Looking to come back to Dodge... some questions

[Intelman34]

I used to own a 1999 2500 Ram with the Cummins but was disappointed by the lift pump and VP44 issues on that truck so I sold it in about 8 months.



I am currently looking at a 1992 Reg Cab 250 4x4 LE (automatic). It has 140,000 miles on it which isn't all that bad and was used as a farm truck.



Here is the listing: http://www.getauto.com/autolinks_cardetail.html?x_dealer_id=AAFQ0&vinNum=1B7KM26C0NS583367



I just need a winter driver and something I can count on day in and day out. I really want to spend some time looking at this truck, but is there anything in specific I should look for?



I have the figure of $4,500 in my mind.



Thanks TDR for the help and I hope to be a Dodge owner soon!

 

[Greenleaf]

You will probably be looking at $5,500 or better for a 4X4 if your a serious buyer.



Test drive and look at the following while enroute.



Speedo op

Cruise Control op

A/C Temp

Steering



Check the steering Gear Box mounting for cracks. Check the coolant bottle for oil. Check the oil fill cap for white foam. Check under the engine for leaks etc. Check the rear diff. for oil leakage at the pinion and brake drums.



GL

 

[1stgen4evr]

140k

My seat at 360k doesn't look that bad. It may be actual mileage but it has been rode hard. Don't forget to check blowby. Paint looks normal for a 92 sit outside truck. Farm service can be pretty neglected overall. Look carefully at all the things you know to check. Read the frequently asked questions and that will get you started with the problems these trucks typically have. Keep in mind that this truck is NOT going to ride like you later model. It has a basic brick sort of ride.



But a reliable winter ride it can surely be. I know of trucks that have sold less and more. Offer less than you think it will sell for in any case and work from there. DO expect to make some repairs. I think that the membership will confirm that you can make these trucks run as cheap as anything on the road. Now, bombing, that is a different deal altogether.



James

 

[tugboatphil]

Brandon,



I don't know your age, but the ride will be considerably different than what you had. I had to upgrade to 2nd Gen seats. The ones I had were killing me on long trips.



Look at the fasteners on the pump top and injectors to see if they've been taken apart before. Good luck and hopefully Welcome Aboard!!

 

[RailroadJim]

There's a truck i was looking at in Wisconsin at dieselram.com 92 inter. club 4x4 grey/silver w/93,000 miles and a creampuff and i mean creampuff! the bed was hit on top and the owner is keeping the money and selling the truck as is, just needs a complete bed, tailgate etc. . he may still have it and i think the price is more reasonable than you think, if interested his name is Jim 715-635-6006 or 715-635-2279

 

[Intelman34]

I am planning on going to take a look on Tuesday. I have been emailing the dealer as I am 130miles away. They said the 4x4 works fine, the A/C is still cold, the trans shifts solid, and it doesnt leak anything. I have fired off about 6 emails a day to them. I am honestly suprised they are answering everything.



I am not too worried about ride or comfort. As long as it runs great, I am happy.



RailroadJim... thanks for the info. Do you have any pics? I'd like to see how bad off it really is.



Now I just need to get it below $4,000 (my "ideal" budget for a winter/daily driver)



I can't wait to be back behind a Cummins Oo.

 

[TKingsbury]

Give a look-see at that parking brake, the pedal is tied up in the pics. Looks like a shoe lace? Give it a good once over to look for other "repairs". If there is anything funky, talk em down. They probably gave less than 1K for it, lots of wiggle room no doubt. I'll give an interesting example. When I was looking for a truck, my uncles neighbor traded in his 93 club 4x4 5 speed for like $1,500 (wish I'd known about it). After the big lot sells it at auction, I see it at a small dealer with fresh paint (decent job) listed for..... get this... . $12,000!! So just imagine what they gave for that truck, and it doesn't look like they've done anything to it.

Travis. .

 

[Intelman34]

Good catch on the shoelace. I will ask him about that.



The more I think about this truck, the more I think I should wait for another to come up.