Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) 96 2500 buying advice

[xpetecx]

Hey guys and gals, Im over here from the first gen board and had a question for you. Im lookin into buy a 96 2500 regular cab longbox 4x4 5 speed. I was just kinda wondering what things on the truck to look for. What are the problem areas of these trucks? the transmission was just rebuilt with all new clutch bearings the hole deal. 180k on it steering fixed and some other misc seals and gaskets. any help would be apprceited.

 

[Rams-n-Hogs]

If the front end is fixed and the transmission just rebuilt, it sounds like it was taken care of. The KDP is one of the problem areas, if it hasn't been fixed already. I can't think of any other problems, since mine hasn't had any.



Jim

 

[xpetecx]

Is there any way to see if the kdp is dead just buy looking at it? Im thinking not unless thers some rtv or new lookin gaskets on the front of the motor.

 

[mjs]

RUST ! Mecanical wise check all fuel & brake lines . Body wise bottom edge of door lips & rear bumper . If this is the case it wouldn't stop me from buying but considered in the price . MJS.

 

[Shell 96]

i agree with mjs door rust!! and check out the front brake hoses i never looked and aparently my 265s rubbed when turning and one blew and nearly caused an accident good thing i was in traffic messing with brake controller. when i checked other side it was ready to go as well.

 

[xpetecx]

Yeah it is rusty, the bottom of the doors and around the wheel wells. its got gray paint along the bottom of the truck and that seems to be were the rust is. they want to get about $9000 out of it, they just put $4000 into it. I figure they make body panels for trucks ever day and there alot cheaper then a cummins and a 5 speed. thanks for all the advice.

 

[McLaughlin]

You mentioned the steering was fixed. If you mean repaired for a problem, you might want to check for steering wander. A lot of the 96 and 97s seem to have the problem and it appears somewhat of a challange to fix.