Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Help me decide

[mmayron]

I am really looking hard for a 96-8 12v for sale and finally found one about an hour away from home. I checked it out yesterday and it's a 97 ExtCab LB 5spd 4x4 w/ 92K on it. I looked it over really good and checked to make sure it wasn't the brazilian "53" block, about the only thing really wrong w/ it was the exhaust manifold had a small crack on the front side of it (can it be welded?) and according to the owner the brakes and clucth have never been changed. I talked them down to $16,500 beacuse of the brakes and a cracked windsheild but I wanted to get everyone elses opinion on it before I commited to this PP sale. I just called the dodge dealer to run the vin and it doesn't have a LSD rear eaither, how hard/expensive is it to add later.



This truck is nearly exactly what I'm looking for as all the miles are highway; it was used to get to work but now they have a company car. It's not beat up by any means eaither.



I was planning on BOMBing it pretty good so I was expecting to replace the clutch anyways. Does this sound like a good deal or should I wait for something else in all your opinions?



The only way this truck could get any better for me is if it had the quad cab (did the early 98 12v have it? or was it just the 24v?) or the over head compass. Everything else is powered so it's pretty much loaded.



BTW this is in the north western montana where about 75% of the CTD dodges are used for ranching and get beat up real bad so even though the Blue book is like 15K I don't mind paying a little extra for a commuter truck.



Please help me decide, I'm very excited (me yesterday after driving it Oo. ) about my first diesel but don't want to make a noobie mistake.



Thanks in advance,



-Mike

 

[WKener]

Well, first off: Welcome to the TDR!



-The exhaust manifolds have been known to 'shrink' over time, causing them to crack (and if not caught, they can break off bolts holding them to the head). So that should be replaced, not welded.

-Expect to change the brakes out soon, look and see what kind of condition the front rotors are in. Also look to see if there is any seepage around the axle seals (this happens). If so, you will need to replace those when you do new brakes.

-I am not sure how much it would be to add a new LSD, but don't add a stock unit, they are not too great.

-These engines are just getting broken in at 92K miles, many years of enjoyable service ahead, but that depends on the maintenance done since it was new. Can you find evidence of the oil/filter being changed regularly, fuel filters etc? Many people buy diesel trucks and believe they are invincible, and don't take proper care of it. Just make sure this is not one of those vehicles.



In my honest opinion, I would try to negotiate a little further, knowing that the brakes will need to be done, and a new exhaust manifold is in order. Other than that I hope you get exactly what you want out of it



Others will chime in with little things to look for that I have missed... Good luck.



Wes

 

[Todd T]

you might take a look at this https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=53581 from a TDR member none the less.



maybe you and Tstetson should talk



it sounds like a nice truck. I wouldnt fret over the mileage unless you dont plan to keep it long and will pack on tons more while you own it.



the manifold is common. a new LSD is pretty high though (for what they are worth). maybe a good time to put in a REAL carrier



Keep us posted

 

[FATCAT]

Sounds good ...

I tell ya ... I like mine a lot. Like WKener said, knock the price down a little more due to the items that NEED to be replaced.



My stock clutch lasted until 133K miles so you should have some life left in the clutch.



Good truck, simple to work on and speaking with the machanic that does some of the mods on my truck, the price of a well maintained 97-98 12 valver will most likely skyrocked in the next few years when people see the crap that DC is going to hoist on the public with the "re-designed" diesel trucks.



Soon I will have a PDR HX40 turbo, 370 injectors, and the 3K spring kit in my truck which will make her a far stronger and faster truck then any of the new 2003+ trucks that will come out.



If the truck is "nearly exactly" what you want ... get it. I don't think anyone will ever get exactly what they want unless buying new.

 

[mmayron]

Thanks to all who replied, I think i've decided to take it. Unfortunatly I can't talk them down anymore because 16. 5K is what they still owe on it. I don't think I'm really going to find anything much better especially from an original owner who put nothing but highway miles on it and these things don't really seem to be getting any cheaper.

When I got home from work today my local dodge sales guy drove by and stopped to talk. He asked me when I was going to trade in my firebird (ha! like that'll ever happen) for a truck because he had another person who wanted it. I told him to concentrate on finding me a 12 valver first. He said that the only one's they've been able to find are way too overpriced to begin w/ so they'd just have to pass the extra expense to me. Now if a dealer can't even find a decently priced one I doubt I'll have much better luck than I've already had. Funny thing though, he said every CTD dodge was going thousands over retail, yet the powerjokes were about 1000 under. I asked about the chevy's and he just laughed and shook his head; said he'd consistantly seen the 6. 5's for 3000 under retail.

So anyways between you guy's not snearing at the price and the talk I had w/ mr sales guy, I'm fairly confident I won't find anything much better if any at all.





Thanks again for everyone's input on the matter



-Mike

 

[illflem]

Go for it. Used CTDs here in MT are hard to come by, there's tons of them on the road but none for sale. Ranchers here have a habit of running equipment till the pedals wear off. That's why they buy a Cummins in the first place. Take care of the kdp right away.

 

[The patriot]

Around here anyway....

They'd be able to get a few grand more no problem.

If it's in good condition, I'd go for it.

Welcome aboard!

Eric

 

[WKener]

Keep us updated, sounds like you should get a nice truck out of the deal (I really like the config, reminds me of a truck that I know of )



Wes