what should I look for in a used 1st gen?

[Beast2B]

I'm looking at a used '93 3500 4x4 diesel 5spd as a ranch/work truck. Give me some things to look for or look out for. Any help would be greatly appreciated. It only has 100k miles, but how can I tell if it was used or abused?

 

[KEENO]

Hey Beast!



Sounds like a great find already if you located a '93 W350 w/ only 100,000 on the clock!



My thoughts about buying a used First Gen would be to first ask for Maintenance Records if available. If not, often a general feel for vehicle care can be determined by the overall care & appearance of the truck.



Mechanically, the Bosch VE44 seems to need replacement/rebuild around 150,000 give or take. If the truck has been used for heavy towing the OEM Getrag transmission is suspect to output cluster failure. And lastly, the rear Dana 70 might need reshimming as the truck enters into the 150,000-200,000 mileage range. With the exception of the Getrag being the weak link in the drivetrain these other concerns are no different than the newer trucks as they age.



Overall, if the Cummins hasn't been BOMBed and the oil has been changed regularly... . I don't think the engine should be suspect of not being up to the task. Even if some minor BOMBing is in place... there's a proven path to making a First Gen run well and you can't deviate too far off track.



If it looks good, runs good & is priced right... I say go for it! There's plenty of help in the First Gen Forum to make it run well.



Tim "KEENO" Keen

 

[JFitzgerald]

Couple more...

A couple more things came to mind that I learned AFTER I bought mine a couple months back. Still wouldn't give it back though.



Steering box has tendency to leak at input shaft because of worn internal bushings. I really do not know how common this is, but others here have noted the same problem I'm having.



Pilot bearing can wear which allows movement of the trans input shaft and clutch plate. A *howling* noise on take-off will indicate this one. I plan to install a South Bend Clutch Kevlar pilot bushing.



If it is nice and the price is right, I'd get it. This is the first non-GM truck I have ever owned. I was taking a big leap of faith, and I love this thing! Good luck!

 

[Beast2B]

KEENO & JFitz

Thanks for the lowdown, I actually haven't seen the truck first-hand yet, but I don't want to appear too anzious yet! Friend of a friend deal, but I should see it this weekend. I'll be looking and listening as usual, but thanks to your input I'll have a couple things to pay closer attention to.

 

[F Simkowski (In Memory)]

As usual... KEENO and JFitzgerald. . good information!

Frank S.

 

[drives mopars]

93 theres more

rear axle seals leak needs shim

emer brake cable needs to be wire tired at shoes

water leaks in cab

steering shaft check

if 92 or 93 better cooling system

91's had poor rad design

back brakes need adjing every 3 months

check drivers and pass door hinges for

cracks at door bolts small but there are there

may need to weld.

power steering leaks check

brake vacuum booster may be bad

check if emer brake and abs ligs are hooked up

then chk to see if lights stay on- could be booster or abs ,

check for frame cracks p. s box and under bed



drive and chk for shimmy while under light braking

may need steering stablizer, also frt rotors

may need turning ,chk for brake pedal polsates

and if rear brake lock up .

over all a great truck , ive had mine 3 years

and 50 k also if 5 spd getrag

it will need to be replaced soon,chk 4 rebuild tags on it, chk rear end ratio best 3. 54

also see if factory overlAODS SPRINGS,

thats it bill

 

[Hutchew]

Don't forget the infamous cowl cracks........

Do a search for 'cowl cracks' in the first gen forum so you know what to look for... ... My 85 had 'em in spades... ..... pics on my website also, with front end off... ... No big deal to fix, but may be a bargaining chip in your favor if it has 'em. Good luck on the truck.

 

[KEENO]

Bill!



You're scaring me w/ you're list of potential problems!



Maybe I should sell my truck while it's still drivable!..... LOL!



Keeno

 

[drives mopars]

i listed a lot

yes i listed a lot but i did forget the cowl cracks

i still love the truck

i get a lot of looks w/ it iam sure the 2 gens

if closing in on 10 years old would too

have their share i just listed everything



i know that may be a problem not all wrong wth mine i picked up a lot here



bill

 

[Matt S]

Most of the parts listed are parts that wear with age and abuse. The list shouldn't scare anyone away from any of the years. Just areas to look at for negotiations.

 

[Beast2B]

My partner will have the truck for this weekend, so we should have plenty of time to check it thoroughly. Thanks for the help, and I found out it has only 80k original miles! I may become a regular on the first gen group, keeping my fingers crossed.

 

[JFitzgerald]

Originally posted by Matt S

Most of the parts listed are parts that wear with age and abuse. The list shouldn't scare anyone away from any of the years. Just areas to look at for negotiations.

I agree, Matt. As far as I know, no manufacturer makes a "perfect" truck yet, but the Cummins engine sure brings the Dodges closer in my opinion.