so ive been wanting to buy a 12 valve for a while now, and i found a 96' 5 speed 4x4 at a local dealership for 4500.

they milage reads just over 300k.
before i take the plunge what are good thinks to look at to tell if this truck was ran like a god. i could care less about the interior cause im gonna replace it anyway, but what im really conserned about it the engine.

id appreciate any help ya'll

 

Check to see if the front cover, head or valvecover gaskets have been replaced (usually new gaskets will be bright in color), check for oil leaks or oil all over the boots etc... most importantly drive it and feel it. Thats the best indicator.

 

check afc break off bolt, and see if the cable across the plug has been cut. that will let you know if someones been in the pump. check the turbo for shaft play also

 

If you don't buy it give me he name and number of the place it's at. I'm always up for a road trip.

 

4500 seems a little high for a truck with 300k on it

 

i agree it is a little much. i gave 3500 for my 94 over a yr ago and it had just a little under 170k on it... what shape is the body in?

 

dealer wanted 4000 for my 12v around last christmas with 250x on the clock... engine was all stock... interior was beat up... body had a few scratches and dings for being a work truck with a flatbed....

talked him down to 3200... i would say i got a good deal but mine was not a 4x4


engine had oil leaks from vavle cover and front seal.... 50dollars and now it doesnt leak at all..

i was also searching for a 12v in the DFW area for bout 5 months and this was the only one being sold that wasnt at some outragous price (10k+)

i would talk them down and buy it.... heck i would probally buy it if they still didnt go down... but pics would be nice...

 

oil leaks are just like a pbj sandwich
you can't have a cummins that doesn't leak here or there sometime
i'd be more concerned with what i see when i pull the oil fill cap off
if it has excessive blow by there or at the breather tube
then make the call about what to do
check the dipstick to see the condition of the oil and how clean it is
then check the depth of your wallet and where you want to go
if you don't mind the work end i'm sure there are better deals to be had

just looked at an ad for a 94 for $1200.00 dollars (not running)
can you spell fuel solenoid?
maybe

bought a 95 4wd 47rh for $800.00
was a basket case when it came home
350,000 mile and runs like a swiss clock

just don't buy beyond you abilities to repair!!!!!!!!!
either money or personal skills