Hi All,

Tomorrow i'm going to look at a 97 CTD with the 5spd tranny 4x4 standard cab long bed i would appriciate any advice on "trouble" spots on the vehicle, it also has 153,000 miles on it, what mechanical issue should i look for with that many miles (i know the CTD will be fine, the engine will long outlast the truck, and sorry for all the typo's i have in here)

Thanks.

 

If it were me going to look at the truck I would ask them for the trucks records. If the oil wasn't changed and other normal maintance wasn't done I wouldn't touch the truck. If they couldn't show me records on the truck I wouldn't touch the truck.

Just my opion.

 

Thats a good suggestion, i've bought my share of Beater trucks and i'm tired of it ;D any mechanical problems or anything thats just normal Facotry bugs?

 

With that many miles I would look at my steering linkage and U-joints closely. The brakes and engine hose’s and belts also. But if that engine has been taken care of you will have a nice truck. Just for my own curiosity how much in the truck running?

 

ASKing price is 12,995, dont know if that is too high or what but around here first gens are going for about 7k obo

 

Look at general overall cosmetics, steering slop or lack therof, front tire wear, oil leaks, and interior condition. Ask for records, pull the dip stick and note the oil level and condition of oil. Clutch engagement and trans noise or lack of again, and brake performance. Does it go down the road straight or pull to one side. Mods if any performed by competant person(s).
I just bought this 1994 truck for my son in Arkansas. We gave $10k for it and it have more stuff on it that I can remember. Ran 361 and 746 on the dyno last week end with 217000 miles on it.

https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/....php?album=423

Good luck.
dieseldude4x4

 

You would not give anything near that asking price if it was a gas rig would you? That says the alot about the value of the engine in it,with that said some people will take advantage of that history,and will abuse the truck with lack of maintanance and such,so as the guys stated above go over it with a close eye,take it for a very very long drive,go somewhere and lock the 4x4 in and try it,take the vin number and run it thru the local dodge dealer and see what has been done to it,as far as maintanace,recalls,warranty work,they will pull it up for you free and it will tell all that has been done to it from any dealer.If they have junk filters on it run away.If it is a one owner and he tells you what oil and filters he has used,use that info to help your decision. Goodluck Rick

 

I also did forget to mention that this is from a dealer. One of the main reasons that i am going down is because they are offering a 3month, 3000 mile warrenty on it which tells me with it being a 97 it should be in pretty good shape.

Shouldn't hurt to atleast go and look at it ;D

 

Let us know how it goes, Goodluck Rick

 

kdp....U-joints for sure....brakes....leaks are another big thing...good luck...trading your truck?

 

Went and looked at it, its pretty decent truck dont really have time to tell everything about it right now, prob after the weekend i can update everyone on whats what ;D

 

Records are like gold! With 150k and standard cab you could ask for 11k.

Check front end "wander", abnormal tire wear, oil, hoses and belt condition because good indicator of care. Try out the 4X4 in Hi and Low on dirt or snow.

I love my 97 and glad I bought it! ;D

 

Have them pull it in the shop and put it on a hoist and "show you" a front end inspection. And take a look under the the rig for leaks, rear main, tranny out put shaft, axle seals, etc. If they want to sell the truck there should be no problem with a hoist inspection.

 

Well, I've kind of decided against going after this truck, They have no records on the truck at all, its running a fram oil filter, been a quart low on oil, oil does look good on it. They did have a hitch on it but took it off. I Wasn't able to take it on a test drive be neither me or my buddie is 21 so they wouldn't let us take it :-[ .

That and the ultimate reasoning is I could barly afford it right now but really i think i'll save up and just get what i really want (which i'm not quite sure what it is yet ;D )

 

Good idea to pass on it. Fram is no good for our trucks.

Keep looking and you will find what you want. Srigs