ive been lookin at a 98.5 cummins and wanted to kno if theres anything i should watch for. ill take all the help i can get since my last truck turned into a money pit real quick. thanks

 

If you're looking at a 24v, make sure it hasnt been modified too much. Look at the pump wires and make sure they havent been all hacked to add some sort of tuner. The more stock, the better. Check the normal stuff, ball-joints, 4 wheel drive, all electrics,etc.

 

Tie rods, and trac bar too! Also when you drive it, hammer on it to see if that tranny slips at all!

 

Tie rods, track bar, carrier bearings, u joints, listen for any ticking noise in the Valve Cover. Bump the starter to see if the Lift pump is working or take it to a mechainc and they can pressure test it. Check for play in wheel bearing and the steering pump. If you listen to enough cummins you can tell which ones are tired and which ones still got life left in them.
Id its an auto smash the gas at some point and see if it slips. and grab any maintaince record you can get you hand on.

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Also check the front cover gaskets, and take a good look for any leaks. if you find a leak give is a shout on here and give us a good discreaption and we can tell you what it gonna take to fix it.