Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Opinions Wanted

[KMahnke]

OK guys and gals. I need your help making an important decision on whether to buy a used Cummins Ram. Truck is a 1995 2500 long bed. 4WD slt Quad cab. Original owner, seat covers on it since new. Dana 80, 3:54 anti spin diff. Dana 60 up front. 5 speed manual . 154K miles. never had a fifth wheel or gooseneck hitch on it. Has air assist suspension in rear for a slide in camper. . 5K$ black paint job--body is immaculate except for tailgate (cable breakage incident). Rhino liner. Recent new evaporator & dryer. AC cold as ice. Radiator replaced a year or so ago. Front u joints also recently replaced. Owner has all service records. Original clutch. Only mod is a K&N filter in original housing. Cat and original exhaust still there and in perfect condition. Truck drives well. No pulling or wobble. Clutch feels firm and engages well. Tires are new E rated Michelins on stock chrome steel wheels. No brake pull.



My obvious concerns are the KDP and fifth gear nut. There is some evidence of oil build up on the front top of the timing cover but it looks like it has been running down from above the water pump. There are a few drops of oil on the front pan bolts but I can see no source of leaks from the front seal area. The bellows on the steering damper is deteriorated and oil soaked. It may just be time for a new one. The transmission shifts smoothly except for a touch of notchiness in second gear but that may just be me after driving an automatic for so many years. No unusual noises or vibrations.



Ongoing medical problems are forcing me to sell my current truck and get a handle on my finances. The owner has accepted my offer of $10,5 down from 12K and I need to confirm my decision soon.



Thanks

Kirk

 

[WaynesWorld]

opinios wanted

OK guys and gals. I need your help making an important decision on whether to buy a used Cummins Ram. Truck is a 1995 2500 long bed. 4WD slt Quad cab. Original owner, seat covers on it since new. Dana 80, 3:54 anti spin diff. Dana 60 up front. 5 speed manual . 154K miles. never had a fifth wheel or gooseneck hitch on it. Has air assist suspension in rear for a slide in camper. . 5K$ black paint job--body is immaculate except for tailgate (cable breakage incident). Rhino liner. Recent new evaporator & dryer. AC cold as ice. Radiator replaced a year or so ago. Front u joints also recently replaced. Owner has all service records. Original clutch. Only mod is a K&N filter in original housing. Cat and original exhaust still there and in perfect condition. Truck drives well. No pulling or wobble. Clutch feels firm and engages well. Tires are new E rated Michelins on stock chrome steel wheels. No brake pull.



My obvious concerns are the KDP and fifth gear nut. There is some evidence of oil build up on the front top of the timing cover but it looks like it has been running down from above the water pump. There are a few drops of oil on the front pan bolts but I can see no source of leaks from the front seal area. The bellows on the steering damper is deteriorated and oil soaked. It may just be time for a new one. The transmission shifts smoothly except for a touch of notchiness in second gear but that may just be me after driving an automatic for so many years. No unusual noises or vibrations.



Ongoing medical problems are forcing me to sell my current truck and get a handle on my finances. The owner has accepted my offer of $10,5 down from 12K and I need to confirm my decision soon.



Thanks

Kirk

Kirk,



The truck sounds nice. When buying used its always a shot in the dark. But this one sounds cared for. You can always get the KDP fixed. A good steam bath sounds in order. If a maintenance record is available, ask for a copy.

You are going to go thru the rest of the truck to bomb Oo. it. You will be starting with a good body. that is an advantage. Your money can then be spent on speed.

I like those tires too. Thats what I have on my 96.

Best of luck with your health.

WAYNES WORLD

 

[ndurbin]

I'd buy it.

 

[John - K5AWO]

That sounds like the best "used" truck I have heard of lately. '95 isn't that old and the milage is about right. From the description, the owner has kept it in good shape. I can't see why you should hesitate, go for it.

 

[Dbonzi]

I've got a 96 that is not in that kind of condition, with almost 200000 miles. And I wouldn't sell it for 10. 5

Not that it is worth much more than that but, I don't think I could find another to replace it.

Buy it and start enjoying that 12 valve sound.



Dennis

 

[Forrest Nearing]

killer deal... jump on it! (and tab the KDP ASAP )



Forrest

 

[KMahnke]

Well------It's in the driveway. Sweet I'll try and post some pics tomorrow.



Anybody need a good low mileage Duramax crew cab?



Thanks Guys

Kirk

 

[Forrest Nearing]

Anybody need a good low mileage Duramax crew cab?

nope...



but there are some people out there who'll WANT one!



good luck offloading the durapad for a good price. You're gonna LOVE the Cummins!!!



Forrest

 

[KMahnke]

Pics are up

Finally figured it out Oo.



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[RBratby]

thats a sharp looking truck. from the pictures and the way you described it it looks like you got one heck of a deal

 

[Neibe]

In 95 Dodge didn't make a Quad cab only a Club Cab.

 

[KYLE4]

well worth 10,5 you scored

 

[KMahnke]

Thanks Guys. Killed the KDP, resealed the timing cover & crank seal & replaced the valve cover gaskets when I adjusted the valves. Only leak is from a cracked drain plug--new one ordered from Geno's. Replaced mismatched 195* thermostat and installed pyro & boost guage today. Also new rear brakes and drums. Hawk pads on order from Geno's and the rotors need to be trued up a tad to clear up some slight brake pulse. Turned up the AFC starwheel a bit also and can build 25 lbs of boost! EGT's are low, hard to get em hotter than 1,000*. Next is a plate (#4tst), 3Ggsk + AFC springs. Oh yeah--got an appointment to get the cat neutered with a Jardine 4" turbo back system. Well gotta go to bed early tonight so I gan get up early and wash it again. Darned 'ol black trucks :-laf. Gotta pull the Hadleys off the Duramax too before I sell it. The more I drive it--the better I like it!

 

[WMonroe]

Sweet looking truck and it sounds like you got a great deal.

Will

 

[PUMPERDUDE]

Hey ,its not fair that you got your Christmas present early... I wouldn't sell my 95 for that And it needs a radiator and u-joints too :-laf :-laf... Don't you just hate a dingged up tailgate Oh well,ya can't have everything. Good luck with it.