So I have been pushing very very hard to find a 12v extended cab 4x4 with a 5 speed and I can't. At least not one with less than 200k+ on the truck or with in 300 miles of me.

So here is my question...
If it's a nice clean virgin truck, 150-180k on the clock, what are the potential problems I may run into buying w/o looking at it? It will be from a dealership (due to lack of credit history) but that doesn't mean it won't be a total bucket. KDP, boost leaks...?

The contractor I work for would be happy to give me a long weekend to drive it back as I'm sure I'll get stuck hauling all kinds of stuff once I have the thing.

I'm not a fan of it but I did buy a truck of of ebay a few years ago from a very well reguarded dealship w/ good results. However they were huge and I don't expect to find a 12v at a place like that.

I'm in western WA. If I can get all my money in place and the details worked out I should have enough to get the truck back from about 1000 miles away.
If I don't do this I'll look for a high milage dirtymax because the 24v units sound like a can of worms unless is high $$ low milage rig.
I'd appreciate any input you guys have to offer, thanks.

 

Any front suspension parts can be bad or failing, if it isn't leaking oil, I'd say the KDP is still in the case, but should be taken care of.

The only thing wrong with my '97 is a cracked dash...

Good luck finding one, you will love it...

As for the 24v's - they are a great platform, and most of the owners will back me up there... The reason you see so many problems on them is because you are looking for them...

I'd go with the 12, JMO

 

"Any front suspension parts can be bad or failing, if it isn't leaking oil, I'd say the KDP is still in the case, but should be taken care of."

hey DB. interesting statement...my '97 started leaking oil immediately after having my KDP killed. i know the guy put in a new oil seal and i have been assuming that he just didn't seat it properly. is there more to this?

also, good point on the front suspension. i have a 97 5-speed and the only costly repair i have had to deal with is the front end, but i had been pushing around 36x14.5 dirt tires with a not so great lift kit (PO)....waaaay too big for me. replaced them with 315's and gained almost 4 mpg, a much smoother ride, and i can turn my wheels all the way now.

other minor issues:
replaced:
overflow valve (precautionary)
lift pump
fuel lines, including elbow at LP

added a DSS (steering stabilizer) and psc power steering gear box (sector shaft was worn down on original) - HUGE improvemnt in steering

shutdown soleniod is screwy. need to take it out and clean it up, see what happens.

need new block heater

pass side power window switch not working

drivers side plastic door panel falling off

need gauges; seeing more black smoke than i'm used to seeing. maybe a boost leak somewhere?

not bad really for an almost 10 year old truck. i drive her pretty hard too; not so much towing but lots of steep, rough roads and hauling firewood and such...

hope you can find one. took me three years waiting before i got mine.

 

Could be runoff from the timing case cover being off...

And you could be 100% correct on the seal not being seated properly...

You will get another 5-10 years out of the truck if you want...

Great work vehicles...

 

I think if you settle for an auto you will have a much, much better chance finding a rig.
In the meantime join this group http://www.nwbombers.com/
an excellent group of folks the W. WA area that can help you immensely.

 

Thanks for the link. I will be sure to check it out.
I have found several autos but I just don't have the coin to build a nice one to take the power I'd like to make plus I like manual transmissions. The search goes on...

 

Cam,

I pm'd you about a truck...