Buying a truck...need help.

[Johnny]

I am looking to buy one of 2 trucks: a Ford F-350 with a 7.3 (either a PSD or an IDI turbo), a 5-speed, & 4WD OR a 1989-93 W-250HD/350 with a Cummins, 5-speed, & 4WD.

The advice I need:
When did Ford go to the 7.3, the 7.3 turbo, & the PSD? Whed did the 5-speed replace the 4-speed?

When was the 5-speed used in the Ram--I think some were 4-speeds.

Thanks.

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1983 J-20
1985 Cherokee
1977 Cougar XR7--being sold (I hope soon)
1974 Gremlin X
1979 Cadillac Coupe de Ville
1985 GMC K-30 CUCV ambulance
1976 Dodge D-200 extended cab
1982 Mercury Marquis wagon (full-size)

[Turbo Al]

Dodge diesel 5 speeds -- NV4500 -- first year I can remember was 1993. www.newventuregear.com (http://www.newventuregear.com) or
www.advancegear.com (http://www.advancegear.com) has info on them.
Turbo AL Member #750

[John D]

Ive seen 91 Ram's with the 5 speed,so i know they had them then.Also if you go Dodge,and plan to modify-look for the late 91-93-they have a factory intercooler-and a much larger radiator,they handle big trailers,without running hot like the 89-early 91 do.I know the Cummins is a much better engine than the navistar,but Id rather have a 92 Ford than a the old Ram.

[JohnC]

My '87 had the 7.3 IDI non turbo. It was the first or second year, IIRC. It had a 5 speed ZF, also IIRC.

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JC
Member #1346
'95 K2500 6.5TD
'93 C2500HD 6.5TD
'99 K1500HD 5.3
'87 F350 7.3 , '78 D150 318 (Sold)

[Tough Guy]

Go with the Ford over the Dodge any day [in those year parameters]I put alot of miles on the old 7.3 IDI's and the PSD's they pulled hard....The Dodge trucks those years....UGLY, although you could probably get one for less money...

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300HP 6.5L Intercooled Turbo Diesel
0-60 under 9.0 sec.
Member #136
18 MPG

[Johnny]

I like the looks of the pre-94 Dodges--trucks should be SQUARE! A Cummins is a better engine, but the 1989-93 Rams are tough to find in 4WD.

Johnny

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1983 J-20
1985 Cherokee
1977 Cougar XR7--being sold (I hope soon)
1974 Gremlin X
1979 Cadillac Coupe de Ville
1985 GMC K-30 CUCV ambulance
1976 Dodge D-200 extended cab
1982 Mercury Marquis wagon (full-size)

[Jff24Gordn]

89 was the first year for Cummins in Dodge. They were offered in autos and 5 speeds. The 5 speeds on the square bodys were Get-Rags. I forgot what the auto was. The transfer case in all of them was the mighty NP205. The 94+ rams have NV4500 5 speeds, and the NV6500 6 speed came in 2000, I think. I think in 97 the auto went to a electric controled one.

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DODGE 1996 2500 ST regular cab,long bed, NV4500, NP 241, Rhino Liner, Pscotty Air
Jff24Gordn@aol.com , Great Lakes TDR (http://www.gltdr.org)
PURDUE STUDENT

[Johnny]

Getrags? Yuck! Will the mighty NV4500 (or maybe NV5600 http://www.62-65-dieselpage.com/ubb/biggrin.gif) swap into the older Rams? I don't care about computerized slushboxes--I'm buying a stick! As for styling, I LIKE square trucks! Heck, I have a 1985 GMC & a full-size Jeep! I think the new Rams are ugly in front. Of course, nobody SEES the front with a Cummins! http://www.62-65-dieselpage.com/ubb/biggrin.gif (Sorry--couldn't help it!)

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1983 J-20
1985 Cherokee
1977 Cougar XR7--being sold (I hope soon)
1974 Gremlin X
1979 Cadillac Coupe de Ville
1985 GMC K-30 CUCV ambulance
1976 Dodge D-200 extended cab
1982 Mercury Marquis wagon (full-size)

[Kansas Kid]

The NV4500 can be done, but not sure about the NV5600. Go look at this....


Replacing the Getrag (http://www.turbodieselregister.com/featurearticles/ReplacingtheGetrag.htm)

[This message has been edited by Kansas Kid (edited 04-17-2001).]

[Johnny]

Will the 6.34-low NV4500 fit? I want the low gearing for off-road use.