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jacob land and · #1 04-25-2006, 06:07 PM

im looking at a 1989 dodge ram50. it has the cummins turbo diesel, a boss straight blade that is in pretty good shape and a ez dumper insert that is in fair condition. the only thing im worried about is it has 280k miles. they are asking $2500, hoping to walk away with it for $1000. what do you think?

MysticLandscape · #2 04-25-2006, 07:58 PM

If you can get it for 1k and have it last a year i would say its worth it.

procut · #3 04-25-2006, 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MysticLandscape

If you can get it for 1k and have it last a year i would say its worth it.

Definatly. As long as it still runs ok and the driveline is realitivly tight I'd say it would be a great buy for $1000.

hosejockey2002 · #4 04-25-2006, 11:57 PM

You do mean Ram 250, right? The Ram 50 was the little Mistubishi. A CTD powered Ram 250 that runs, drives, steers and stops is worth at least $3K. A working EZ dumper is worth $1K. Not sure about the plow, don't have much use for them around here. Sounds like a winner for $2.5K. The motor is probably OK with 280K, but the rest of the truck could be pretty hammered...

FearThisDeere · #5 04-26-2006, 07:00 AM

Yeah, that has to be the ram 250. If that was a CTDin a Ram 50 that would be kind of interesting! Check for all the usual problems such as frame rust, leaks, and especially wiring in those older Rams (trust me, I have one). If everything ckecks out, go for it!

jacob land and · #6 04-26-2006, 06:06 PM

i went and test drove it today dump and plow work fine. it starts a little rough and the brakes are really soft, they are firm on the price to $2500 is this a big cause for concern...?

FearThisDeere · #7 04-26-2006, 07:51 PM

I wouldn't be too worried. See if you can offer them $1900 or something, get the thing tuned up and put on some good brakes and you'll be all set! Diesels are supposed to start rough.. haha!

Bustus · #8 04-26-2006, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FearThisDeere

I wouldn't be too worried. See if you can offer them $1900 or something, get the thing tuned up and put on some good brakes and you'll be all set! Diesels are supposed to start rough.. haha!

That sounds like a good bet. It should last you a good while still.

lawnmaniac883 · #9 04-26-2006, 08:25 PM

Ask if the coolant has been changed every 5 years and if they have any proof of it. Cavitation is a HUGE problem with older poorly maintained diesels. If the coolant has never been changed then expect the block to be pitted and it will be shot relatively soon. Have an oil analysis done on this truck as well before you buy and see what the wear metals are at and if there is any coolant already in the oil. 2500 is not a bad price if it has been maintained well.

janb · #10 04-26-2006, 11:02 PM

you can get coolant test strips at NAPA to verify that additives are still healthy
cummins was not too prone to cavitation, but it is worth checking, and certainly worth maintaining. There are quite a few fixes to get free power from this vintage, and truck is pretty stout, tho tend to rust. (Cab pillars / floors) Check for a broken steering box mount, Mine's welded...

wiring is not great, but a $5 relay added in headlight circuit solves the biggest issue.

good dodge info here; www dieseltruckresource com ; look in 1st generation forum

These are mostly 'mechanical', diesels so pretty simple to fix and maintain.