I'm looking at a 96 Dodge Ram CTD ex cab with 188,000 and a 5 speed manual trans. I know very little about what to look for and what questions to ask the seller so any help will be appreciated. It appears that the Cali emissions testing will be for 98 and newer models so this truck won't be involved. I have to drive for over an hour to see the truck in person and drive it so give me a list of things to look for and questions to ask. Thanks

 

welcome to diesel bombers and make sure and ask about service records and any other repairs that might of been done look at tires for wear check for steering stabilizer thats just a few i am sure you will get more responses

 

Ask about the KDP, See if it has gauges. If it does ask what has been done like fuel plates, AFC tuning, Injectors. Really other than the KDP and the suspension the other stuff is going to be cosmetic. If the wick has be turned up check the clutch out. Oh ask about the 5th gear nut if it has been fixed.

 

kdp is the killer dowel pin

 

Thanks guys! Where is the Kdp located? (I was going to ask what the kdp was monster12valve, )

 

kdp is located behind the front timing cover

 

How about the 53 block issue? Is the 96 year model effected?

 

i dont believe that year is the one with that issue!

 

look for leaks, and look at front tire wear closely, the front end isn't cheap to go through. KDP and 5th gear nut.
make sure the seats aren't fat old man broken down, which seems to happen to the dodge seats a lot. see if the cupholder is broken. thats all i can think of for now.

 

No need to worry about the 53 issues with a '96. '98's are the only 12V as far as I know that can have them and they aren';t a huge concern with the 12V trucks anyway.