hey guys, im looking to pick up another truck for work to use as more of a "work truck" so i can stop scratching mine.
i'm lookin into a 94-98 12v what should i look for in buying a truck with over 150k. i've been hearing about this KDP issue, ive seen a write up on this on the net but how important is it to do, if a truck have 200k on it can i assume it's been down?
also i'm familar with the fifth gear issue on the NV4500, how many trucks does this effect, if i test drive a truck, this is probably something i will feel right?
thanks for the help

 

the kdp is a dowel pin in the timing case that can wiggle lose and fall into the gear train. best case it falls into the oil pan but it commonly cracks the timing cover. if it has you will know by the huge oil puddle under the truck. it is an easy fix but the common owner does not know about it so it would probably not already be done. it is insurance really probably wont happen but needs to be done

for the fith gear just dont lug it below 1600 rpm and youll probably be fine.

 

for the fith gear just dont lug it below 1600 rpm and youll probably be fine.[/QUOTE]
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I also wondered about the 5th gear issue and what contributes to it
So do you meen lug it in 5th?

 

My understanding of this fifth gear issue is,
over a peroid of time the 5th gear nut backs off the output shaft. and because the 5th gear output shaft is splined only partially, when the nut backs off the gear slides off the splines onto the un-splined portion, and you lose 5th gear.
some fixes would be to
1. replace the nut with a locking nut with lockin set screws.
2. replace the output shaft with a fully splined unit.

my question is how common is this problem?

 

take a look at my signature...

this is what i had to do with a 10 year old truck up here in new england.

too-da-loo

 

You are gambling

with that KDP... do it asap... Now as far as other issues with ur 12V, front end mainly if it is a 4wd, track bar, KDP needs to be killed as well. and Fifth gear nut failiure. It happens alot, what has been said is the best advice.

Tx

 

an awesome find would be a 98 12v because it has the new interior, but yet it would still be the 12v, i don't know thats just my opinion

 

thanks for the advise guys

fuel4me,
i totally agree with u on the 98 12v, it's certainly the crem de la crem, but i'm not looking to spend that much $ on a second truck right now.

 

So, I guess my '98 12v 2wd dually 5 spd for $6000 with spare trans and rearend was a good deal? It had 226,000 miles on it when I got it.