Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Newbie going to look at a 5.9 and have some ???

MMckeen · Jan 19, 2005

This is my first post and I later I will transfer most questions to the conversion forum.

This seem to be a great site so far! Been lurking around lately.

Anyways, I have a 1991 Chevy 4x4 Crew Cab I want to do the conversion into. I am COMPLETELY new to diesels!! So I am sure I will have LOTS of questions!!!!!!

I found a complete 1994 Dodge 2500 with the 5. 9 in it. It is a 2wd truck (I dont think that matters?). The truck was hit on the drivers door HARD and the transmission is busted. Not sure what else.

I am going to check it out tonight. From what I am told, a complete truck is the way to go, as everything will be there.

Can you guys give me some things to look for to make sure the engine, etc are good? It has 200K on it and was owned by 'an old fart' who took VERY good care of the truck supposedly.

Oh and the truck was a manual transmission.

My main concern is any engine damage that may have occured. What is the likelyhood of that happening in the accident. No fire or anything. Basic damage was drivers side, a little of the front fender and a little of the bed. . basically right though the drivers area.

Any info/advice is appreciated. Oo.

Joe G. · Jan 19, 2005

With that hard of a hit I would look for cracks around the motor mounts. Also any cracks around transmission attachment to the engine. These engines are pretty tough so I don't think any other thing could have been damaged.

Almost forgot. Welcome to the TDR!!

MMckeen · Jan 19, 2005

Thanks for the tips. Obviously I'll check oil, etc. He said there is oil underneath from the transmission braking. He doesnt know to much about trucks, other than he needs to get what the tow company/impound charged him. It was his dads truck and his dad died in the crash.

MMckeen · Jan 19, 2005

Oh and thanks for the welcome!!!!!!!

MMckeen · Jan 20, 2005

Well I went and looked at the truck last night. The guy hadnt looked at it very close. I didnt get there until after dark which sucked, frickin traffic. Not a straight panel on the truck! It was hit good. jetta went right UNDER the drivers side and if you are looking at it from above, it looks like this )

Guy was cool as hell. Gave me some tools to get the hood open etc.

Everything was broken at the mounts. The transmission was busted at the VERY end where the transmission bolted to the crossmember. When the crossmember buckled, I guess it pulled it down and it just busted. Not sure, but it looks as if you could just replace that end housing where the 6 (or so) bolts are. Its just that end piece.

The engine was laying a little crooked in the engine bay I looked down at the mounts and I was like DAMN!!! the engine is cracked... then I got a better look. The motor mount cracked, NOT the engine. The mount is still bolted to the block It cracked right where it meats the motor mount goes and meets rubber part that attaches to the frame.

Oil looked GREAT. New filter, etc. The guy said he has owned it since it had 17K on it and his dad planned on getting a million miles out of it, so it was taken care of... . his words were 'you know how old people drive'

It did have the 'normal' oil residue on the oil pan, etc... but I guess that can be expected with 200K on it?

As far as the turbo... I dont know a whole lot, hardly anything. It had a little surface rust on the housing... big deal?

I didnt really know what else to look for.

I have pics, but wont be able to upload them until tonight when I get home

Everything in the engine compartment was in tact and all there. the engine was sitting a little crooked from the broken mounts.

All of the wiring looks great, even under the dash... it didnt get hit where the wiring was.

He said to think about it and he wont do anyting with it until he hears from me by Friday (it was late and he wanted to go to bed ).

So watcha think? From the searching I've done, it sounds like anytime you can get the whole truck, its worth it alone, even if the truck is totalled this bad?

Joe G. · Jan 20, 2005

That sounds like a deal to me.

MMckeen · Jan 20, 2005

Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Newbie going to look at a 5.9 and have some ???

2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission What years did they add X-tra doors?

2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Front end troubles

MMckeen

Joe G.

MMckeen

MMckeen

MMckeen

Joe G.

MMckeen

Similar threads

Turbo Diesel Register