A few of my coworkers have owned the earlier Dodge trucks. I didn't hear anything bad about them from them. One I know bought one used, and I think fairly beat. I remeber he bought it from a neighbor of mine. He drove it for several years after that. He sold it and bought an early VW Jetta Deisel.
I haven't seen the other guy in a year or so. He still had his at that point. From what I remeber of the conversation, it was a '93. He used it for semi commercial towing. He said it got better than 20 mpg highway. Something about the '93 model year, as the latest development of the old style pump maybe.
I think he said he changes balljoints or such every 50K. And tie rods too. Dodge did have problems with susspension components with the extra weight of the Cummins in it.
I think the engine has aroung 185 HP. I forget the torque, though. The base engine is capable of 220HP, but the Chrysler trans couldn't handle that at the time.
I can ask around for more info if you need.
Tom