Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) 137,000 miles time for a new truck?

[josh]

I am sure similar questions like this have been covered before, BUT my search really didn't find the info I am looking for. I have 96' CTD 4x4 that was recently wrecked. While I wait for the insuracne to make it's decision I got to thinking, well this truck has a 137,000 miles on it... maybe I should just take the damage $$$ & put it towards another truck? I purchased the truck new & it has all the bombed goodies..... never towed anything but my skinny rear around. I've only run synthetic oil since 25,000 miles & I'm very religious about the maintence intervals. Any thoughts or input would be great... thanks... Josh

 

[RVPILOT]

New Truck ?

Another 100,000 miles or so and it might be broke in. Stormy

 

[Rocketdoc]

I looked for two years for my truck. It had 106K on it when I bought it, had a brand new VP44 and lift pump under warranty, and drove like new. I imagine it'll be around at 300K. I think I'd take the money and fix the truck.

 

[DBrickel]

not worth much. I'll give you $5. 00 if you deliver :-laf :-laf

 

[PKemp]

Yeah... . Probably should get a new one. You know that new truck smell?

Tell you what I'll take the old one off your hands for $7. 50 and even pick it myself and bring the beer... . :-laf

 

[DBrickel]

Well Dang! A bidding war huh. Okay I'll go 10. 00 and help pkemp drink all that beer :-laf

 

[Forrest Nearing]

is it totaled? I'll give you $5 over buy-back

 

[DBogo]

ill give ya $20 thats an offer you cant refuse

 

[obert]

fix it. If you truly love your 96 you wont be happy with he new trucks. If you dont I'll give you $20 more than the highest offer, pick up, AND buy the suds.



Ive been to Cimmaron three times, I know the way... ... ... ...

 

[RDelissen]

how wrecked is wrecked in your book?

 

[Centeno1]

97 with 317,000

in your shoes it would be a tough call but you know insurance isnt gonna give you wht you put in so get the max and fix it yourself. . thats my 2 bits. i had the opportunity once with a jeep i had and didnt do it . i'm still kicking myself for that one... ..... dont be like me

 

[mhuggler]

Fix it! The 3rd gen cummins suck, they get like 16 MPG even empty! Plus they are all quiet and stuff, who wants that?

 

[J.BURCHFIELD]

As long as the frame is not bent or twisted a good body shop can make it look like new. If the frame is bent there were shops in the old days that could correct that. I don't know if it is still done. Insurance companys are total happy. It is best for them. If the wreck was not your fault you could get it repaired at no cost to you. the care you have taken it is not broken in yet. A million miles is not unheard of. Save the price of the add-ons and keep it. Go newer and you will pay the difference. If you think you are getting screwed thats what lawyers are for. Sometimes if they think you will get one you will be treated fairly. Regards Jim 321 373 5756 anytime.

 

[Got Smoke?]

If at all possible FIX IT!!



If you go with a 24V you won't be happy with the fuel system.



If you go 3rd Gen you probably won't be happy with having such a high payment.



Trust me 12 Valves in the condition you describe are like finding a needle in a haystack anymore. Keep it and take care of it!!

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

I pulled the head on my '96 over the weekend. It's sitting right at 386,600 miles. It still has plenty of hone marks on the cylinder walls and no hint of a ring edge at the top of the bore. Vaughn

 

[RJPotts]

I am selling my 2002 to my father tomorrow. I'm selling it so that I can finish paying my mother for my 12V and some bombs. Truck had 120K when I bought it, has a little over 135K now (in 3 months).

You can't beat a 12v with anything. Keep it, fix it, drive it until the wheels fall off, then pick them up and put them back on b/c the little Cummins will still be ready to go.

My $0. 02

-R. J.

 

[DHorstman]

Even if the insurance company won't fix it, buy it back. Mine was totalled from a roll over and I bought it back for $2,000 with 150K on the clock. It is(was) a '98 12V Quad cab. Found a cab from a '95 and swapped everything over, including all wire harnesses. Box has some dents and what not but now it works as a good work/play truck with a leather interior. Since I bought it back it still has a clear title.

 

[DMcPherson]

yeah depending on damage. truck payments suck. I dont know about that million miles on a b, but the service interval for a b series in a standard aplication, (not pickup, constant load) is 350k I would say in a dodge that doesnt see the load and abuse the others do it would be a little longer than that.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Since I have been getting the TDR magazine there has been at least 3 writeups that I recall of trucks going 990,000 miles and above without engine work (no more than a head gasket anyway). Highest was a little over 1,100,000.



The highest miles I've known of personally was 1,240,000 on a '91 Ram owned by a guy in Indiana I talked to a few times. I don't think he even had to take the head off, ever. Obviously they all don't go that many miles but I've always felt the 350k was a pretty conservative number.



Vaughn

 

[josh]

Thanks everyone

Hey guys thanks for all the info... ... . I really LOVE my truck & I was having a real delima about replacing her. Anyway this forum is great & keep up all the good info!!!!





Josh out...