[MBZ] OT diesel pickup choices

[kevin kraly]

Hello dieselers.

Of course, I'm intending to get another MB diesel, but this next vehicle is 
going to haul stuff and tow my boat.  I've decided to get a diesel ex-cab or 
crew cab pickup, and I've always wanted a Dodge with a Cummins turbo diesel 
in it.  I've had Ford "powerchokes" before which were good trucks, but no 
Cummins dodges or GM diesels (don't think I'd consider one of those).  Does 
anyone have any advice on older vs newer generation Cummins engins (of 
course 24V is more powerful), but which years should be avoided?  Several 
listers have mentioned the killer dowel pin (KDP) that destroys expensive 
engine parts which is a very bad thing, but fixable.  If anyone has 
experience with these, please chime in.

Kevin in Hillsboro Oregon, currently between diesels