I currently have a new 2004.5 Dodge. I want to buy an older dually to do the majority of my towing. There is a 2wd with a 5 speed at a lot down the road from me. I hate buying cars from a lot, but individuals seem to never sell these trucks.

Anyway, I know nothing about these trucks. I have done many searches, but haven't completely found everything that I want to know.

Being that it is a 1998, what things should I look at when test driving or looking the truck over? Are the 5 speeds good? I do not know how many miles the truck has. I have only driven by it.

Juat any good advice from you guys that own these trucks would really help me out before I purchase another truck.

Thanks in advance.
Jeremy

 

It could be a 12v or 24v they switched motors in the middle of the 98 year.you definately want the 5 speed ,its way cheaper to add a good clutch later than get a performance trans built.The 12v i think,gets better mileage and is cheaper to crank up power and there is no electronic pump or electric lift pump problems.High mileage doesnt mean much on the 12v both mine have had 300000 miles and run perfect.

 

I just found out that it is a 12V, but they didn't have the mileage. I will have to check on that tomorrow.

It has a 5th wheel hitch in it, so you know that it has been used for towing, but no idea to what extent. I may be worrying too much. That is why I bought my new diesel, so I would know how it was maintained and how it was used.

I don't have the money to buy a new truck, and actually I am selling my current truck. That is why I am buying an older truck.

On a different note, how are the 2wd's in snow? I figured with enough weight in the *** they should be ok.

Thank you for all your help.

 

A 2wd dually will be horrible in the snow......you will need ALOT of weight in the back to get traction. Other than that it should be a great tow vehicle.

 

I sold a 98 24v auto that had 292k on the clock. I put 12 12in blocks in the bed and secured them real good had no probs in the snow and we get alot. I think an auto is better in the snow than a stick. JMO

Jim

 

I drive a 98 dually in the snow all day everyday........at least in the winter....(i'm stationed in northern UT.) At first it was slick.......but i put Mud and snow tires on it and had them siped....i dont slide around at all now....and I dont carry any wieght on the back except for my ranchhand bumper.....Almost everyone in the bar ditch up here has 4WD and I guess they think they dont need to slow down...I dont think youll have any probs but can be a litl hairy with highway tires on it.