1990 Dodge D350

1990 Dodge D350

The 1990 Dodge D350 is a heavy-duty pickup truck that was available with a variety of engine and transmission options. It was known for its powerful engines, rugged construction, and spacious cabin. However, like all vehicles, it also had its fair share of problems.

The D350 was offered with a choice of two gasoline engines: a 5.2L V8 and a 5.9L V8. The 5.2L engine produced 230 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque, while the 5.9L engine produced 245 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission or a 5-speed manual transmission.

The D350 was also available with a 5.9L Cummins turbocharged diesel engine. This engine produced 160 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque, and it was paired with a 5-speed manual transmission.

Despite its strengths, the 1990 Dodge D350 had a number of issues that plagued owners. These issues ranged from minor annoyances to major breakdowns.

Engine Issues

5.2L V8 Engine

• Intake manifold gasket failure: This is a common problem on the 5.2L V8 engine. The intake manifold gasket can fail, causing coolant and oil to leak. Symptoms include a decrease in engine power, overheating, and a rough idle. The solution is to replace the intake manifold gasket. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000.
• Cylinder head warpage: This is a less common problem, but it can occur on the 5.2L V8 engine. The cylinder head can warp, causing coolant to leak into the combustion chambers. Symptoms include overheating, a decrease in engine power, and white smoke from the exhaust. The solution is to replace the cylinder head. Estimated cost to fix: $1,500 - $2,500.

5.9L V8 Engine

• Cam follower failure: This is a common problem on the 5.9L V8 engine. The cam follower can fail, causing the valve train to malfunction. Symptoms include a rough idle, a decrease in engine power, and a ticking noise from the engine. The solution is to replace the cam follower. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $500.
• Connecting rod bearing failure: This is a less common problem, but it can occur on the 5.9L V8 engine. The connecting rod bearing can fail, causing the engine to seize up. Symptoms include a knocking noise from the engine, a decrease in engine power, and a loss of oil pressure. The solution is to replace the connecting rod bearing. Estimated cost to fix: $1,500 - $2,500.

5.9L Cummins Turbocharged Diesel Engine

• Injection pump failure: This is a common problem on the 5.9L Cummins turbocharged diesel engine. The injection pump can fail, causing the engine to lose power and stall. Symptoms include a decrease in engine power, a rough idle, and a black smoke from the exhaust. The solution is to replace the injection pump. Estimated cost to fix: $1,000 - $1,500.
• Turbocharger failure: This is a less common problem, but it can occur on the 5.9L Cummins turbocharged diesel engine. The turbocharger can fail, causing the engine to lose power. Symptoms include a decrease in engine power, a black smoke from the exhaust, and a whistling noise from the engine. The solution is to replace the turbocharger. Estimated cost to fix: $1,500 - $2,500.

Transmission Issues

4-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Slipping: This is a common problem on the 4-speed automatic transmission. The transmission can slip, causing the vehicle to lose power and acceleration. Symptoms include a decrease in engine power, a rough shift, and a shuddering feeling when shifting gears. The solution is to rebuild or replace the transmission. Estimated cost to fix: $1,500 - $2,500.
• Leaking: This is a less common problem, but it can occur on the 4-speed automatic transmission. The transmission can leak fluid, causing a loss of hydraulic pressure. Symptoms include a decrease in engine power, a rough shift, and a burning smell. The solution is to replace the leaking seal or gasket. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $500.

5-Speed Manual Transmission

• Grinding gears: This is a common problem on the 5-speed manual transmission. The gears can grind when shifting, making it difficult to shift gears smoothly. Symptoms include a grinding noise when shifting gears, a difficulty shifting gears, and a loss of power. The solution is to replace the worn or damaged synchronizers. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000.
• Leaking: This is a less common problem, but it can occur on the 5-speed manual transmission. The transmission can leak fluid, causing a loss of hydraulic pressure. Symptoms include a decrease in engine power, a rough shift, and a burning smell. The solution is to replace the leaking seal or gasket. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $500.

Suspension Issues

• Worn ball joints: This is a common problem on the 1990 Dodge D350. The ball joints can wear out, causing the front wheels to wobble and shake. Symptoms include a vibration in the steering wheel, a clunking noise when turning, and a decrease in handling. The solution is to replace the worn ball joints. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000.
• Leaking shocks: This is a less common problem, but it can occur on the 1990 Dodge D350. The shocks can leak fluid, causing the vehicle to ride rough and bouncy. Symptoms include a decrease in ride quality, a nosedive when braking, and a swaying motion when cornering. The solution is to replace the leaking shocks. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000.
• Sagging leaf springs: This is a common problem on the 1990 Dodge D350. The leaf springs can sag, causing the rear end of the vehicle to drop. Symptoms include a decrease in ride height, a decrease in handling, and a loss of load capacity. The solution is to replace the sagging leaf springs. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000.

Electrical Issues

• Alternator failure: This is a common problem on the 1990 Dodge D350. The alternator can fail, causing the battery to drain and the vehicle to lose power. Symptoms include a dimming of the headlights, a loss of power, and a dead battery. The solution is to replace the alternator. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000.
• Battery failure: This is a less common problem, but it can occur on the 1990 Dodge D350. The battery can fail, causing the vehicle to lose power. Symptoms include a dimming of the headlights, a loss of power, and a dead battery. The solution is to replace the battery. Estimated cost to fix: $100 - $200.
• Wiring harness problems: This is a less common problem, but it can occur on the 1990 Dodge D350. The wiring harness can become damaged, causing electrical problems. Symptoms include intermittent electrical problems, such as flickering lights, non-functioning gauges, and power window failure. The solution is to repair or replace the damaged wiring harness. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000.

Exterior Issues

• Rust: This is a common problem on the 1990 Dodge D350. The body of the vehicle can rust, especially in areas where it is exposed to salt and moisture. Symptoms include rust spots, holes in the body, and a weakened structure. The solution is to prevent rust by keeping the vehicle clean and free of salt and moisture. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000.
• Paint fading: This is a common problem on the 1990 Dodge D350. The paint on the vehicle can fade over time, especially in areas where it is exposed to sunlight. Symptoms include a loss of color and a chalky appearance. The solution is to protect the paint by applying a wax or sealant. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $500.
• Door hinge failure: This is a less common problem, but it can occur on the 1990 Dodge D350. The door hinges can fail, causing the door to sag or bind. Symptoms include a difficulty opening or closing the door, a creaking noise, and a misaligned door. The solution is to replace the worn or damaged door hinges. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $500.

Interior Issues

• Cracked dashboard: This is a common problem on the 1990 Dodge D350. The dashboard can crack over time, especially in areas where it is exposed to sunlight. Symptoms include