i am looking over this 12 valve 4x4 extended cab truck.
what do I look over to make sure things are in proper working order?
It is also an automatic an a 98.it has four doors!

the things i have in mind are checking for "53 block"
and water in oil or oil in coolant.checking fluid levels.

How do I test the 4x4 to see if is working properly?

how bout the trans?should the rpms rise when I touch the brake while pressing on the accelerator while up to speed?

thanks for any advice

 

i would check the afc to see if anyone has been into the fuel system by looking at the break off bolt on the front inboard bolt. for the 4x4 take it to some soft ground put in 4wd and spin the tires a little while lookin at the front to see if there pullen

 

take off the air intake tube that runs from the air box to the turbo and check for turbo shaft play... up down.. left right. check for leaks, check the front timing cover for cracks or welds or JB weld. check for any fuel alterations.. if there has been fuel alterations make sure there is a set of working gauges (egt is most important). just to name a few things..

 

also check for clunking in the transfer case if the tranny has been gone through what mods that have been done

 

check the trac bar on the front end for any play, this will cause THE DEATH WOBBLE!....

how many miles are on the truck?

 

there are about 230+k miles on the truck,or so it is claimed
thanks for the responses,keep them going!

where is the trac bar?

 

the track bar runs from the frame to the front axle stabilizing it left to right, IIRC it runs from the driver side frame to the passenger side of the axle, make sure there is no wiggle or play in the connecting ends,

also find out if the ball joints or hub bearings have ever been replaced. if so what brand was used, a "cheaper" brand will cost you more in the long run when replacing parts on the front end of these trucks. Moog is a good brand, Perfect Circle or TRW are the not so good brands.....

don't forget to check the tranny fluid, make sure it isn't dark red and doesn't smell burnt, at 230K+ if it is the original tranny then you are on borrowed time, if it was replaced hope that they upgraded atleast the converter....

 

check the wear of the tires.... you can tell alot by just rubbing the tire to be sure they are wearing properly.

 

Check the front axle seals. It is an easy check that will show you if you have a good weekend project or a few hundred dollars worth of work to do. If they are leaking, there is an obvious sign of fluid coming out and onto the inner hub area.
I second the wear on the tires checking. They do tell a lot and as you already know by all the posts above, the transmission is the main issue to check out.

Good Luck

 

Don't forget to ask them if the KDP (killer dowel pin)issue has been dealt with.