2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Friend Buying 98 3500, what to look for?

[Jakebud]

I have a bud in my squadron that is going to Kansas City in a few days to look at a 98 3500 that is for sale at a dealer there. The truck is 2WD, 5 speed, 24V, has 160K miles, and the asking price is $10,200. What should he look for in particular on this truck, and thoughts on the price? This motor vulnerable to the KDP? Any way to tell if the transmission has been modified if the dealer doesn't know?



Thanks,



SPIKE

 

[JCreese]

Without maintenance records or any history, I'd be cautious if previous owner never installed a gauge to monitor fuel pressure. This isn't specific to that year, but speaking from experience on my '98 24V, and all the research I did before installing my gauge, a truck can still run with a bad (or dying) lift pump, and will eventually ruin the VP44.



If fuel pressure has never been monitored, I would be leary of the health of the VP44 since it's a rather costly repair. Personally, if it test drove fine, I'd at least have them check fuel pressure with a test gauge.



I replaced a bad lift pump on mine at 63K miles.



Just my opinion... hope it helps.

 

[TrqMonster]

I agree with the lift pump issue. My friend bought a 2001 last year off a TDR member who had replaced at least one lift pump and has a fuel pressure gauge. About a month or two after he bought it the lift pump started to go out. Replaced with the FASS system and he constantly gets 14-15 PSI of fuel pressure, where as when it was going bad he was dropping to like 5 PSI. Not that it is going to happen to your friend but it does and could happen, definatley check for it.

 

[SnoKing]

Check for a 53 block. He has a choices now, so avoid the 53 block. SNOKING

 

[todt061458]

You might want to check the vin number thru car fax or a simular service to make sure it's not from a flood or hurricane salvage or some thing went wrong with it like a major crash or something. Better safe than sorry also I always check all underhood fluids for smell and color and if I feel any grit when i run the fluid thru my fat fingers. also I check quickly around under the truck and look at all grease able fittings to see if the old owner let them run dry or not? also check the exhaust system for any smashed pipes or holes or bad rust ? better to know now than later :-{} good luck and many happy hours bombing your friends new/old truck. TOD Thank god for the spell checker :-laf

 

[pwerwagn]

Check for oil around the front cover. It is possible that it has the KDP problem.