Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) looking for a 12 valve

[SEmerson]

I am looking to buy a 12 valve. I have found a 4x4 auto 3500 12 v with 140K in it. It is a pretty loaded but cloth seats. It has brackets for a slide in camper and seems stock. the asking price is 17800. the dealer knows nothing on history. But all seem tight and runns good.

What should I look for? Any advice? I currently have a 2001 3500 which I will keep.



Also do any 12 v come with quad cabs?

 

[98rammer]

the 98 12v came with quad cabs (a fairly rare truck too!). 97 and below had extended cabs. advice? check everything. check to see if paint is gone on the motor (mods) and simply look at the obvious. look in the door panels-if they're clean then it's probably been meticulously kept throughout. the rest is the basics of how well the mechanical side of it is.

 

[CumminFast]

I would check to make sure headgasket is not leaking. The '99 I used to have leaked antifreeze, and the one I have now used to leak oil. They like to leak near the front where the alternator is. Check antifreeze level. When you crank it look for white smoke. See if 5th gear is making any funky noise. I would really dog it out as far as the rpms go. Does it have any type of hitch? I am not a mechanic by no means, but I have learned a couple of things by buying three used CTDs.

 

[Deezul1]

Slide your hand between the cab and bed and feel the cab to feel if the paint is smooth or rough, if its been repainted it will be rough back there.

 

[SEmerson]

Thanks for all the info. I well be looking at it again tomarrow and will probley make a offer. Then I will have to be in 12 and 24 forums. Sounds like a secound learning experance.

 

[Cummins Cowboy]

I think the main thing i would check Is the trans fluid. Check to see what the color looks like and if it smells burnt or not. That is the expensive thing that could get ya 3-4k if it goes out. Depending on the year of the truck I would also get the kdp fixed asap later model 12 valves seem to be more prone to this problem. Then if you get the truck change all fluids