Hey guys I'm a newbie to the forum and I'm i need of some advice . I've been looking for a truck for some time now and I've been through alot of craigslist guys that say they're truck is real nice but when u get there is rotted out and doesn't start lol. Any way I found an 89 w350 cummins 5 speed single cab for 7k . Not totally sure if the trucks worth what he's asking that's why I'm here for advice . The truck had a new cab and box from Florida no rust frame is repainted along with cab and box a real nice two tone blue that I love , nice front bumper custom I think . New brakes , windshield , clutch and interior looks alright . He said the clutch master cylinder blew out on him a week ago but he replaced it , and the only other issue is when it turns sharp the rear end locks into posi and u can hear it ? Not sure what the problem is ? I could really use some advice on this truck , thanks in advance for ur time !!!

 

What kind of mileage? Sounds like he's done a lot of work. Rust free cab and box are always nice to have, and new paint. As for the rear end...is it a factory limited slip diff? Might be that the limited slip assembly needs a rebuild. I might want to pull the rear diff cover and look for metal in the oil, or in the bottom of the case. If the diff needs a rebuild you might be looking at $1500+ for a shop to re/re it.

 

He said around 170k , I asked him he said he wasn't sure but I'm gonna go check the truck out tmrw . If it did need a rebuild is it something I could do ? I'm in school to be a heavy equipment mechanic and I have have some experience , we haven't worked on differentials yet but I'm sure I would beable to figure it out of it wasn't too crazy . ? Would u say 7000 is a fair price ?

 

He said when he drives straight down the road it gives him no problems no noise , just normal . But when he turns sharp you can hear a noise and it locks into posi ?

 

I wouldn't pay 7 grand for it No way sound's like he's done alot of work to it chasing a problem and still hasn't found it so he's tryin to dump it and find a sucker . It's worth 5000 maybe in my eyes

 

$3500.

 

Maybe someone has replaced the factory limited slip with a locker. You can usually feel a locker lock and unlock when you go around a sharp turn. Price does seem high though.

 

Thanks so much for the advice guys ! Yea I asked him of it had a locker cause that's what I thought too but he didn't know. When I go look at it today what do u recommend looking out for ?

 

limited slip axles make noises when they don't have the posi correct gear oil and friction modifier, you can get more lock out of the limited slip dragging the brakes to pressure lock the clutch plates, do it while turning and check for rear bind, if its noisy, this will be when your going to hear it, it should chirp the tires on pavement when locking correctly, on dirt the tread pattern will show both tires spinning.

 

Price all depends on where you are, i paid 7k for mine and you cant find one similar for less than 10k now.

 

Yup. especially on a rust free 20+ year old truck up here, thats worth a little extra for sure.



Where are you located anyways? maybe someone would be near you to go look at the truck with you or know of some other trucks in the area?




take a bunch of pictures and post them here, these guys will point out every item that is out of place and let you know just what you have for a truck. If the cab has been swapped then who knows what your looking at, find out how much was swapped and who did it, if its the guy selling the truck then there shouldn't be much he cant answer, if it wasn't him then take a closer look at why he might not want it anymore.

At least its a 5 speed and 4x4, something I would like to have, but personally it would have to be in amazing condition if I was considering a 91 or older single cab truck.

 

and ask about this too, when was the diff fluid last changed and what went back in, what brand and weight. This could be as simple as adding the correct fluid or if your luck is like mine then it would need a complete rebuild. Do a search on here about friction modifier and grabby limited slips to see if it sounds like what this truck does.