1989 Dodge Ram D350 w/ 5.9 Cummins Engine - 1st Generation - Non Dually - NICE!!

1989 Dodge Other Pickups LE Description

HISTORY & BACKGROUND: Rumors that Chrysler was considering adding a diesel-engine pickup to their Dodge Ram truck line first surfaced in late 1987 and by mid 1988, the rumors were confirmed that in 1989, the Cummins 5-9 liter six-cylinder turbo diesel engine would be available exclusively on the Dodge "D" & "W" 250 and 350 pickups and chassis cab models.

And while it was true that GM had diesel pickups in their line since 1978 and Ford since 1983, GM's diesel was engineered and manufacturedin-house and Ford's was purchased from Navistar. The difference for Dodge was that the Cummns diesel engine was just like the engines found in heavy-duty 18-wheel tractor trailer rigs and featured direct injection with a turbo charger . . . two features that Ford and GM didn't utilize. The result? This was the truck that changed the light-duty truck market forever!

The first generation Dodge Cummins truck body style ran for 5 years (1989 - 1993), with a total production of 179,377 units. But, the very first year (1989), proved to be the smallest total run with only 16,750 trucks and 19932 with the most at 49,226. So, to find a first year Dodge Cummins pickup is becoming difficult and then, to find one that has not been modified is even rarer.

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: I am the second owner of this vehicle, with the first owner possessing it for the first 18 years. It was bought new in northern California and hasremained within California. When I purchased the vehicle there were 96,514miles shownon the odometer and it currently shows 07,272 (believed to be 107,272). I have no way to prove this mileage but, I do believe it to be true based on the overall condition, operation and handling of the truck.

This is the D 350 (rear wheel drive, one-ton capacity), non-dually model in the "LE" (top-of-the-line), trim package. The non-dually, one-ton trucks are less commonly seen. The paint is two-tone consisting of Bright White with the Dark Suede stripe. Originally, the brown stripe on the driver's side and left side of the tail gate were faded. This, I was told was due to the truck sitting for long periods in the same location/position in relation to the afternoon sun. The paint on the hood was beginning to thin so, I had the entire striperepaintedalong with the hood. In addition, the previous owner had mounted some tie-down brackets along each side of the outside of the bed near the top rail so, I removed the brackets and had the holes repaired when the stripe was painted. The new paint is protected byan additionalclear coat.

All dashboard instruments, gauges, switches and lights work. The map light works but, is loose in the housing due to someone (previous to my ownership),breaking the behind-the-dashboard bracket as a result of not knowing how to properly remove the dashboard.The only two items that do not currently work on this vehicle are 1. A/C system and 2. Cruise Control switch. I did have the A/C working properly but, the old O-rings tothe compressor failed and therefrigerant was lost. I can tell you that the system did cycle correctly and I did add a new dryer. I haven't investigated the Cruise Control switch since Ihave only used the truck for a fewlong-distance trips. The only other item worth mentioning is that the Driver's side electric door lock occasionally fails tooperate correctly. This truck features an engine block heater (actually it is a coolant heater), that does work properly and plugs into any 110 v outlet. The AM/FM Cassette Stereo radio works well to include all function buttons and the speaker fade toggle switch. I haven't listened to a cassette tape in years and I no longer have any cassettes so, I do not know if the cassette unit still works but, it did work fine the last time I used it. The original 1989 Chrysler Sound Systems pamphlet and 1989 Dodge Ram - Power Ram & Ram Charger Owner's Manualareincluded.

The truck handles well (nostrange drifting back and forth at highway speeds), starts quickly(except, when it has sat for several days andthe weather is cold).During the coldest weather, I use the engine block heater and itreally helps in starting the engine. NOTE:the truck bed has NOT been repainted. Thereis some minor paint loss and a little bit of rust showing up near the front of the bed and there are a few dings (see wheel wells), but, it is in remarkable condition for a truck bed. The undercarriage is really clean, has only minimal surface rust and in some areas, looks close to new in appearance.I purchased the ARE locking fiberglass tonneau cover a few years ago. It is a quality-made item, has a carpeted interior with accessory light andhas a value of approximately $1,200.00.

The exterior, Driver's side front turn signal lens has a small piece of the lens missing from the lower right corner and there are a couple of small dings in thealuminum "chrome" grille trim. The original front and rear chrome-plated bumpers, which werepart of the "LE" packageare in very good condition. The interior is all original. The previous owner must have had a dog as there are some chew marks on the seat belt lock snaps and I have tried to find some replacement almond-coloredbelt assemblies but, have been unsuccessful to date.All the seat belts adjust and lock as intended. The package tray behind the seat is missing and there is a full-size tire with rim mounted underneath the bed. I looked for evidence of a Class IV towing hitch beingmounted to the frame rails and could find nothing. I know this is a lot of information but, I am trying to provide as much information as possible.

To date, the followingitems have been replaced. Serpentine Belt, Air Filter, All Shock Absorbers, Thermostat, Radiator Cap, Upper & Lower Radiator Hoses, Positive Battery Cable (Mopar#04487113), Fuel Filter/Water Separator, Master Cylinder, Heater Core, Throttle Cable, Headlight Lenses, NEW TIRES - Mastercraft Courser LTRM+S 235/85R-16 (which, incidentally matches the tires put on the vehicle from the factory and were the largest tires supplied with any Dodge 250/350 truck for that year). The tires have just over 7,000 miles on them at this time. Oil & Filter. In addition, the wheels bearings have been repacked, rear differential oil drained and replaced, transmission servicedand the valves adjusted. The truck runs well and I normally obtain 19-20 MPG under various driving conditions. The engine has not been modified in any manner other than the newer exhaust system and aftermarket exhaust manifold. I have receipts for most of the items mentioned above and these receipts will be included with the truck.

EXHAUST SYSTEM NOTE:Shortly after purchasing the truck, I would notice a small amount ofexhaust smoke rise up from under the hood upon starting thevehicle. I searched all over looking for a leak and finally decided to replace the exhaust manifold. Well, after replacing this part, the puff of smoke still appeared so, further inspection revealed a small, crack in the down pipe at the lower curve where it heads back towards the rest of the system. So, I replaced the entire exhaust system with a Diamond Eye 4"Exhaust Kit and that solved the problem. I have the original exhaust manifold and it will be included with the vehicle.

CLOSING REMARKS: Anyone who follows these early Dodge Cummins trucks knows that they have achieved a cult following. Most first generation DodgeCummins trucks arepretty much thrashed, having had the engine components altered,several gauges withpods jerry-rigged to the dashboard or hanging off the bottom of the instrument panel, strange gigantic exhaust pipes thrust through the bed floor or some other"improvement" made to the truck. It is very hard to find an unmolested truck nowadays and this truck has to be one of the nicest examples left in the US.

SALES DISCLOSURE: I have tried to include everything I can think of that needs to be disclosed with this vehicle. I have sold two vehicles previously on eBay . . . one went to a collector in Germany and the other to a collector in the State of Georgia and in both cases, they were pleased with the vehicle and the total experience. But, remember that this is a used vehicle with substantial mileage andI have described it to the best of my knowledge. Keep in mind that it is a used vehicle andis sold as-is, where with no warranty.