Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) New Truck(almost)

[CAROLINA CUMMINS]

My family has been looking for a 12v for a while now, and I think we finally found a pretty good truck close by. Its a 98 12v QC LB 5spd 4wd. 224,000 It has 315's on it and the transmission has been rebuilt and the fifth gear fixed, new clutch, Amsoil all around, straight piped. The guy wants 12,500 which I think is reasonable, and my dad seems to think that is a good price. I was just thinking about stuff to look for, and was wondering about the KDP, and the 53 block. I was reading about the 53 blocks on 12v but didn't see anything about anybody having problems with the 12v 53's just on the 24v?

Should I be worried or not. ?



Do think 12,500 is reasonable? Any suggestions?



It will need some work with the track bar/steering.



Thanks, Steve

 

[WBusa]

224K on the Cummins is just getting broken in, but being a northeasterner I'd be nervous about a truck that had seen a quarter-million miles of winter road salt. But I see you're in North Carolina. If the truck has lived its whole life there(?), then rust prolly isn't a big problem.



The KDP is what it is... if the truck is running right and not gushing oil, then most likely the KDP has either been tabbed or hasn't fallen out yet. Checking it would be your first order of business after you buy. I wouldn't worry over this.



If it was me, I'd prolly scratch my butt, express a little concern about the 'high miles', offer him $11. 5K, and maybe let him talk me up to $12K. If its in good shape, I think $12K is a great price.

 

[CAROLINA CUMMINS]

It is in pretty good shape, besides normal wear and tear. I checked KBB and I think it was about 12,200. Interior looks good for 224,000 miles.



Thanks, Steve

 

[EBottema]

I would offer him 11k or 11. 5k dollars. 12,500 seems high to me personally.



Great truck though!!! I dont care for the rear doors and smaller back seat vs. the club cab but thats my own personal opinion.

KDP is a very overrated tale around here. I have never seen a 12v get bit with the KDP. I also know a guy that works for the school dist and he is a maint manager and all the fleet never had a problem, Takes a lot for that pin to come out, When you chance the cover seal or another repair, then do it but not a big worry.

I would be much more worried about the #53 block, doesnt matter if it is a 12 or 24 valve it could still be a #53.



erik

 

[CAROLINA CUMMINS]

Thanks,



I still would like to know if anyone has had a problem in a 12v with a 53 block. I could only find 24v owners that had any problems. Should I be worried if it is a 53?? With 224,000 would it have had a problem before now? Still don't know if it is yet.



Steve

 

[CAROLINA CUMMINS]

Well, my family is now one vehicle larger. My parents went and bought it today while I was at college. One of them told me that while they was filling out all the paperwork, somebody called and offered the guy 14,000 dollars for the truck! I think everybody wanted it and we got it. Only major problem that I can tell is something wrong with the charging/electrical system. Going to take it to college tomorrow and check it out.

I looked and the only number I could find on the block under the inj. pump was a "5" so we didn't get a 53.

The track bar is wore out, so I will probably get a Lukes Link to fix that. Is there anyway I can tell if the track bar is stock or not?? I want to make sure so the Lukes Link will fit.



Thanks, Steve

 

[WBusa]

Congratulations on the newest member of your family! Now make it a high priority to check the KDP and re-torque the gear-box bolts!!!

 

[BTighe]

Congratulations on the newest member of your family! Now make it a high priority to check the KDP and re-torque the gear-box bolts!!!

might as well grind on the plate a little too. sounds like a good buy. just saw one with 127k and the dealer was asking 18999.

 

[Boomer II]

There is no such thing as a fifth gear fix unless Quad 4X4's works. I've tried them all and lost mine for the 4th time yesterday with 25K on the rebuild with the "fully splined shaft". Now I'm assuming those parts were installed, I'll let ya know.

 

[CAROLINA CUMMINS]

Well, at college yesterday we determined that it needed a new alternator. And that cured the electrical problem.

It has a oil leak in the front, and before we bought it I checked and could find no cracks in the case, but I will take the front cover off to tab the KDP and put a gasket on the front cover, and new front seal.



Thanks, Steve