Transmissions are decent but the factory torque converters are mushy(mine is getting changed real soon) and the flexplate is questionable and they ride kind of rough compaired to newer trucks but i like mine.

 

There's not really an Achilles heal to look for in a first gen. What price is he asking? Thats whats important. This things can be rude, crude, noisy, and bruising.

The 4x4 suffer from cracked frame at the steering box. You should check for the cowl cracks. Worn out door hinges. slushie torque converters. The radiator can get plugged at this age. Definately want to know if he KDP'd it.


Its like this if he's selling at a high price, check it out and make the guy fix any problems or come off his price. If its a low price, you get what you pay for.

I bought my truck with 219k and have fixed only minor issues. Brake pads, wiper motor bushing, battery, ball joints, tie rod. I pretty much have to fix something every month or two. Its expected because its 15 years old and worked hard.

 

The front suspension on the 2wd's can need a lot of work. Mine needed ball joints, tie rods, and control arm bushings. Look all that stuff over carefully, because it can add up fast if you don't do your own work.

Watch out for rust over the windshield. If there is any, walk away, they rust from the inside out up there. Floor rust is often a sign of cowl cracks, but the D models don't seem as prone to them as the W's.

 

Look for rust and leaks. You get what you pay for with these things. I paid good money for mine and it has been flawless.