Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Questions about 12v trucks

[Diesel Gopher]

I am looking at a used 12v, 2500 reg cab 4x4 5spd w/ 133k on it. Truck appears basically stock, no guages, stock exhaust etc. I want it for a work/ plow truck. I have only owned 24v trucks, but found this one in my price range, and I have several questions:



1. What, if any, are the typical problems with these trucks? Dowel pin? fuel pump(s)? 5th gear nut?



2. What can be done to these motors for bombing? Nothing huge, just a little extra fun for towing 4-6000 lbs semi-regularly.



3. Anything else anyone might want to add about the 12v trucks.



I am hoping to take a test drive on Wed. , I will keep you posted.



Thanks in advance



Matt

 

[ndurbin]

1. dowel pin and 5th gear nut are the 2 major ones

2. torque plate would be the easiest I would imainge beside BHAF and straitpiped exhaust.

3. have the timing checked and adjusted



Nathan

 

[Lsfarm]

12v performance

Hello Matt, welcome to the TDR



We can help you better if you fill in your signature: go to the discussion forums menu above, click on user panel, and then edit signature. Let us know where you are located etc.



By far the most important 12v item is the Dowel Pin [KDP]. Make sure you look at the front of the engine behind and under the fan pulley/bearing/mount. If the dowel pin has let go it usually breaks the aluminum housing behind the fan mount and causes a serious oil leak. The repair for the broken housing is extensive and expensive, somewhere between $2-3000 .



The fifth gear nut comes off and the shaft that the gear is pressed onto gets worn, needing a fully splined mainshaft gear and nut replacement.



Hope this helps with your purchase.



Greg L The Noise Nazi.

 

[Dave Remillard]

I would consider the #10 plate, 3 K govenor spring kit, set timing, BHAF, and best part is to call Piers and get advice on where it should all be set at. Piers has the GSK and cam plate at as good of a price as anyone else. You simply can't go wrong with his advice either. No association with Piers other than just one satisfied customer.

 

[Diesel Gopher]

one more thing

forgot to ask this, by 95 this truck would have a NV transmission right? (as opposed to the older getrag)



Thanks for all the helpful replies.



Matt

 

[Forrest Nearing]

yes, nv4500

 

[Diesel Gopher]

Update: I drove the truck, I wanted the truck, the guy who test drove the truckthe night before I did picked up his new truck a few hours after I drove it. DOH!! Timing is everything and mine usually sucks. If anyone knows of a 12v 5spd reg cab 4x4 please email me @ -- email address removed --.



Thanks again,



Matt