2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission 1995 2500 4x4 Reg Cab Trade

[Frogman]

Hello, I was wondering if I could get some input from everyone. I have the opportunity to trade a 2004 Miller Bobcat 225 Welding machine for a 1995 4x4 2500 Reg Cab Auto....the truck has 412,XXX miles and the front suspension was rebuilt about 10k miles ago. Now there is an issue with the trans, but I believe it to be the governor in the tail shaft of the trans, it has first gear and reverse. The truck runs and has been sitting for a little over a year, the paint is faded and there are a few dings on the body but not much. Oh, and the tail gate is missing.

The back right window on the sliding glass is broken and the front main seal is leaking on the engine. With the window being broken some rain water has gotten to the truck and messed up the carpet. Other than the usual things, dash, batteries etc...those are the only real issues with the truck.

He wants to trade with some boot money, but given the condition of the Miller, 85hrs and garage kept I think straight across would be a good deal for both of us. I was just wondering what some of you guys might do.

Would you get the truck?

 

[SAndreasen]

With an automatic of unknown condition I think you should be asking some boot money sliding rear window is about 400 headliner a couple hundred. Built trany 5000$ Batteries 300 . I have bought trucks in that condition and unless there almost free I wouldn't do it again

 

[Frogman]

The whole back window has to be replaced??

Built trans....I was just gonna have it rebuilt....if I do trade, it will be used for doing odds an ins around the house...getting lumber, hauling off junk....taking the kids to lacrosse practice every once in a while....

Seeing your numbers definitely puts a new outlook on things....

That is why I posted....not really sure what I am gonna do right now.

Thanks for the input.

With an automatic of unknown condition I think you should be asking some boot money sliding rear window is about 400 headliner a couple hundred. Built trany 5000$ Batteries 300 . I have bought trucks in that condition and unless there almost free I wouldn't do it again

 

[mwilson]

I've been out of the welder game for some years so what do you figure your Miller is worth???

That truck hasn't seen or felt any love in quite some time from the appearance of it. Does the transfer tank and pump come with??

If I can't try something out on the road it seriously diminishes what I will pay. Many costly surprises may be hidden. Why is the back tire off??

The seats and carpet need to be removed and dried out after the window is repaired. It may still smell after that no matter what you do.

 

[crabman]

To quote one of my father's sayings.
"Looks like it was rode hard and put away wet!"

 

[SAndreasen]

The whole back window has to be replaced??

Built trans....I was just gonna have it rebuilt....if I do trade, it will be used for doing odds an ins around the house...getting lumber, hauling off junk....taking the kids to lacrosse practice every once in a while....

Seeing your numbers definitely puts a new outlook on things....

That is why I posted....not really sure what I am gonna do right now.

Thanks for the input.

Yes the whole window has to be replaced as far the rest of the truck I guess it's up to you but it definitely looks used kinda hard. The trany would be the thing that scares me more than anything sometimes the headliner you can just pull the cloth part off the backing and have it look pretty decent . Once you get the truck you will want to start turning and twisting little screws and that's when an amco 19.95 trany rebuild and goina cut the mustard . I don't know what your welder is worth but I would say it would be worth pretty close to new the truck I would say is worth maybe 2000 to 2500 on the high side when you consider the work it would be cheaper to find one that works ask me how I know

 

[Frogman]

I think you are spot on about the welder. The paint I believe is all faded and ruined from them not washing/waxing it. I know of newer vehicles (2002 and up) where the clear coat has started to com off within 3-4 years of the vehicle being purchased.

The headliner I am not too worried about, the carpet...rockauto has replacements for around 150-200....the back glass....hmmmm not sure on that yet, I was thinking maybe a local glass guy could fix it up...I'll have to check.

But, IF it will start and I check the engine vitals and hook a pressure gauge to the trans and I can see what it is doing...that would ease my mind alittle. But, I cannot make my decision until I check those things. I should have taken a screwdriver and poked around on the floor in the back of the cab to check for rust thru while I was there, dang hind sight....;-)

I appreciate the feed back and I have made my fair share of "good to me trades" and lost my shirt so, that is why I am being cautious.

Oh, wait.......how do you know??

 

[Wayne M.]

These trucks are coming to be ripe for restoring, and I think it's a worthy truck to invest in. For the right price. The engine, running regardless of hours, rebuild able is prolly worth 2000 alone. Without that being a known, it's just parts.

 

[SAndreasen]

I think you are spot on about the welder. The paint I believe is all faded and ruined from them not washing/waxing it. I know of newer vehicles (2002 and up) where the clear coat has started to com off within 3-4 years of the vehicle being purchased.

The headliner I am not too worried about, the carpet...rockauto has replacements for around 150-200....the back glass....hmmmm not sure on that yet, I was thinking maybe a local glass guy could fix it up...I'll have to check.

But, IF it will start and I check the engine vitals and hook a pressure gauge to the trans and I can see what it is doing...that would ease my mind alittle. But, I cannot make my decision until I check those things. I should have taken a screwdriver and poked around on the floor in the back of the cab to check for rust thru while I was there, dang hind sight....;-)

I appreciate the feed back and I have made my fair share of "good to me trades" and lost my shirt so, that is why I am being cautious.

Oh, wait.......how do you know??

I've taken it I the shorts on two different trucks like this the biggest thing about the truck your looking at is that trany issue maybe it would be something you could fix and run for awhile the rest of the things are basically cosmetic and you can fix them as money comes along . I would start it up get a rear tire on it and see if it will drive if offer about 1500 unless the trany can be made to work cheap

 

[Frogman]

Ok, so I went out and checked all the fluids. Removed the old oil filter and cut it open to check the pleats. It all looked really good. Installed a new filter some batteries. Siphoned out some fuel and checked to make sure it was ok....it smelled good and looked good. So, here is a video of it.....

https://youtu.be/wsWy2G4Kn1M

https://youtu.be/NfiU89GtQgk

 

[SAndreasen]

She sounds good have you had a chance to get a tire on it and see about the trans yet

 

[Frogman]

Nope, got rained out. Will be headed over on Tuesday or Wednesday. So far so good and they are giving me the aux tank, transfer pump and a tool box.

 

[SAndreasen]

Well the tank and box and pump probably worth 500 I'd think new you'd have about a grand into em depending on the size of the pump and tank of course