I am looking at a 96 ext. cab 4x4 5 spd and i was wondering if this would be a good buy or not? And also would like to know how much a complete cummins engine rebuild or overhaul would cost thanks!?

 

I certainly wouldnt pay much money for it. The engine is probably near a rebuild and at 390000 I would wonder what the rest of the drivetrain is like..... My guess is the truck was used for hotshotting at some point where it was driven significant miles quickly.... The rest of it could be in good shape, in which case you may want to look into a rebuild, if the rest of the truck is bad, I would leave it alone unless you just wanted it as a farm truck or something to beat up...


My $0.019
-Trey

 

Theres a guy on here by the name thumper 549, he rebuilt his engine he could tell you alot about a complete rebuild if your thinking of doing it your self. If theres nothing wrong with your turbo , IP, or anything like like that you could throw pistons, rings, bearings ,gasket kit in there and be done with it, you can do this without removing the engine. Or theres a few web sights that sell long or the short blocks if you want to take that route.

 

The engine may well be fine at that mileage if it was maintained well. I wouldn't exactly order the pistons just yet!

 

My engine is just fine at 335k miles. The problem I've had is the transmissions. The rebuilds on the market are trash. I'm on my 4th rebuild and it's time for another one. I may rebuild it myself this time. Just look for any gasket trouble, like the head, and enjoy the truck.

..Preston..

 

Check with one of the big tranny builders, DTT, ATS, Suncoast... Any of them should be able to build you a tranny that will take the power. A lot of locals rebuild with stock parts, which is fine for stock engines, but when BOMBed they are stressed beyond their already marginal durability, and just don't last.

 

looks like he's got a 5 spd. don't think any of the big name auto tranny company's do much with the 5 spd.'s do they?? only real fix I found was a conversion to a 6 spd.

 

DOes anyone know how much a complete rebuild would be ?

 

unless it has a bad bleed down test i wouldnt mess with it 390k is not in need of a rebuild. could have just been a commuter. my old job 70-90k a year without a trailer wasnt uncommon. If the engine doesnt have a miss, idles smooth, and the crank vent isnt excessively venting things are fine. 390k might be a ittle loose but we had several 5.9's with 600-800k on them without in frames just front and rear main seals every 150k miles, and a clutch and tranny here and there. A couple of those were in trucks that were gossly under powered for the weight they hauled. kenworths, F700's and a frieght and shake all with 5.9s and 7-9spd trannys and all pulling trailers and having airbrakes the frieghtliner had a tag axle and was licensed for up to 96k lbs with the pup behind it somehow it was closing in on 760-800k miles when i left and was still going but it needed injectors. the other trucks all were at the 600k mile mark and were being sold all had rough lives and were still quick to start and able to pull up the montana hills. We even had about a dozen dodges all at the 300-500k mark and they all had zero engine problems other than oil leaks from the rear main and occassional KDP

..... id do it what better truck to bomb. Cheap and well equipt D80, D60, manual tranny, simple wiring and a 12v with good p pump a pump that unless something strange happens is known to offer good service for up to and past 1million miles...............................

 

I'm with DDESTRUEL. These motors are designed for 800k+. You may be nearing the valve job time, but the bottom end should be good. Have it checked by a Cummins shop. Also check front suspension. Without seeing it, I'd go about $5-7k, more if it's in very good shape.

 

My neighbor who supplies and hauls rodeo bulls all over the country sold his '94 3500 with 425k on it a couple years ago for $2000. It looked like the bulls had their way with the body though.
The guy who bought it is still driving it around with no rebuild, says it uses about a quart of oil every 2000 miles.

 

thanks , ill keep looking into it right now i have a 95 reg cab with 160,500 miles on it .Really want a ext cab! thats mainly the reason i am selling. And had the transmission replaced and still has warranty on the tranny. The truck is basically stock accept fuel plate forward starwheel maxed and intake. The body is in great condition and the interior is great other than the headliner is falling. I am thinking of selling. If anyone is interested get a hold of me! i am located in southern ohio. If anyone has a 12 valve ext cab 4x4 for sale or trade also get a hold of me. thanks Clint