2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission New to this side

[MRosinski]

Howdy,

I sold my 05' , so now I'm looking to get a 96-98 12v 5spd. 4x4 3500. It would be great if you guys could give me some insight on what to look for. I know about the nv4500 5th gear, is block 53 a 12v thing or a 24v problem? My plan is to look for a bone stock truck, prefferebly with maintnance records(probably wont happen cause I never did that). Also what are some topics I should do a search for to educate myself some more about 2nd gens. w/12v's.



Thanks for the help in advance,



Mike

 

[WBusa]

My Top 5:



1. "Killer Dowel Pin" (KDP). Plenty of posts on this site to read on this topic. Try to find out if it has already been replaced or not. If not its no big deal... it's an easy fix (TST sells a nice fix kit)... but you'd like to know whether or not its already been done before you go tearing into your engine to fix it. If it hasn't yet been fixed, DO SO IMMEDIATELY AFTER BUYING THE TRUCK; if it fails on you, you'll be really sorry.



2. 'Quick disconnects' on the transmission cooling lines (for an auto trans). I don't know what year Dodge stopped using these POS connectors (my '95 had 'em). If yours has 'em you'll want to replace them; they leak, and they fail catastrophically.



3. Fuel lines. After a decade or so the rubber fuel lines will develop leaks. Its nice if yours have already been replaced. If not, it's just another job will need doin' someday.



4. Look under the batteries (particularly drivers' side) for corrosion due to battery leakage. Then replace those nasty old batteries with something what don't leak, like Optimas.



5. Death rattle. While test-driving a vehicle, try hitting as many potholes and railroad tracks as you can, at 50+ MPH, at different angles. If the truck feels like it will go out of control, pass on the deal. Making a death rattle go away is an art, not a science, and there are no guarantees.

 

[MRosinski]

I'm gonna look into #1 for sure, #2 dodent concern me, #3 wont be a problem since I rebuild machinery every day running tons of hydraulic lines, #4 definatley deserves some attention, and #5 is one of the reasons I sold my 05' so I know all the different ways to increase the chances of getting death wobble. Thanks for your input, and please keep em' coming.

 

[CFAR]

Welcome to the green side of the fence!

 

[WBusa]

Also maybe check the gear oil in the punkins, see if it has ever been changed. If the truck has aftermarket covers, like Mag-Hytecs, this is easy enough, since you have a dipstick. If not, you'll need the owner's permission to crack the covers. If the stuff looks like banana yogurt insteada oil, well, it has prolly gone 10 years without a change, which I would consider to be very bad news.



And also also: look for signs of rust/mold in the cab (the seat pillars and under the carpet), which indicates leaks. A leaky cab is a pain.

 

[McLaughlin]

Check the steering assembly pretty close. The 2nd gen trucks are pretty notorious for steering wander, worn out trackbars, and drag links.



Also, check the light switch pretty close. Those are know to burn out fairly often also.

 

[WBusa]

Still got your heart set on buying a Gen II? :-laf

 

[MRosinski]

Still got your heart set on buying a Gen II? :-laf

Oh yea Every truck has it's +'s and -'s. Just gotta balance em' out.



2007 CTD= Huge payments, engine waaayyyyyy to quiet(even w/7" stacks), bad ball joints, ect... ... .







1996-1998 12v ctd= Oo. Oo. , 7" bullhorns :--)



I'd say the 12v wins. :-laf

 

[WBusa]

You're right... I was just funnin' ya. The 12v CTD is a thing'a beauty alright. Always brings to mind the old sayin': "I bought me a Cummins and it came wrapped in a Dodge!"

 

[JGrover]

Still got your heart set on buying a Gen II? :-laf

Dont tell anybody, But I actually looked at the 3rd generation site for about 3 mins. YUK!..... Plug and play computer problems.

I sure love my 12V Oo. :-laf