Hey guys,

I guess among other things this will be my introduction post. I'm a long time Toyota Land Cruiser guy with a diesel addiction. The only cure is a Cummins. I've been looking for a good, simple truck. Most of my driving is around town but I take several long highway trips a year and I would like to get into recreational (not hardcore by any means) pulling in the future.

So I'm looking at a 97 2500 extra cab long bed, 4x4, 5 speed, 285,000 miles.

Now... I'm broke. Trucks aren't my only expensive hobby, and unfortunately the only trucks in my price range are beat or have lots of miles. The guy claims that it's mostly highway miles towing a horse trailer and oil changes every 8000 miles with John Deere plus 50 15w40. He also says that he runs synthetic in the rear end, new clutch at 190k, and new steering box and u joints and such at 220k. He wants $6200 for it.

What do you guys think? I know the cummins is a million mile motor (although I've never heard good or bad of John Deere oil), but I don't know what else goes bad on these thinngs...

Also this may be a dumb question but bear with me during my transition... How do you compression test a diesel? Is it worth doing?

Anyways, glad to be here and hoping to learn a lot!

 

Welcome to the forum!
The 97 has the engine that will last a very long time. Unlike later engined the 97 has a bulletproof mechanical fuel pump and can run a variety of fuels with no ill effects. Nearly 300k is a concern; whatever he says he did to the truck is hard to verify.
If the truck was not bombed I think you'd be ok with it, I think even towing he'd not do much to the engine. I would not worry about compression testing; these engines don't wear out like gasser cars, they are medium duty and unless modified to large horsepower will last forever. Test drive to check for loose drivetrain components. I would look up the price and make an offer I am happy with, and go from there.
I personally would love to have a 12 valve truck - in addition to my 24 valve one.