1992 First-Gen Cummins Dodge Built on a Dream

Jon Edgar Waller’s First-Gen Cummins Dream Dodge

Photos by Mach1Media

Every enthusiast has a grand vision of their own personal dream truck. For some of us, that image takes a lifetime to develop, not to mention a small fortune to shape into the ideal mold. Others have known the exact pickup they wanted from an early age though. It’s not often that the first truck we own turns into one that sticks around well into adulthood but when this happens, there is usually a very good story behind the build.

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We recently had the pleasure of meeting up with Jon Edgar Waller of Lebanon, Tennessee. Jon rolled up to the photoshoot in his 1992 Dodge Ram W-350 dually, which is his absolute pride and joy. It’s clear to see why he is so enamored with his truck. Jon has meticulously designed it to meet his standards when it comes to both work and play. Contrary to any misconceptions, his Dodge wasn’t set up like this after he was old enough to enter the job market. In fact, this is exactly the way he envisioned—even back when he was a kid.

Dial-Up Dreams

“Back when I was about 10 years old and was able to scroll the Internet, I began searching Google for images of ‘jacked up Dodge truck’—just like every other farm kid I knew,” Jon recalls. “After looking through as many photos as I could with our slow country Internet speed, I finally landed on a photo of a first-gen Dodge RAM, dark blue in color with white stripes and exhaust stacks. Little kid in me wanted that exact truck, and I spent many nights praying and preparing a speech to sway my parents into helping me get my hands on one.”

“… I began searching Google for images of ‘jacked up Dodge truck’—just like every other farm kid I knew.”

Yes, Jon was that dead set on finding the truck he wanted, but even after getting his parents’ approval to buy one, and tracking down a few locally, he soon felt the deflating experience of having them being sold out from under him one by one. It’s a feeling that’s enough to stifle one’s enthusiasm but Jon was about to land on a streak of luck.

“My friend’s dad was looking to sell his old Dodge truck, and it ended up being perfect for me,” Jon adds. “I sold off the tractor my dad bought me to work with to put towards the $8,000 price. I have not stopped customizing it since the very first day the truck became mine (May 28, 2015).”

“Eagle Alloys wheels wrapped in Mastercraft Courser MXT 315/75R16 tires give the truck dependable off-road capability, which is a requirement due to the line of work Jon is involved in.”

High Hopes

Jon has finished with school and is now self-employed as an excavation company owner/farmer/model builder—not a bad combination. Luckily, the truck he wanted as a kid is still as relevant as it was to him years ago. Not only is Jon still able to have fun with his Dodge, but he has banked on the utility of its flatbed to his advantage as a hardworking man. To satisfy both fun/work functions, the truck was lifted a total of 4 inches utilizing a full Skyjacker suspension package that includes leaf springs and shocks. Eagle Alloys wheels wrapped in Mastercraft Courser MXT 315/75R16 tires give the truck dependable off-road capability, which is a requirement due to the line of work Jon is involved in. Given this RAM was a former farm truck, there were plenty of repairs and alterations made to it in the past that didn’t exactly live up to his modern standards, however.

“One of the sketchy ‘farm’ fixes that was made to it was the steering setup,” Jon admits. “The gear box was stuck in 2WD, and the severely undersized, homemade drag link was too scary to not replace. Dalton Lovejoy at Dudes Fab in Hartville, Ohio, was able to assist by putting together a crossover steering solution paired with a drop Pitman arm and new steering knuckle to help remedy the issue.”

“When I was young, this truck gave me something to look forward to working on, and as an adult it has given me an opportunity to show off what I have invested in it.”

Stacked

One of the truck’s factory attributes that got Jon hooked on the RAM in the first place was the first-gen Cummins engine. Throughout the years of owning the truck, he has learned how to maintain and even customize that diesel powerplant with his own hands. The engine has been gradually built up over time and is currently in tip top condition. Mike Joseph of Patriot Diesel in Reno, Nevada, was asked to help source a few key performance components for the project. From the Gillett Diesel 63/64/12 turbo, milled head and rockers, Dynamite Diesel Power injectors, Diesel Auto Power three-piece intake manifold, towering dual exhaust stacks rising over the cab, and custom paint and pinstriping found all throughout the engine bay makes for well-rounded performance with a side of visual appeal with some awesome pinstriping by hatem graphics.

A Bright Future

To expand on the RAM’s outer façade, Jon whipped up a custom headache rack, and strung 40 individual rock lights from C4 Off Road across the truck. He stashed four of them on the grille, eight on the rack, eight spread throughout all wheelwells, eight around the flatbed, and 12 along the frame. There’s no mistaking his truck in broad daylight, let alone in the darkness of night. From front to back, the Dodge boasts an overall eye-catching burly build.

“These first-gen Cummins trucks aren’t for everybody,” Jon shares of his personal experience. “For the most part, they are slow, ride rough and are normally rusted out, but they do appeal to many more dedicated enthusiasts other than me who can’t get enough of them. Even though my truck is looking and running great, I still have a lot more planned for it. When I was young, this truck gave me something to look forward to working on, and as an adult it has given me an opportunity to show off what I have invested in it. I’ve learned as a kid that finding money was an issue when customizing this truck, but now that I’m older, it’s the lack of time that has proven to be the current struggle. Either way, I’ll find a way to keep making the improvements I have in mind.”.

1992 Dodge RAM W-350

Owner

Jon Edgar Waller
Lebanon, TN
Tennessee Diesel Addiction (TDA)

Engine & Powertrain

1992 6BT Cummins I-6 5.9L
Stock bottom end
Gillett Diesel 63/64/12 turbo
Turbo-Master spring wastegate controller
Milled head and rockers
179 Garage radiator cover
Keating Machine tappet cover and front timing cover
The Hungry Diesel 2nd gen lift pump
Auto Meter EGT and boost gauge
ARP head studs
Pacbrake 60-lb valve springs
Dynamite Diesel Power Stage-2 injectors
Honest Speed Shop cold air intake
Diesel Auto Power 3-piece exhaust manifold
4-inch turbo back to dual ‘bull hauler’ style exhaust stacks
Denny T Stage-2 fuel pin w/ 3200 RPM governor spring
1992 Getrag 360 transmission
South Bend upgraded single disc clutch and flywheel
NP205 transfer case w/ 4:10 gears
250 front axle Dana 60, rear Dana 70 cab and chassis axle

Chassis & Suspension

1992 Dodge cab and chassis
135-inch wheelbase
4-inch Skyjacker leaf spring lift w/ Nitro shocks
Crossover steering by Dalton Lovejoy @ Dudes Fab Shop, Hartville, OH
Drop pitman arm and steering knuckle

Wheels, Tires & Brakes

Eagle Alloy front (#0589) 16×10 and rear (#058) 16×6.5 wheels
Mastercraft Courser MXT 315/75R16 tires

Body/Paint

Gloss white on cab, gloss black on bed
Pinstriping by Ronnie Hatem w/ Hatem Graphics, Plaistow, NH
Engine block, head and firewall, inner fenders painted by owner
Altitude Lighting/Hawkeye LED headlights
(40) C4 Off Road RGBW rock lights
Klearz clear light lenses
Custom headache rack
Hornblasters horn and compressor

Interior/Stereo

Bench seats w/ red leather upholstery
Pioneer stereo
Kicker 10-inch subwoofer
CB radio
Under-dash lighting

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What major journeys and hauling tasks has the truck been used for over the years?

Miles of Memories: Hauling Across the Country

Over the years, Jon’s beloved Dodge Ram W-350 has clocked countless miles tackling serious hauls and cross-country journeys well beyond the average commute. This isn’t just a weekend truck—it’s been at the heart of some ambitious undertakings that would make any farm kid proud.

From trailering livestock like mules and ponies across multiple states—from California to North Carolina and as far north as Canada—to toting everything from hay and gravel to lumber and mulch, Jon’s rig has performed above and beyond. Whether hauling animals for long-distance rides, making sure equipment and supplies get to job sites, or even helping out with family projects, the Dodge’s flatbed and reliable powertrain have proven indispensable.

On top of the work duties, Jon has relied on this dually for big adventures and family milestones—moving animals for competitions, journeys to and from iconic locations, and supporting the kind of work that turns a regular truck into a legacy vehicle. It’s no exaggeration to say the truck has both enabled and witnessed some serious life chapters—earning a place of trust you don’t hand out lightly.

How is the truck featured or connected to the owner’s other adventures or published works?

A Truck Woven Into Every Adventure

But Jon’s connection to his Dodge runs deeper than childhood dreams. Over the years, this truck has been at the center of some truly remarkable journeys—each one a new chapter in the story that’s shaped both man and machine.

Jon has relied on his Ram for some epic cross-country hauls, including transporting his mules coast to coast after an ambitious ride from North Carolina to California. Not only did it faithfully tow his trusted companions home, but it also powered countless adventures—from treks up to Canada and as far north as Newfoundland, to expeditions down to Texas and back. Whether it was for a documentary film project or a PBS segment that brought home an Emmy, that Dodge was always up for the next leg of the journey.

More recently, when Jon and his wife set out from North Carolina to Idaho on a 2,300-mile trek for his new book, those familiar stripes and stacks were there to ferry his loyal mules home after the ride. Every mile logged, every roadside memory, and every haul played a part in building not just a resume of travels, but a legacy. For Jon, this truck isn’t just transport—it’s the unsung hero of every adventure, carrying both beasts and dreams between chapters of a life well-lived.

How has the truck been stored and how frequently has it been driven?

Well-Preserved and Lightly Used

Despite all the hard work and upgrades poured into this RAM, Jon isn’t one to let it weather away out in the elements. These days, his pride and joy stays safely tucked inside when it’s not in action, keeping the paint and those iconic stripes looking fresh. And while some folks might rack up the miles driving their project trucks daily, Jontakes a different route—he clocks less than 5,000 miles a year behind the wheel, making every drive count.

How many miles are on the truck, and is the odometer reading accurate?

Mileage & Odometer Status

As for mileage, the odometer stopped turning some years back after hitting 139,930, so that number’s not reflective of true miles. A good estimate puts the current total closer to 175,000. The gauge just gave up the ghost, but the truck’s story keeps on rolling.

What towing and hauling equipment is included with the truck?

Towing & Hauling Equipment

This RAM is well-prepared for heavy-duty towing and hauling tasks. Out back, it’s equipped with an air bag suspension setup to handle heavier payloads and keep everything on an even keel, whether hitched up for a weekend camping trip or hauling equipment for a big project. Up top, you’ll find Bull Ring tie-downs (six in total) to easily secure any load—no more crawling under the truck bed with a tangle of ratchet straps.

A Turnover Ball gooseneck hitch is installed for serious towing duty, making trailer hookups quick and stress-free. There’s also a B&W receiver hitch on board for those standard towing needs, plus a 2-inch ball hitch ready for the most common trailers you’ll encounter. When braking power counts, a Tekonsha Prodigy P3 electric brake controller ensures everything stays steady and safe as you head down the road.

What condition is the truck in, including the body, interior, and mechanical aspects?

To satisfy both fun and work functions, the truck was lifted a total of 4 inches utilizing a full Skyjacker suspension package that includes leaf springs and shocks. Eagle Alloys wheels wrapped in Mastercraft Courser MXT315/75R16 tires give the truck dependable off-road capability, which is a requirement due to the line of work Jon is involved in. Given this RAM was a former farm truck, there were plenty of repairs and alterations made to it in the past that didn’t exactly live up to his modern standards, however.

Farm Fixes & Upgrades

“One of the sketchy ‘farm’ fixes that was made to it was the steering setup,” Jon admits. “The gear box was stuck in 2WD, and the severely undersized, homemade drag link was too scary to not replace. Dalton Lovejoy at Dudes Fabin Hartville, Ohio, was able to assist by putting together a crossover steering solution paired with a drop Pitman arm and new steering knuckle to help remedy the issue.”

Over the years, Jon has tackled all the quirks that come with a workhorse of this age. The truck, a regular cab 2WD with a drop-in bedliner and replaced headliner, has been meticulously maintained and regularly serviced—no body rust to speak of, and a straight body that belies its hard-working past. The transmission was rebuilt 30,000 miles ago and still pulls strong, with service records to back it up. While the odometer quit at 139,930 miles, Jon estimates actual mileage to be around 175,000—still plenty of life left in the old beast.

Functionality hasn’t been overlooked: there’s a rear air bag suspension for towing, a gooseneck hitch, electric brake controller, and multiple tie-down points for hauling just about anything. The truck’s seats have been protected since Jon bought it, and the dash, carpet, and upholstery have all held up remarkably well. Even the little things—like armrests, window and door seals, and a passenger window motor—have been replaced or rebuilt along the journey.

Powerplant & Customization

“One of the truck’s factory attributes that got Jon hooked on the RAM in the first place was the first-gen Cummins engine. Throughout the years of owning the truck, he has learned how to maintain and even customize that diesel powerplant with his own hands. The engine has been gradually built up over time and is currently in tip top condition. Mike Joseph of Patriot Diesel in Reno, Nevada, was asked to help source a few key performance components for the project. From the Gillett Diesel 63/64/12 turbo, milled head and rockers, Dynamite Diesel Power injectors, Diesel Auto Power three-piece intake manifold, towering dual exhaust stacks rising over the cab, and custom paint and pinstriping found all throughout the engine bay makes for well-rounded performance with a side of visual appeal with some awesome pinstriping by hatem graphics.

Interior, Features, and Known Quirks

Inside, Jon’s Dodge sports bench seats with red leather upholstery, a Pioneer stereo, Kicker 10-inch subwoofer, CB radio, and under-dash lighting. The seats have been covered since day one, keeping them in great shape, while the dash and carpet remain in very good condition.

Of course, no classic truck would be complete without its quirks. Jon’s Dodge has a few: the odometer’s stubborn refusal to count past 139,930, a chip in the windshield, a headlight switch that’s due for replacement, some faded paint in spots, and a radio that’s more decorative than functional these days. But in the grand scheme, these are minor blips on an otherwise well-kept ride.

Body & Paint

Gloss white on cab, gloss black on bed
Pinstriping by Ronnie Hatem w/ Hatem Graphics, Plaistow, NH
Engine block, head and firewall, inner fenders painted by owner
Altitude Lighting/Hawkeye LED headlights
(40) C4 Off Road RGBW rock lights
Klearz clear light lenses
Custom headache rack
Hornblasters horn and compressor

Towing Setup

Rear air bag suspension
B&W Turnover ball gooseneck hitch
Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Electric Brake Controller
B&W receiver hitch
Bull Ring tie downs (6)
2” ball hitch

Recent Maintenance & Replacements

Transmission (rebuilt)
Brake booster
Front/rear seals
Window seals
Door seals
Armrests
Passenger side window motor

How has the truck been maintained and serviced during its ownership?

But for Jon, keeping the truck in top working order goes beyond just performance upgrades. Regular maintenance has been a cornerstone of his ownership, and the truck’s reliability is a testament to his diligence. The RAM has been kept out of the elements as much as possible, helping preserve its straight body and rust-free panels—a rare find for a truck with honest work in its past. The interior, too, has held up remarkably well: seats and carpets protected since day one, dash and upholstery in great shape, and even the small details like armrests and window seals have been replaced or rebuilt over the years.

The truck remains dependable, starting every time, pulling strong thanks to a rebuilt transmission, and showing no signs of smoke or mechanical fatigue. Its regular service history means Jon has a well-documented record of care, and every replacement or upgrade—be it brake booster, window motor, or weather seals—reflects both necessity and pride of ownership.

Given this RAM was a former farm truck, there were plenty of repairs and alterations made to it in the past that didn’t exactly live up to his modern standards, however.

“One of the sketchy ‘farm’ fixes that was made to it was the steering setup,” Jon admits. “The gear box was stuck in 2WD, and the severely undersized, homemade drag link was too scary to not replace. Dalton Lovejoyat Dudes Fab in Hartville, Ohio, was able to assist by putting together a crossover steering solution paired with a drop Pitman arm and new steering knuckle to help remedy the issue.”

What is the truck’s fuel efficiency and driving performance like?

Despite the truck’s quirks and character, Jon’s RAM has proven itself both dependable and efficient over the years. “Transmission rebuilt 30k miles ago and pulls strong. No smoke. Starts every time. 20+mpg highway.” For a truck nearing its third decade on the road, those stats are as solid as the steel it’s built from—a testament to Jon’s attention to detail and ongoing commitment to keeping his classic diesel alive and kicking.

What issues or known defects does the truck currently have?

“For the most part, they are slow, ride rough and are normally rusted out, but they do appeal to many more dedicated enthusiasts other than me who can’t get enough of them.”

That said, these old rigs come with their own set of quirks. The odometer might have called it quits at 139,930 (the actual mileage now closer to 175,000, give or take a few scenic detours). There’s a chip in the windshield that’s gathered more stories than the radio—which, by the way, doesn’t work. The headlights will light your way, but the switch could use a little coaxing, and the paint is faded in the way only years of sun and adventure can manage. In other words: all the honest hallmarks of a vehicle that’s lived a life, not just occupied a driveway.