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Need some fast advice; 1998 QCLB 12 valve 3500 5 spd purchase

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Old 01-14-2011, 10:38 AM
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Need some fast advice; 1998 QCLB 12 valve 3500 5 spd purchase

I have about 2 hours to decide to buy this truck.

Looking for 1st genners opinions on what you think it's worth.

1998 4x4 quad cab long box 5 spd 3500 dually with 200,000 miles.

Upon driving it it needs a drivers power seat, steering box, a possible charging issue, drivers side quad door needs linkage repair, engine seems to have an oil leak near the front crank seal and the transfer case pops out of 2wd and into neutral when stepping into it full throttle then backing off quickly sometimes.

Has a bashed in bed but a correctly painted new bed goes with it.

Drives ok.

Interior, other than the drivers seat looks really good.

No rust what so ever.

Besides the bed, body is pretty straight.

I'm expecting to do usual mods but under 400 hp and all mods to be fuel mileage related.

What do you all think?

Looking to use this as my work truck so I can park my 1st gen.

I can get it for $7500.
Old 01-14-2011, 10:46 AM
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I'd keep looking, but my friends call me a cheap bastard.
Old 01-14-2011, 10:58 AM
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hey-Hey!!!,
Sounds a bit on the high side to me as well. That it could be a 53 block does not help.
cheers,
Douglas
Old 01-14-2011, 11:05 AM
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I say get it! The 98' 12v is rare, especialy the ones like your looking at. By the time you fix everything and have it looking and running great you'll still be under $15k and beat any new truck on the market today......
Old 01-14-2011, 11:15 AM
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I think if you can get it for less then by all means. Otherwise, I'd say the price is fair. Still, if you're going to get your money's worth out of it, then it is a good deal.
Old 01-14-2011, 11:37 AM
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The 53 block could be on a 12 valve too?

The door tag is dated 10-97.
Old 01-14-2011, 11:43 AM
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Originally Posted by GLHS
The 53 block could be on a 12 valve too?

The door tag is dated 10-97.
Not as far as I recall, they were only on some 99-01 I believe. Just 24v's.
Old 01-14-2011, 11:48 AM
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Seems Like a lot for the miles and the work it needs.
Old 01-14-2011, 12:35 PM
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Well time is up, did you get it????
Old 01-14-2011, 12:37 PM
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With the little bit of work it needs and what the work/labor and parts would cost overall, offer him $5k at most!
Old 01-14-2011, 12:43 PM
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12v QuadCabs usually command a higher price.
It does sound like it needs a lot of work for the $$$ though.
If you can get by with a regular ClubCab 2nd gen you'll probably save some money and/or get a nicer truck.
Old 01-14-2011, 01:02 PM
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Now we are down to a rock bottom $7300.
Old 01-14-2011, 01:08 PM
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Originally Posted by Flake
............If you can get by with a regular ClubCab 2nd gen you'll probably save some money and/or get a nicer truck.
True, which I have thought about but, would be a lot easier getting in and out and would bring a higher resale.

Sounds like I may have bought a couple more hours to decide.
Old 01-14-2011, 01:21 PM
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I don't think the price is that far out of line. No rust is a big issue. Miles aren't bad. I've heard a lot of guys say oh, 300k, it's not even broke in yet, then turn around and try and haggle a price based on 200k miles...I'm reasonably sure that the later 2nd gen interior has the t-case linkage mounted to the cab and not the tranny, so there could just be some mis-alignment or a wore out cab bushing letting the linkage flex. If you're looking solely for mileage, it has two too many tires, imo, but should still pull down 16-17. I'd buy it for that money.
Old 01-14-2011, 01:26 PM
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Its the most user/family friendly 12v truck your going to get unless you build your own crew cab first gen. I have been on the hunt lately for a reg cab first gen in decent body shape and can not find one for under $5k thats not totaly run into the ground. These first and second gen 12v trucks are on a steady rise in price.

What kind of budget do you want to stay within for this truck? If you wait you may and may not find a better deal. A 98' ext cab 4x4 dually with the 12v and NV4500 is as good as it gets for a long lasting work horse.


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