Diesel Bombers - possible cummins owner

Hey dieselbombers,

I am a college student down in Las Vegas. I like to go ride , fish, and (try) keep my 85 MR2 running (as a commuter.) Everything that requires a real truck. I currently own a chevy 4.3 silverado with TBI. I originally bought it thinking it would get better MPG than a v8. Now I am wishing I got a v8 as they get just as good if not better mileage. So now instead of dumping money into the chevy to keep it on the road, I want something that will last and be worth investing money into. So after a little research I think first gen w250 will be perfect for me. It will be better on gas (at least 4-5 mpg) and be able to tow at least 3x as much. I like that first gens seem to have less computer junk making easier to work on. I want to be able to fix anything to my truck it needs.

There is a 1990 on another forum (wanted to post on another forum to possibly avoid biased info). The truck is very clean. It has the getrag, less than 175k miles,HE341 turbo with wastegate welded shut, piped, gauges, gov spring, first gen inter cooler, 6 inch lift, 3.07 gears. It has all the mods I would want on a truck. The owner wants close to 10k for the truck. The truck is about a 1000 miles away. Distance for a truck that will last me forever isn't a big deal to me. The current owner says he has driven it on a couple 1000 mile trips since he has owned the truck. One of the trips he was even towing a 15k trailer and averaged 14mpg (which is what i get in my chevy not towing). He says that in the 2 or so years he has owned it the only thing it has needed was the waste gate welded shut and a new starter. I just think it is wierd that guy would buy a truck and make it look perfect to sell it. My answer I came up with myself is that the guy is just one of those guys who likes a project and when the project is finished its time to start another.

Do you guys think it sounds like a decent deal or not? Is there anything I need to be wary of when buying a first gen cummins? I have read to check for smoke under the oil cap and for bubbles in the radiator when its being started. Before I buy the truck I plan to drive it around for a while and get it up to highway speeds and then check for leaks after driving. This truck has to make it on a 1000 mile road trip home. I only have one weekend to fly out and get it home being a student. So breaking down on the road half way home would really kill a wet dream. Since I have found this truck it is all I can think about.

All advice, comments, input, ideas, slamming, what ever floats your boat and is related to this truck and or cummins in general is welcome and truly appreciated.

lvrider