I have found a 96 12v(DTR classified) with 186k miles. The tranny (47RE, I think) was rebuilt at 160K, also new power steering & vacuum pump. It was used for landscaping, so the bed is rough. It has a gooseneck hitch.

Anything I need to look for on the truck mechanically? It is a 4x4 club cab long bed. The only thing he says does not work is the cruise. I plan on bombing this. I have a 03 that I am getting rid of, any suggestions on mods. I was thinking eventually doing a 4" exhaust, intake, fuel plate, turbo, injectors, tranny upgrade, and of course gauges.

Thanks for all the help,

Nick

 

Usually goosenecks scare me away- especially with auto trannys. Once you see a gooseneck, its safe to assume the trucks been pulling some HEAVY loads.

 

My 96 had a gooseneck ball in it when I bought it and it has the auto tranny. It had 122k on it when I got it and now has 135k. Truck has made long hauls cross country and has been my daily driver since I got it. I have put it through some rough miles at times and the tranny has not given me one lick of problem. Just make sure you keep checking the fluid and keep it full. Of course no two trucks are the same, just wanted to share my experience. Good luck!

 

I am not too concerned about the tranny, it was rebuilt at 160k at a chrysler dealer and I want to eventually upgrade the torque converter and valve body.

 

gooseneck hitches..

If it is a texas truck, i hate to say it has probably been worked hard and put away wet. My truck came with a gooseneck hitch and i know it was worked prior to when i got it. As far as the auto goes, i wouldnt know about that. But if its gonna be a bomb wagon, you can pretty much worry about redoin the tranny. After 370s, a good plate, and an afe your tranny will be slipping. I wouldnt worry too much about it, cause i think you are goin to have to replace it anyways. Sorry to sound so blunt. But anyways im in the same scenario, im savin money for when my stock clutch goes to get a whole bunch o bombs! so mines already slightly bombed, but it becomes addicting. he he he he... good luck, and i hope it serves you well..

Gauges should be your first step if you are goin to monitor everything, you are gonna need them, boost and pyro at minimum, or even a trans temp since you have an auto

Your truck might be able to push a 10 plate, oh wait thas a manual, maybe an 11 or 12 plate with a 3 K GSK to wake it up....

those should be ur first mods and ull feel a difference. I have my own ideas, and they have slightly changed.. but those will stay in my head, plus mine is a manual n e ways..

Best wishes

Tx

 

Thanks for all the help guys, but I have decided to keep my 03 CTD, at least for now.

Nick

 

my 91 was an auto with a gooseneck plate... bought it from a buddy w/ 198k. he pulled trailers with it for about 95k miles... I sold it back to him at 265k, and he proceeded to put another 100k miles on it pulling trailers before the tranny finally let go... it's got just shy of 400k and it'll still outrun his 93.

my 97 is a 5sp... had 208k on it and a gn plate in the bed... it's about to turn 250k and it runs like a champ...

these trucks were DESIGNED to pull... I'd be wary of a low mile truck WITHOUT a gn plate!!! why so few miles? short trips to the store where the engine never gets up to good operating temp and/or never sees full load? more wear at 100k than an engine that's been pulling trailers for 200k miles.

Forrest

 

This is very true.