Im looking at a '96 2wd RCLB with the nv4500, with 285xxx on it. The guy says theres an oil leak and the ball joints need to be replaced, he has the ball joints but it would be me who would have to ge them installed. He wants 3000. Two things scare me about this, the oil leak, and the mileage. Any advice?

 

I wouldn't be scared. If it's in decent shape otherwise, that's a pretty good deal. First thing to look at is where the oil leak is coming from, if it's from the KDP busting the front gear case, then it's a good size job to fix. If it's just from a cover/seal/gasket, nothing to worry about.

 

The oil leak could be as simple as the crank case breather hose, but be sure to check for the KDP. 285,000 miles is nothing, I've seen guys start drag racing them at that mileage.

 

Sounds like a great price to me if that oil leak is not the KDP.

 

OK, well ima check it out tomorrow and see what the basic origin of the leak is and if its good then im gonna try to make a deal.