New Truck, Found a Rarity in Alaska

[KodiakTrawl]

Hello from Kodiak!

I've been searching for years; finally found exactly what I was looking for... In Alaska of all places! Was owned by the head mechanic for the Anchorage Police Dept. First time diesel truck owner, although I've run a commercial fishing trawler for the last 10 years, and done most of the engineering/electrical work.

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Flew from Kodiak to pick it up. On the ferry back to the island the next day.

Two owner, 1993, Auto - 131,000 Original miles. Body and frame immaculate... New tires, brakes, etc.

Typical oil leaks, flaked paint on 1/3rd of roof - rain gutter sealant over windshield and body is the only major issue that I've seen thus far; plan to reseal with 3M 5200 when weather allows.

I'll hold off to post any questions prior to exercising the search function - but I wanted to post a picture of the truck and get a thread going.

Seems like an incredible resource that's been assembled here, I look forward to using the forum.

Thank you,

Jake

 

[jgillott]

Wow. An incredible find. Congratulations.

 

[KodiakTrawl]

Tested 4WD last night; everything functions as it should.

One issue thus far has begun to surface - believe it's worn starter contacts?

Battery load tests OK (GRP 31) - had a no start condition the other day, tapped on starter body with hammer, turned right over. Subsequent starts have been sluggish, when compared to when I first picked the truck up. Am I on the right track?

Ordered replacement starter from NAPA; will order rebuild kit from LarryB if starter is indeed issue.

Thanks!

 

[BSeyler]

Tested 4WD last night; everything functions as it should.

One issue thus far has begun to surface - believe it's worn starter contacts?

Battery load tests OK (GRP 31) - had a no start condition the other day, tapped on starter body with hammer, turned right over. Subsequent starts have been sluggish, when compared to when I first picked the truck up. Am I on the right track?

Ordered replacement starter from NAPA; will order rebuild kit from LarryB if starter is indeed issue.

Thanks!

Don’t replace your starter if it is original! NAPA rebuild is of much lower quality. You likely just need a set of contacts from LarryB. Original starters usually will go many hundreds of thousands of miles.

 

[KodiakTrawl]

Don’t replace your starter if it is original! NAPA rebuild is of much lower quality. You likely just need a set of contacts from LarryB. Original starters usually will go many hundreds of thousands of miles.

@BSeyler Just ordered LarryB's contact rebuild kit. Should be here in 3 days.

That's also the conclusion that I have reached after a bit of research; I'd just like a definitive conclusion before throwing money at things...

From my research, worn contacts seem to be the issue? Would you agree?

- Battery Load tests OK (750 CCA for a 950 Rating)

- Slow Crank, had one "No Start" condition that was rectified by a light tap on the starter body

Here's a few more pictures - along with my latest boat project. Replacing the oil pan gasket on a 6 Cyl. John Deere generator. I sure hope these Dodge's are easier to work on...!!

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Here is the worst of the body rust; any suggested treatment?

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I sure hope changing an oil pan gasket is easier on this truck...

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[BSeyler]

I replaced the contacts on my 99 when it had about 125,000 miles. One was like new and the other was paper thin. The LarryB contacts have much more surface area, so I would expect more life. I sold it last spring with 230,000 miles - original starter with one set of contacts. I also rebuilt the alternator with LarryB parts. The worst part about the starter is getting it removed. I now have a lift and that simplifies things greatly!

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

Your exhaust manifold has probably shrunk lengthwise; get a 3-piece replacement. Contain the KDP and loctite the bolts inside the gear case. While the serpentine belt is off, verify smooth operation of the water pump and fan hub.

 

[Dan_69GTX]

What Joe said!

Nice truck - thanks for the pics - brings back many good memories.

Father-in-law sold his truck (2wd) in similar shape but 220K miles 2 years ago. Was an original AZ truck and he kept it in the garage.

 

[PKleine]

Nice truck! Those are hard to find in good condition.

 

[akbob]

......

 

[RSchwarzli]

Dang! Nice truck! And welcome to the diesel nation!

Robert

 

[KodiakTrawl]

At the local body shop; getting a spray in bed liner as well as some paint touch up.

Hope to have it back today - it's going on a week with no truck!

Have a replacement floorpan for the driver's side, hope to get to that by the end of the month.

 

[KodiakTrawl]

Got her back from the local shop!

Impressed wtth the job; now on to respraying roof and drivers floorpan crop and replace...

 

[CTaylor]

Nice looking truck. Is that actually a 350 or did someone change out the fender emblems at some point?

 

[Wayne M.]

Very nice. Reminds me of my old truck.

 

[KodiakTrawl]

Nice looking truck. Is that actually a 350 or did someone change out the fender emblems at some point?

Negative, it’s a genuine 350 - coming from a 4 Cyl Tacoma, this tides like a tank!

 

[Regcabguy]

No burgundy interior either. You scored.

 

[DonFitzwater]

It's always nice to see more Alaska folks on here.

 

[EDankievitch]

You really scored a great truck best of luck with it.

 

[ofelas]

Nice find; enjoy the new ride!