1996 club cab long bed 2WD 12-valve auto - only 61,500 miles

[JRihani]

I'm not 100% sure I want to part with this find, but I recently became the owner of this bone stock, 1996 club cab long bed 2WD 12-valve P-pump automatic with only 61,500 original miles. The first owner drove it 58,000 miles in 21 years, second owner put another 2,500 miles on it in two years, and now I have it. As far as I can tell, it is 100% stock. The body is rust-free and the original paint is in good shape except for the bed, which was used like a truck. The decal kit really sets this one apart. Dodge did a special edition of the 1500 truck for the 1996 Indy 500 (around 2,800 made) but the best I can tell, there were some of these 2500 diesels with this sticker package used at the track that year. The stickers are in good enough shape but definitely have some cracking from age. I believe Phoenix Graphix makes a replacement kit if you ever wanted to try and replace them or repaint the truck. The owner just prior to me did the following:

- new heater core
- new evaporator core
- new tires
- new upper and lower ball joints
- alignment
- new batteries

Since I picked it up, I've done:

- KDP kit
- new serpentine belt
- new master cylinder
- new thermostat
- new brake switch
- replaced coolant
- engine oil and Fleetguard filter
- new Fleetguard fuel filter
- new Fleetguard air filter
- new transmission oil and filter
- adjusted transmission bands
- new rear differential oil
- chassis lube

Everything in the truck works, but there are a couple 23-year-old-issues to note:

- the headliner was drooping and a previous owner did a hack repair using some spray adhesive
- the factory radio (AM/FM, cassette) works but it sounds like one or more of the speakers are busted

I think most importantly for this crowd, the truck is STOCK. Honestly, it's as close to a time capsule of a truck from this period that I've seen. It's ready for anything - daily driver, basis for a race truck, collector truck, etc.

I'm asking $19,500 and am located in central Indiana.

 

[DavidC]

I'm not buying but that appears to be one clean rig.

 

[JRihani]

David, agreed. I had my doubts before I went to pick it up, but there hasn't been a single thing since that's made me doubt that it is exactly what it appears to be.

 

[GrantP]

Wow, time capsule is right. I can't believe that paint is still in that good of shape. I miss my old 12V but the lack of a front axle is a deal killer for me. Good luck on the sale!

 

[JRihani]

Grant, I totally understand! I too would have preferred a 4WD...and a short bed. A friend asked me why I bought a 2WD truck and I told him I didn't buy a 2WD truck...I bought a bone stock, rust free, 12-valve P-pump truck with only 61,500 miles...that just happened to be 2WD.

 

[Timd32]

About 2 years ago I did a bunch of research on those rigs, they were assigned to the fire station associated with the track.

There was a guy who's Dad got sick and had one he was wanting some info on them...

https://www.turbodieselregister.com...icing-a-1996-indy-500-td.259090/#post-2516384

I tried to see if any TDR folks were registered FCA media contacts to do some more formal research, that was a cold lead.

I still think it makes a neat story for the overall history of the CTD.

Paste in some info from that post..

Not specific to the 1996 but builds reference data.

http://www.hellercreative.com/indy_500.htm

Also go to 1:30 in this video they have response to a last lap crash. Wonder if they cranked these up for response trucks, they are moving at one point.



This next video at the very end if you pause right at around 3:58 you can see a large response to from a different view.

 

[JRihani]

Tim, WOW - thank you!! This is exactly the kind of information I've been looking for. I really appreciate you taking the time to give me the information.

I find myself not too concerned about whether or not this truck sells. It might be a little inconvenient in this season of life with a young family, but I get so much joy every time I fire it up.

I worked for Cummins at the CMEP Walesboro plant back in 2000-2001. I was part of the purchasing team responsible for sourcing all of the parts to build these beautiful engines. When I had a few minutes I would just walk the entire length of the assembly line, taking in the process. All of this to say...I'm definitely an enthusiast.

Funny story - I memorized all of the part numbers I was responsible for and quite a few others as well. I'd been on the job for about four weeks when I walked into a conversation the purchasing manager was having with the rest of the buyers, trying to remember all the parts unique to the HO version of that year's engine. I asked which ones they had already, went over the whole list in my head, and said "starter motor spacer". The manager was so impressed she said she'd buy me a Coke. I told her, "No thanks, but I'd love to have a scrapped valve cover!" About eight months later, Cummins laid off about 20% of its Columbus workforce and, as part of the office union and lowest man on the totem pole, I lost my job there. On my last day, the manager presented me with my scrapped valve cover.

I loved this community back when I had my 2002 2500 (also 2WD...just can't seem to land a stock 4WD!) and I'm glad to be part of it again. I hope I can contribute in a meaningful way.

 

[RVTRKN]

Best color for that year. I had a 94 2500 in the same color, looking at the interior, brought back memories, good luck.

 

[JRihani]

RVTRKN - thanks! Back in 1996 I was driving a Jeep Cherokee - the common Chrysler touches definitely take me back.

Now...if I could just go back in time and lose this gut I've acquired...

 

[JRihani]

I assumed it went without saying, but I'm happy to consider offers. This is cross posted.