1996 Dodge 12V.........I'm Lost!!!
 

Having to look for a replacement for my 99' 24V, thanks to a drunk driver. Actually thinking about a 96' 12V. I don't need a powerhouse diesel, but better than gas. What would a "fair" price be for one w/ 218k miles. I know my way around a wrench fairly well, but never have had experience with the mechanical side of a 12 valve. What do I need to look for, as far as issues go with these? Minus the injector pump and lift pump on the 98.5-2002, are the 2nd Gen. truck pretty reliable? I need all of the help I can get.

Thanks

they are some of the best engines out there. i have a list of my favs and a 12 valve is way up on the lis right next to the 300 six. that said there is always things that fail or wear out. its still and engine with almost a 1/4 million miles on it. check compression, smoke (colors), has any upgrades been done to the truck and has the previous owner""s supported these mods, head studs, trans upgrades ect ect, transmissions fail auto and 5speed, (a co worker just granaded a nv4500 cruising down the interstate in a 98, the truck is barley turned up and he is very easy on it... couple grand to fix) brakes and steering are pretty big fail/wear points in these trucks. i love my old truck but i have the hood up every weekend messing with something. there is always a leak or a squeak that is driving me nuts. i personally enjoy tinkering and spending some of my pay check making this thing my truck. i also have another vehicle that get twice the mileage as my diesel, that i almost never have to touch with a wrench. a diesel can morph into a toy very quickly.:c:

I understand all of the above mentioned. That's why I don't quite understand these trucks bringing premium money.......still! I know Cummins make a fine motor......period, but they didn't make the front suspension, transmission, transfer case, rear end, etc. Whether it's 150 or 350k, it's still a lot of miles on a truck and I'll not pay what some of these guys think they're stuff is worth. It may be to someone, but not me. The one I've found is SOLID, straight, zero rust, new paint (2 yrs. ago), interior is pretty good, the bed's not beat all to pieces, and the guy wants $8k. I don't think it's a steal, but is it fair?

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........and by the way, Ford really screwed up when the 300-6 was discontinued. As good a motor as you could want.

$8k isn't bad. Depends on location, but in my area 8k is pretty average. I'd say go for it, on the breif description you provided for the truck.

I stole mine at $5500.00 .... LMAO !!!!


of course i pointed out every drip,leak and such .. so it was 7250 ... not gonna happen here dude ..... so he made me a deal even i couldnt say not too ... even the wife said buy it quick !!!!

now she loves it but the steering as mentioned needs some attn .. new exhause ( done) new manifold (done) new TC (done) .. all perks of having a great boss to allow me to use shop ... oh ... and Pinion bearings ( done) - Dana70 )

I bought a '95 12v with 130000 the owner was an old man he use to feed his cows with has a few dings the radio dash lights and fuel gauge don't work but everything else does for twelve years the truck was sitting in a barn the man said he would start it once a year I paid 3500 for it it started rite up in cold morning it spits out a lot of white smoke but once it's warmed it's runs like a champ and doesn't use a drop of oil besides front wheel bearing and ac condenser I havnt had to work on it it's a good old solid truck. I'm pretty sure it was a once in a life time buy

because they are the last of the mechanical's and are by far and away the HP kings.
and every kid in the lower 48 wants one to blow smoke, that always helps the used market.

i bought my 95 4x4 from the original owner with 52k on it for $8800 5 years ago

I got mine for 10,000. but it wasn't at a 100,000 miles yet when I bought it. And she is still a good strong running truck today.

paid 3 grand for mine with a blown auto tranny. once the manual swap is done I'll be into it for 4500. 500,000km.
I think I overpaid. :D