drolex

I'm going to look at a truck for my brother (with my brother) tonight. It is a 1998 Dodge Ram 4x4 2500 12 valve manual, and it seems to be in very good condition. I am just wondering if someone has a nice list of things to look for on the truck to make sure nothing major is wrong with it. Yes, I have pretty much the same truck, but mine is auto and I haven't seen every problem that exists.

Thanks

strokerace

Before I bought my 95' I posted on here asking what to look for on it, heres what a few people told me.

Headgasket - If it has got quite a few miles on it i've been told the headgasket is something to look at, check for leaks

Front End - Look for new parts and check for worn parts, if it needs work it can be very expensive.

KDP - Check the timing cover for cracks from the kdp falling out, ask if kdp has been tabbed, dealer wouldnt know but an individual might

5th Gear Nut - The fifth gear nut on these 5spds has been known to come off causing 5th gear to go out, From what I have heard it isnt to bad to fix but I'm not to sure

These are just a few things I know of, I'm sure somebody will be along in a little while with more info for ya. One other thing I recommend is getting a carfax check on it. I got the month plan I still have it for a couple more weeks left, I think, if you wanna send me a pm with the vin # I can run it for you. I ran mine and found out it was a 1 owner with a clean record. A friend of mine ran his 94' and found out it has evidently had the odometer rolled back on it, it showed it in 2000 with 186k on it and he bought it last year with a 110k on the clock? how'd that happen?, he was Other than that just find out as much of the history on it you can and remember that there are others out there if this one doesnt work out. You dont have to buy the first one you see, I did that with my last truck and it turned out to be a piece of junk. Trucks cost alot of $$$$$$, make sure the one you get is worth it. Hope this helps ya

drolex

Thanks. I'm pretty sure this is going to be a great deal. It would be cool to get that carfax report.

xzaq103

Is it QC?

Chris

drolex

It says club cab and the pictures aren't good enough to be sure, but I don't think it's a quad cab.

drolex

I got the truck and it's good! There is nothing wrong on the carfax report.

GFB

Congrats. You just purchased the holy grail of 2nd Gens.

J Lent

Some 98 model 12v had the "53" block.

kas83

But there are no reports of the 12v having problems with it cracking. I've searched it numerous times on here and other forums. Not saying it hasn't happened, just that it is nowhere near the problem it is with a 24v.

Tate

cummnz4x4pwr on here bought a 12v that was cracked to do a p-pump conversion on his 24v. So it does happen. That being said, I wouldn't turn it down because of that. IMO, it is a risk that is greatly over stated.