Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Getting my first 12v, any advice?

[MBreyer]

Hey guys (& Gals),



I've got an 01 24v, and we're leaving tomorrow to pick up a 1995 12v. It's a 4x4, auto, 125k miles, reg cab w/ a dumping flat bed. The seller (dealer)looked it over in his shop & said everything looks tight, brakes are about 30%. He drove it a bit and claims it stears well and the transmission is tight.



I'll be flying up w/ my wife & daughter to pick it up in CT, then driving it from CT to northern NY(Lockport) for Thanksgiving, then from there back home to SE PA.



I've done some reading, and it seems like the older 12v's are pretty reliable trucks, and outside of the engine, most likely have the inherent Dodge issues we're already familiar with.



When it comes home, it'll get a fresh fuel filter, a trans and radiator flush, and all new lubs- mostly Amsoil ( I like their stuff).



However, a lot of you folks are older & wiser than me- with more miles behind the wheel. What am I missing, what are things I "must do" and what are things I might need to do?



Thanks in advance for your input and advice.

If you're ever in the Reading, PA area, give me a call & we'll get coffee.



~Matt

 

[surfbeetle]

Look here, this was covered earlier in the month...

https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?t=142950

 

[MBreyer]

I knew I was overlooking a thread. Thanks!

 

[MBreyer]

On Edit, It's a 94 I'm buying.

oops.

 

[Forrest Nearing]

is this dealer a personal friend?

 

[MBreyer]

Nope. Just has a lot, and sells a few on Ebay.

He seems honest, and has offered that I can walk if I don't like it when I arrive.



~Matt

 

[Forrest Nearing]

that's cool... it'd stink to eat a plane ticket, but if you've got a good gut feeling, go for it!

 

[Signal73]

Where abouts in CT? Wallingford by any chance?

 

[MBreyer]

It's near Hartford- that's where I'm flying into, & it's supposed to be 5-10 minutes from the airport.



~Matt

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

Fix the killer dowel pin and the exhaust manifold has almost certainly shrunk and mounting bolts are bent. Ears may break off the head. . . get a 3-piece manifold.

 

[Forrest Nearing]

125k is nothing... had trucks well over 250k, and the stock manifold is fine... 95 doesn't make much heat

 

[MBreyer]

Thanks for the info guys, it's all appreciated.

My 01's got 195k on it, It's an awesome truck. I think it'll take a bit to get used to a truck with 1/2 the HP. LOL



I'm trying to avoid thoughts of BOMBs right now. First thing is making it run it's best, then start paying for itself... then adjusting the preformance.



~Matt

 

[BTighe]

i would also adjust the valves. ill post a link for instructions.

 

[BTighe]

http://dodgeram.org/tech/dsl/valve_adj/12_valve.html

hear ya go

 

[Turbo Thom]

I just bought me a 94 and the first thing I did was the KDP. I't had moved about 1/16 of an inch. But 5 cover bolts were removed by hand, and that was an awful oil leak. I would check or replace the brakes, at least flush the brake system. Mine was black, that's age and heat. My truck needs a lot of work, but that's where I've started.



I bought mine to build a race truck, so I'm going in a different direction than you.



. . Preston. .