Attention: TDR Forum Junkies I've been a bit out of the diesel enthusiast field for a few years, so the idea of this post is to gauge if there is still interest in the 12V p-pump engines and the trucks that carry them around.
I've been the proud owner of a '97 2500 4wd for 8 years or so. Lately it hasn't driven much, it's mainly been the work truck at our motel and the snow plow for our 3 acre, 6 building lot. The truck has been reliable enough that we just had a rebuilt transmission installed in February to replace the old, stock transmission that finally self-destructed at 270k miles. We planned to keep it for years to come. The best laid plans of mice and men...
Last week while we were out skiing a friend got drunk, took our truck, and drove it off the road into some small trees. We didn't find the truck until the next day, when the police called to tell us it had been towed away, and also to ask why we let a blindly drunk person drive. Still haven't talked to our (now former) friend.
It turns out our (now former) friend had some outstanding arrest warrants and won't be out of jail for months. OK, he's taken care of, now about the truck: full-coverage insurance (thanks USAA!), and the insurance adjuster said the truck is totaled.
Since my time is otherwise occupied these days, rebuilding the wreck or re-using the powertrain is not likely to be something I'll do this year. I do have the choice, though, to buy back the wreck for $1400 if I want it.
Is there enough interest in these trucks to make this worthwhile? Here is what this one has going for it:
Maybe I'm also posting this up as a eulogy; I'll miss this truck. I remember searching carefully for a 12V with the inline p-pump years ago, and it will be sad to see this one scrapped by someone who may not recognize the diamond in the rough.
I've been the proud owner of a '97 2500 4wd for 8 years or so. Lately it hasn't driven much, it's mainly been the work truck at our motel and the snow plow for our 3 acre, 6 building lot. The truck has been reliable enough that we just had a rebuilt transmission installed in February to replace the old, stock transmission that finally self-destructed at 270k miles. We planned to keep it for years to come. The best laid plans of mice and men...
Last week while we were out skiing a friend got drunk, took our truck, and drove it off the road into some small trees. We didn't find the truck until the next day, when the police called to tell us it had been towed away, and also to ask why we let a blindly drunk person drive. Still haven't talked to our (now former) friend.
It turns out our (now former) friend had some outstanding arrest warrants and won't be out of jail for months. OK, he's taken care of, now about the truck: full-coverage insurance (thanks USAA!), and the insurance adjuster said the truck is totaled.
Since my time is otherwise occupied these days, rebuilding the wreck or re-using the powertrain is not likely to be something I'll do this year. I do have the choice, though, to buy back the wreck for $1400 if I want it.
Is there enough interest in these trucks to make this worthwhile? Here is what this one has going for it:
- 12V engine, 270k, ran well
- newly rebuilt 47rh transmission
- 4wd, transfer case, axles, driveshafts all in good shape
- intercooler in bad bad shape
- frame and running gear all straight, would be driveable with a new wheel
- doors and glass intact, though the right side panels are all damaged
- located in northern Michigan
Maybe I'm also posting this up as a eulogy; I'll miss this truck. I remember searching carefully for a 12V with the inline p-pump years ago, and it will be sad to see this one scrapped by someone who may not recognize the diamond in the rough.
