The Date of Manufacture says “12-80”. I’m guessing what’s throwing you off is the front clip that looks 1991.. but I’m guessing the was just a swap/upgrade. That steering wheel too.. but one shot showing the rear and along the side looks late 70’s/ early 80’s to me
It's also a later conversion diesel too (originally a gas 360), but they don't say what era it's from. It looks like it was well done, but the AC isn't hooked up at all so I'd question what else was skipped. I'll bet the steering wheel was upgraded at the same time the engine was changed over.
The dual wheels/axle would have been an owner addition, too. This would have just started out as probably a basic work truck - maybe some state highway department.
How do you know the A/C isn't hooked up? The compressor on a Cummins is directly below the alternator on the passenger side, and I see both the high and low lines leading to the firewall, where they're supposed to hook up. I also see the high and low ports for 134a.
I didn't see those, all I saw was what I assumed to be heater hoses. The link isn't working anymore at this time so I can't double check it. Not saying you're wrong, you may very well be right and I'd be pleasantly surprised ;-)
I try not to be a know-it-all (and have been accused of same before), but I do try to at least pay attention.
Yeah, no short bed duallys available from the factory when this truck was made. I see a few newer shortbed duallys from time to time, but honestly I don't get it. But, to each their own. Whomever converted this particular truck likely was just using what they already had.
First, the truck is an '81 with a '91-'93 grille. The front sheet metal changeover occurred in MY1980 to what you see here. Earlier trucks (MY1979 and back) have slightly different front fenders, tailgate, bed, dash and hood. Doors, cab, and glass is the same through the 22-model-year span (1972 - 1993 inclusive). This is NOT a W250 (4WD), it's a D250. W = 4x4. D = 4x2. Always. A Crew Cab four-door was available through the MY1985 in both short and long bed. A four-door dually like this was not, so this is a "one-of-none" built. This is a heat and air truck, as seen by the dash controls. The A/C was retained with the intercooled '91 - '98.5 12V Cummins swap. This also has a 5-speed trans, but I can't tell if it's a Getrag unit or the NV4500. Both are good, but the later 5-speed is preferred. I've owned both. Diggin' the colors! Yeah, it's UT burnt orange and would probably get me killed around here (OU), but WTF, you only live once, right? Lastly, I've inquired on the truck, and it sounds like a killer rig to me! I'll know more later today about it.
