Well, I think I've found a good candidate for the 5spd swap.

I checked it out today. Its a '95 or '96 2WD CTD, forgot to check for sure. It had oil all over the front of the motor, but that appears to be from a loose oil filler tube, near the elbow. Thankfully, not the KDP. No rust except a little bit on the utility bed. The interior of the truck is in great shape, it has some new seats, not sure what they are from, but its a bench that bridges the whole cab. Motor runs great. Trans felt good, I've never driven a 5spd on main roads before, very little experience, and I was just able to get in there and go, that was very cool feeling.

It has about 280,xxx miles and was fleet maintained.

Now, for the bad:

There is brake fluid that appears to be squirting out around the master cylinder.

Oil is on everything from that oil leak, that'll be a fun clean-up job.

Brakes squealin' and seem to need some work.

NOW, IF YOU READ NOTHING ELSE, PLEASE READ THIS:

I *THINK* the truck has a boost leak. There is a squealing sound that happens when you "get into the turbo" a bit. There are no gauges on the truck. It sounds a LOT like what happens when you let the air out of a ballon and pull the end tight. It sounds like its coming from the front left side of the engine.

Other than that, it seems to be in very good shape, and for a darn good price.

Thanks for any help!

Dennis

 

I have only heard a boost leak once and it sounded like a jet engine wine, not a squeal. The oil leaks sounds ALOT like the KDP. The only way to be sure is to pull that timing cover. But if you just want the engine and tranny it wouldn't be anything to fix once you pull the engine.

 

Our big trucks at work will make the squeal when making boost, usually its a broken or loose clamp at the rubber intercooler connections, or it could be a ripped rubber connection. Its worth a close look.