Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Questions about 97 that buddy is looking at

[Farmall Hauler]

Hello to all,



A buddy of mine is looking at buying a new to him, 97 2500 QC. 2WD, 5 speed manual. The truck has 87,000 miles.



Aside from maybe needing the clutch replaced at some point, what else should he be looking at when we go test drive it this weekend? This truck will be an only vehicle for him, so will see all types of driving conditions. He will not be doing any sort of bombing to it aside from opening up exhaust and intake.



Also, what remote car starters work well for this truck? This truck would sit outside, and not have the ability to be plugged in, as he lives in an apartment.



Any suggestions on this is greatly apreciated!!



Mark

 

[C Schomer]

As usual, see if they have maint. records and if everything was done on time. If it hasn't had the 5th gear problem yet, it could happen any time. The dowel pin repair, under the front engine cover is a must do, sometime too - before it's too late. Those were the big things for that year. It would be nice to get a stocker and not have to worry about someone screwing it up, doing bad mods. See if it has gauges - that's somewhat of a clue. Pull the turbo intake hose off and check for shaft play and cleanliness of the hose and turbo. A little up and down play is normal but should have no endplay at all. Of course, check brakes, oil leaks, signs of abuse/neglect etc. Ask what they used it for. 85k can cause a lot of wear and tear if towed heavy and/or neglected. Craig

Oh yeh - that truck had warranty TSBs for throttle linkage cables and the secondary hood latch. The linkage TSB was for severe bucking problems in some gears, the cables TSB for fraid wires and worn joints and the latch TSB for sticking and hood turning into a visual hazard !!

 

[JMauro]

in addition the the mentioned items could this truck have the problem with the check in the vacuum pump leaking oil back into the vacuum system (may ruin the cruise?)? the one i brought needed a wheel speed sensor, front seal, valve cover gaskets, KDP.

 

[Lsfarm]

Good advice

F. Hauler, the above advice is good, the most critical item is the KDP. This can be very costly to repair if the pin drops into the gears. The fifth gear problem is most common on trucks towing at low rpm's in 5th gear.



Do you know any history of the truck??



There is a Lower Michigan Meet and Greet in Adrian Michigan tomorrow. This is only 45 minutes or so north of Toledo. Maybe you can 'test drive' this truck up to the meet and have a few guys take a look at it for you??



Look in the local events forum on the TDR and you will find the info on the Meet and Greet.



Feel free to PM me for info.



Hope this helps, Greg L

 

[Farmall Hauler]

F. Hauler, the above advice is good, the most critical item is the KDP. This can be very costly to repair if the pin drops into the gears. The fifth gear problem is most common on trucks towing at low rpm's in 5th gear.



Do you know any history of the truck??



There is a Lower Michigan Meet and Greet in Adrian Michigan tomorrow. This is only 45 minutes or so north of Toledo. Maybe you can 'test drive' this truck up to the meet and have a few guys take a look at it for you??



Look in the local events forum on the TDR and you will find the info on the Meet and Greet.



Feel free to PM me for info.



Hope this helps, Greg L

Thanks for the offer. I'll PM you if we decide to head up that direction! It would be nice to put some faces to some names!



And, it would be a nice drive to see how she drives!!



Again, thanks!



Mark

 

[pwerwagn]

You can also look and see if the breakoff screw has been removed/replaced on the pump. That may be an easy way to see if has been bombed. My grandpa bought a 96 from the original owner, who swore it was stock except the jacobs brake. I was lookin the other day, and the breakoff screw was replaced. It had a #6 in it, and the owner recalled nothing of it??

 

[Forrest Nearing]

do the KDP on it...



he might want to spring for an exhaust brake if he wants it to have any chance of warming up in the mornings w/ that remote start setup...

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

Check for an oil leak at the front, beginning behind the fan hub. That would indicate the dowel pin came out and broke the gear case, an expensive fix. Check the exhaust manifold and the ears on top of the head for its bolts. The manifold can shrink enough to break the ears, usually #1 or 6.