Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Thinking of buying 96??

[chopperman]

I'm thinking of buying a 96 with 213,000k on it for my son . It needs pretty much a whole knew front end,it tends to wonder around on the road, I don't know that much about it's history but the guy said he changed the oil regularly. He is the second owner. I know about the killer dowel pin I'm not sure if it's been fixed on not. Engine runs strong no smoke (oil) eighter. The engine is slow to fire but I think thats bad batts. The rest of the truck has some minor flaws superficial but can be fixed. Not sure if it was rode hard and put up wet?? What should I look for to make up my mind?? Also I have no idea what the parts would cost for repairing the front drive train. I just want it safe for him . Please all responces would help. Thanks, Brian

 

[Skydiver]

Please give us more details. 4x4,,2x4,auto,manual. 2500 or 3500.



Sounds like a 4x4 thats been lifted.

 

[chopperman]

sorry guys the truck is a 96 4x4 auto 2500 the trany has been rebuilt and seems to shift very well no fluid underneath eighter. Thanka brian

 

[Grizzly]

Has it been wrecked? Has it been in a flood?Any major engine work. Have the electrical system checked out.

 

[Missouri Mule]

Though it could be caused by other front end componennts a bad track bar is usually the cause. Turn the wheel side to side an watch the track bar at the frame side and see if it pulls away from the bracket if it does it is bad.



There are quite afew aftermarket track bars but the Thuren track bar seems to used by most members.

 

[BSMcCauley]

I've rebuilt mine with track-bar conversion kit, adjustable track bar, and adjustable lower control arms from Solid Steel (Solid Steel. biz). Also, a while back, the right side ball joints were replaced with an adjustable model (factory ball joints are non-adjustible). Very little wander now. Solid Steel also has a DSS kit to support the steering box output shaft and stiffen things up even more.