2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission The joy of letting someone test drive...

[rvaughn801]

This eBay seller had a potential buyer screw up his truck on a test drive:



1997 Dodge eBay Auction



The owner seems to know what he is doing around a 2nd gen: TPS bypassed, BHAF, torque converter mystery switch...



Questions:

1. Should one always (or never) go along on test drives?

2. The torque converter slips "if you get into the throttle too hard". Would that be like full throttle? How long can you go with a slipping transmission before a trip to Gorend is in order?

3. The owner seems to think the transfer case crack and (probably) mangled front driveshaft is about a $1500 issue (given the $1500 drop in reserve price). Is that about what it takes for these parts and labor?



It seems like a lot of truck for (the reserve) price of $5000, but throw in the need for a transmission and transfer case

 

[Flinty]

I always go along on test drives if the vehicle for sale is worth more than $500. I also need to see a current drivers license. If the buyer doesn't like it I'll be patient and find a new buyer, no amount of damage is worth not hurting someone's feelings.



As for the transmission, it could be days, it could be months. Bottom line, money will eventually flow from your pocket to fix it.



$1500 if you have good parts connections and will do the work yourself. I watched a program called mythbusters where they TRIED to stuff a drive shaft into a pothole. Talk about holding your mouth right. It was no small affair to get it accomplished. Lord only knows what really happened, and what it will take to fix it.

 

[Bob4x4]

Check pricing out here

http://www.transfercases.com/order.htm

And here.

http://www.dieseltrans.com/dodge/price_list.htm



I just paid $200 for a small Jeep driveshaft I am sure a new Dodge will be about double that.



Bob

 

[IC Smoke]

Im around 40 min away if anyone wants more pics, or someone else to testdrive it.



Ian Coleman

Hudson, MI