I am starting to look closely at a '98 QC, 4x4, CTD of course. I think I saw a SLT Laramie badge on the cab. The truck has a 24v badge, so its prob a 235 hp, correct? Anyways, it looks to be in pretty decent condition, has 144,000 miles and some change. I have not pulled the oil or tranny dipsticks yet, tho I doubt I can do a lot of in depth looking for abnormal or normal wear.


It does have a fifth wheel ball in the bed, so it was used to tow at some point. I think the previous owner was into racing, as it was mentioned he was a mechanic. I did drive it and it seemed to accelerate rapidly, similar to my 5.9 QC 4x4. The brakes were hard and seemed to stop in a normal manner. The dealer's price is $15,495.

Anyways, the purpose of this long post is this:

The mileage kind of scares me, I know the engine is due for a rebuild in 160,000 miles. I've seen others on this board with higher mileage trucks so maybe someone can attest to the dodge part of the truck. Buying from a used dealer throws up a red flag, (just because its a used car lot) but, dumb as this sounds, I have a pretty comfortable vibe about this place. Would any of you hesitate to use this truck as a daily driver and tow a 16' trailer with up to 7,000 lbs gross occaisionally? I have a Haynes book that covers this year truck and I feel comfortable working on some of the motor.

My wife wants to start driving this year, and the only way payment and insurance wise to have a 2 veh. fleet would be to go used.

Thanks for your input, and again, sorry for the rambling post
Doug

 

hfd376: You've got some of your numbers mixed up there. At 144,000 miles a CTD is just nicely broken in. Most go 350,000 miles before a rebuild, many much farther than that. How many miles a year would you drive it? I would have a good diesel mechanic check it over, but I wouldn' t be afraid of the mileage. Have the fuel pressure checked as the lift pumps tend to go south after a bit. Sounds like it might be a good, reliable truck.

DeWain

 

My baby has 173k on it and doesn't use a drop of oil, runs like a top too.
Check the gear case for oil leaks(kdp), lift pump pressures and transmission. A good load while the torque converter is locked up will give you a good idea on the condition of the tranny.

 

bought mine last year with a 142k on it it has 200k on it now motor runs like a top and if you look at my sig and photo's you can see that it doesn't just sit around . it will probably get another 50 or 75k on it this year. bought it from a used dealer 300 miles from me flew in and drove it home. the mileage on the motor is nothing its the rest of the truck you need to check. my .02

 

Thanks for the replies. I'll probably put 17,000 miles per year on it. I really don't have someone to look it over, I'll have to spend some time under the hood and get a feel for newer looking part as compared to old, wrench marks and such. As for the tranny, I doubt I can get it long enough to hook up the trailer. Any other suggestions to look for? I know its probably a 53 block, tho I did not have the time to look. Its on the drivers side, under the injector, right?

Doug

 

hfd376,
You mentioned tranny dip stick, is this an automatic transmission truck? If it is then it is a 215HP except for CA. engines.

The 53 block can be identified by looking up from the underside just under the VP44. If it's a 53 block you will see a big (about 1" high) 53 on the block where the block meets the oil pan.
You should be able to find some pictures if you search for 53 block.
Check the block while your looking it over. Cracks on the 53 block usually occur near the rear of the block behind the oil cooler on the passenger side.

It's also a good idea to get an engine oil sample and send to blaclstone for testing. The oil sample test results will be good indicator for engine wear and coolent or fuel leaks into the oil..

 

Daughter has 220K on her 95, hauls a 7K lb horse trailer and the motor uses about a qt or so every 6K miles. I adjust the valves every 70K, change oil and all filters regularly and change tranny fluid every time she tows. Front suspension is close to needing a rebuild.

I personally would follow some of the advice given. Have the motor and trans checked by competent people, not a Dodge Dealer, and good luck.