Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Problems to expect/look for?

[cold Diesel]

Hi,

I am looking at buying a 98 12v with 130k miles on it. Are there any particular problems that I should look for or expect with these trucks? It is a quad cab 4X4 SLT 5spd, and seems cheap at only 11K? Checked and no accidents/salvage. Any input would be helpful.



Thanks

 

[wsmalley]

Some manually handicapped guys on here will have to chime in on transmission stuff to look for, but otherwise there are a few things to check.



1. There are all the usual used car checks: check all the seals in the driveline, look for seepage on the transmission and transfer case, shaft seals, differentials.



2. Ask if it has been used for towing and how much. Heavy towing can put a lot of strain on the truck.



3. Pull the airbox hose off of the turbo and check the shaft for play. if you can wiggle it around too much you might be about to lose a shaft bearing.



4. Ask if the Dowel Pin in the timing case has been fixed and check the bottom of the timing case for leaks. If it is not fixed, FIX IT. We can explain about it more if you need us to.



5. See if it smokes and what color: a little white/black on start-up and maybe some black smoke under low boost are normal.



6. Check for excessive wear, mud, grit, etc on the underbody to see if it has been used off-road a lot.



Otherwise drive it and ask a lot of questions about anything that seems unusual. I think I hit most of the high points, but if I missed anything hopefully someone else will chime in.



Will

 

[RVPILOT]

milage

I now have 524,000 miles on my 96 3500 and I would consider a truck with 130,000 miles hardly broke in and would buy one like that to replace mine so I could add another 400,000 without a worry. rvpilot

 

[Futures1]

Sounds like a great deal to me;

Hey Cold Diesel. . that sounds like a good buy to me if it meets the inspection described above by

wsmalley !!

I just purchased a 97 for 12k and I was happy to find it. In my area the 5 speeds are hard to find and the dealer knew it ( Mine does have less milage, 88K, but with care the diesels go and go. I have one with 325K and it starts and runs like a top.

Like my better half who seem to get better with age !!

You are gonna love your diesel !!

 

[TPCDrafting]

'98 12 valve QC 4x4 5 speed, that's the ticket!



With those mods, how much has it been raced?



Definitely check for leakage and get it fixed. Likely the front gear case cover seal is leaking, pull it off and tab the kdp at the same time. My oil pan gasket has also leaked and the rear pinion seal where the drive shaft goes into the diff.



Out of curiosity only, I'd check to see if it's a '53' block. You can read more about them in issue 40 as well as do a search on here. I have one, and am not worried, just going to keep an eye on it.



If your handy, you might check your 5th gear nut and keep it over 1700 rpm (?) in 5th.

 

[Hammer]

If its a properly valved truck(12) it will not have the "infamous 53 block" which the improperly valved(24) are seeing crack along the pan rail. If all the leaks are checked and none are detected drive it and see how the transmission shifts and the clutch operates. Alot of abuse will show when its driven especially if its clutch or transmission related. Take the vin number to a local dealer(looky there,I said dealer)and have him run it to see if it had any major warranty work done or any recalls are outstanding on it yet. Most will tell you,if not drop me a PM and I'll have my buddy do it for you.



If its at 11 large american and its a quad at that milage it is quite a deal. Most Quads with 12 valves around here will command more than that and with a stick,can you say show me the money. Hope you make the unwanted Ram find a good home... . Andy

 

[TPCDrafting]

I admit when I'm wrong, just ask my wife But at 7 am on a Sat. morning (this morning) I got out the dig camera and took these pics. It is of my '98 12 valve with an infamous 53 block.



Side view, shows quad cab and 12 valve signage

#ad




door sticker

#ad




definitely a 12 valver

#ad




under the truck, zoomed back to show where to look

#ad




up close

#ad

 

[cold Diesel]

Thanks for all the replies. I didn't buy the truck as it had several problems. It was a ST not an SLT and looked like it had been beaten with a hammer underneath Bottomed out on rocks?? I did buy a 97 SLT CC 4X4 5spd with 90K on it instead though. Nice truck!! Has power seats and the overhead console and all. Looks like new, never towed a thing, brand new tires and ball joints, and was only 12 500. I am happy for the weekend... ... . but now I have to learn how to bomb a 12V

 

[Futures1]

NICE GOING

Congratulations to you cold Diesel, sounds like you done good !! Lots of help and info available between this site, the Cummins site and the Dodge site, not to mention all of the links!! I'll be watching for you to change your Member name to "Hot" Diesel )