflect later “running” production changes.
OVERVIEW
Warranty began in 1994 with a basic one year 12,000 mile warranty on the entire truck, and 5 year/ 70,000 mile powertrain warranty. The separate truck/powertrain warranties were consolidated and currently the package is 3 years/36,000 miles on the entire truck, including powertrain. Engine warranty has stayed constant at 5 years/100,000 miles.
Tow Ratings have changed considerably from year to year and from option model to option model, and even within option models, so read carefully if you are interested in or seeking such information. Some models were/are rated to tow much less weight than others. Watch out for “lightweights”!
PROBLEM AREAS: Please keep in mind that there is no such thing as the perfect truck or car. All vehicles will contain certain designs, systems, or parts that are more prone to failure than might normally be expected. Looking at these negatives, the image of the vehicle can be tarnished. However, to look on the positive side, the owner is aware of the problems and can take corrective action and make informed decisions. With these thoughts in mind, the following are common problem areas on the subject trucks.
Common Problem areas 1994-1998.5: Included failed engine start/run solenoids; frayed throttle cables; hard start due to degradation of the rubber fuel return line; automatic transmissions problems that were often caused by fluid loss at transmission line-to-cooler, line-to-transmission, quick couple plastic fittings; poor fuel filter access; loss of fifth gear in five-speed transmissions; failed front end parts on 4x4 models; poor front brake pad life in certain applications; poor paint adhesion of certain colors; failure of throttle position sensors on automatic trucks; and faulty fuel level sending units.
Common Problem areas 1998.5 to current: Included failed fuel transfer pumps and fuel injection pumps; weak clutch on six-speed trucks; poor front brake pad life in certain applications; and poor front suspension bushing life on 4x4 models.
From the Data Books
The following information was compiled using DaimlerChrysler data books. Actual production may be slightly different, especially if a particular truck was produced near the beginning or end of a particular model year run.
We will start with the 1994 model, which is the first year of the current body style. For each model year we will note what’s new, models available, engine ratings, transmissions, maximum tow ratings, cab/chassis models, and comments.
1994 Dodge Turbo Diesel
The photo to the left is an early '94 model truck that was modified to run at Bonneville. It successfully set a class record at the 1997 Bonneville speed weeks of 141.256 mph (TDR, Issue 15, page 44).
What is New: Introduction of the current truck platform. Everything is new.
Models offered: 2500 and 3500, two-wheel drive, four-wheel drive, standard cab, long bed only.
Cab: Rather revolutionary styling, which has since been emulated by other truck manufacturers. Styling changes included protruding grille and hood. Grille is attached to hood and raises with hood for improved underhood access. Cab has aerodynamically correct shape.
Offered only as a standard cab, long bed truck, and as a cab-chassis model. Two trim levels; ST in vinyl and SLT in cloth. Cab features include redesigned dash with full gauges featuring numbered graduations. All major cab controls designed to be operated by a gloved hand. An optional bench seat with a 40-20-40 center console split is offered with the center console capable of containing a laptop computer and cellular phone. Cab is attached to frame using resilient rubber donut cushions. Large sloped tinted windshield with parallel wipers, driver side air bag, open storage nook in right side of dash for future addition of passenger side air bag, cruise control buttons on steering wheel, and reclining driver seat.
Chassis: All new frames with combinations of boxed and “C” channeled sections for greater rigidity. Front suspension consists of independent coil springs with 4500 pound capacity front axles on 16" tires. Rear suspension is 60" long semi-elliptic leaf springs on a rigid axle of varying capacity ratings by model for improved ride quality. Two axle ratios are offered: 3.54 and 4.10:1. Three rear axles are offered: Dana 70 for 2500 automatics, hybrid Dana 80 for 2500 manual, and Dana 80 for 3500 trucks and cab-chassis trucks. The long tapered rear springs offer a smoother, less choppy ride over rough roads. The truck bed is rigidly mounted to the frame, and is only offered as a swept-side design 8 foot box. The bed also features indents in the bed to allow building a framework to carry multi-tiered loads. Bed tie-down mounts are standard front and rear. The tailgate is detachable.
Engine Ratings: The Cummins B 5.9 diesel was offered in two horsepower/torque ratings: 175HP/420 ft-lbs torque for manual transmissions, and 160/400 for automatic transmissions. New is an inline Bosch fuel injection pump (designated P7100). Intake air plumbing has been re-designed for greater airflow. The turbocharger is a wastegated design.
Transmissions:
Five-speed manual NV4500HD, 5th overdrive. 450 ft-lbs input torque capacity.
Four-speed automatic 47RH, 4th overdrive with locking converter. 380 ft-lbs torque capacity.
Looking Back: Being an all-new model, this truck had a number of teething problems which resulted in both federal safety recalls and factory TSB fixes. Chief among recalls was a fix for keys sticking in the backside of the steering wheel, causing the wheel to jam; recalls for various covers to be installed on steering shaft linkages, and headlight switches burning out.
Major owner gripes centered around poor fuel filter and oil filter access, moisture intrusion and retention into cab and cab doors, vision obstruction by the A-pillars, poor adhesion of certain colors of paint, failure of the OEM Goodyear tires to maintain their balance, loss of fifth gear in the manual transmissions, fraying of the unsheathed throttle cable.
Conclusions: These trucks have proven to be very durable, though not particularly good looking after several years of use. Owners have reported driving them in excess of one million miles without any major internal engine work.
1995 Turbo Diesel
What is New:
Extended cab.
Revised paint schemes and colors.
Models Available:
2500HD as standard cab, extended cab, long bed, 4x2 and 4x4.
3500: same as above.
The '95 year model marked the introduction of the extended cab option.
Engine Ratings:
Same as 1994 model year.
175 HP and 420 ft-lbs. for manual transmission.
160 HP and 400 ft-lbs. for automatic transmission.
No changes from 1994.
Five-speed manual 4500HD 5th overdrive.
Four-speed automatic 47RH 4th overdrive with locking converter.
Maximum Tow Ratings:
2500 and 3500: 3.54 Axle, maximum GCWR is 14,100 pounds. 4.10 Axle, maximum GCWR is 16,000 pounds.
2500 and 3500:
3.54 Axle, maximum GCWR is 14,100 pounds.
4.10 Axle, maximum GCWR is 16,000 pounds.
Cab/Chassis Models:
None.
Comments:
The 1995 model is largely a carryover from the 1994 model year with the exception of the introduction of the extended cab.
1996 Turbo Diesel
Increased for 1996 215 HP and 440 ft-lbs for manual transmission. 180 HP and 420 ft-lbs for automatic transmission. California engines were rated lower at 1995 specs. At mid-year 1996 California engines were required to have exhaust gas re-circulation (EGR).
Increased for 1996
215 HP and 440 ft-lbs for manual transmission. 180 HP and 420 ft-lbs for automatic transmission.
California engines were rated lower at 1995 specs. At mid-year 1996 California engines were required to have exhaust gas re-circulation (EGR).
Cab/Chassis models:
Trailer tow ratings begin to get confusing. Lazy performance complaints stem from computer programming of new electronically controlled automatic transmission. Exhaust Gas Re-circulation added to California trucks (1/1/96) to meet CARB emissions standards. Owners begin to find out how easy and inexpensive it is to “turn up the power.”
1997 Turbo Diesel
No changes from 1996. Five-speed manual NV4500HD, 5th overdrive. Four-speed automatic 47RE 4th overdrive with locking converter.
No changes from 1996.
California trucks have exhaust gas re-circulation and net horsepower is lower. Last full year of the 12-valve engine production.
1998 Turbo Diesel
Note:
A ’98.5 engine was introduced (1/1/98) to meet more stringent emissions standards. It included electronic control of fuel injection and a 24-valve cylinder head. Rated at 235HP and 460 ft-lbs. of torque for manual applications and 215/420 for automatic transmissions. No rating difference for California, as the 98.5 engine was 50-state certified without EGR.
Transmission:
No changes from 1996. Five-speed manual NV4500HD 5th overdrive. Four-speed automatic 47RE 4th overdrive with locking converter.
Five-speed manual NV4500HD 5th overdrive.
Four-speed automatic 47RE 4th overdrive with locking converter.
2500 regular cab, extended cab, quad cab, manual, 4x2, 3.54 or 4.10 axle 20,000 GCWR. Except 12-valve California trucks, 3.54 axle is 16,000, 4.10 axle is 18,000 GCWR. 2500 regular cab, extended cab, quad cab, automatic 4x2 and all 4x4 models; 3.54 axle 16,000 GVWR, 4.10 axle 18,000 GVWR. 3500 regular cab, manual, 4x2, 3.54 or 4.10 axle is 20,000 GVWR. 3500 extended cab, quad cab, manual, 4x2 and 4x4; 3.54 axle 16,000 GCWR, 4.10 axle 18,000 GCWR. 3500 extended cab, quad cab, automatic, 4x2 and 4x4, 3.54 axle 16,000 GCWR, 4.10 axle 18,000 GCWR.
2500 regular cab, extended cab, quad cab, manual, 4x2, 3.54 or 4.10 axle 20,000 GCWR. Except 12-valve California trucks, 3.54 axle is 16,000, 4.10 axle is 18,000 GCWR.
2500 regular cab, extended cab, quad cab, automatic 4x2 and all 4x4 models; 3.54 axle 16,000 GVWR, 4.10 axle 18,000 GVWR.
3500 regular cab, manual, 4x2, 3.54 or 4.10 axle is 20,000 GVWR.
3500 extended cab, quad cab, manual, 4x2 and 4x4; 3.54 axle 16,000 GCWR, 4.10 axle 18,000 GCWR.
3500 extended cab, quad cab, automatic, 4x2 and 4x4, 3.54 axle 16,000 GCWR, 4.10 axle 18,000 GCWR.
Available in regular cab only. 2500 is 8,800 GVWR, 56" C/A (cab to axle) dimension. 3500 is 11,000 GVWR and available in 60" and 84" C/A dimensions. 2500 and 3500 manual have 20,000 pound tow rating with either axle in 4x2 and 4x4. 2500 and 3500 automatic 4x2 and 4x4 have 16,000 GCWR with 3.54 axle and 18,000 GCWR with 4.10 axle.
Available in regular cab only. 2500 is 8,800 GVWR, 56" C/A (cab to axle) dimension. 3500 is 11,000 GVWR and available in 60" and 84" C/A dimensions.
2500 and 3500 manual have 20,000 pound tow rating with either axle in 4x2 and 4x4.
2500 and 3500 automatic 4x2 and 4x4 have 16,000 GCWR with 3.54 axle and 18,000 GCWR with 4.10 axle.
Watch tow ratings carefully! Mid year introduction of the 24-valve engine for cleaner emissions. Early problems with failed fuel lift pumps and locked up injection pumps. Owners find out that a 4.10:1 axle ratio is better for towing with the 24-valve engine, since the power band has been moved higher in the RPM range. 24-valve engine governed RPM is raised to 3,200. Electronically controlled fuel injection produces a flat torque curve from 1700-2700 RPM. In November of ’98, Dodge issues a bulletin to all dealers informing them that exhaust brakes are not approved for use with automatic transmission-equipped trucks (Issue 24, page 38).
1999 Turbo Diesel
The ideal truck? How about this '99 Quad Cab, short box, 4x4?
Note: Maximum permissible trailer weight will vary by model and options. For example, 4x4 models are rated for lower maximum trailer weights than 4x2 models, and extended/quad cab models are rated for lower maximum trailer weights than standard cab models. Highest trailer weight rating is for a 2500 regular cab 4x2 manual transmission long bed = 14,150 pounds trailer.
2000 Turbo Diesel
The 2000 model year Dodge truck was a production run of only three months. Effective on 1-1-2000, Dodge introduced their trucks as 2001 models. Coinciding with the 2001 pickups, Dodge introduced the 2001 PT Cruiser. For corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) criteria, the PT Cruiser is classified as a truck. We speculate the long model run of 2001 truck goes hand in hand with the higher mileage PT Cruiser, thus giving Dodge an edge in the CAFE numbers. The six speed manual transmission remained on back order all year due to high demand.
2001 Turbo Diesel (as well as 2001.5 models)
Note: Maximum permissible trailer weight will vary by model and options. Highest trailer weight rating is for a 3500 regular cab 4x2 six-speed 4.10 axle= 15,150 pounds. Lowest trailer weight rating is for a 3500 quad cab 4x4 automatic 3.54 axle= 9,000 pounds.
Conclusion/More Data
As a note from the editor, I’d like to thank Jim for his efforts in compiling the data for the Buyer’s Guide pages. Researching through the details in the Dodge data books was a difficult task. And the task is not yet complete…
It is our hope to use this data as the springboard to an ever-changing document on the TDR’s web site. We will ask members to post their positive experiences with their year model trucks. Factual input from members concerning the minutiae of changes for a given model year will be documented.
Look for this document as a start to a much larger discussion of used Dodge Turbo Diesels. As the Buyer’s Guide is incorporated into the web site, it will serve as a much-needed resource. TDR members will be able to help prospective used truck buyers by sharing experiences. Thanks, members.
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