I am looking for a truck for good transportation and later on some bombing. I am partial to diesel 4x4's other then that anything goes. I have read up on the second gens and see the 5th gear nut issue and it seems the 4x4 front suspension needs some upgrades. My questions are; Is there anything to pay particular attention to when test driving? Or when doing the lookover prior to purchase. Most trucks I have seen, have had about 250k+ on them, when is the usual time limit on the lift pump and inj pump? Thanks for your help.

 

The injection system is the best avaliable. 5Th gear failures show no prior signs of going, it just happens. Check for oil leaks up front(KDP) under side etc. the front ends are OK, The track bar is what fails. check the 4x4 for ops. everyone says the 94 to 98.5 are the most desireable.
250K is not a problem for the engine, everything else? it is just a vehicle, things wear out. Clutch, brakes, bushings, etc.

 

How can you tell if the "nut job" has been fixed on the trans?
Also do 1st. Gen and 2nd. Gen duallies use the same bolt pattern and center hole diameter rims? How about 4x4 v/s 4x2? My 1st.Gen is a 4x2 duallie, the 94 I am looking at is a 4x4 duallie.