i just saw an ad for a 1997 2500 ex cab 4x4 with auto trans for $2500, that has 220,000 miles on it down here in southern california. the guy said i will be "putting money into it", because something might be going on with the transmission (which was replaced once at 100,000 mi). he wasn't very clear on it, and said that it is running now, but when it "heats up" the tranny & possibly the 4x4 "aren't working quite right". also, he said something vague about the idle and keeping your foot on the pedal, how it "doesn't stall in park", and how it "might need an idle solenoid or something like that". the white paint has some sun fade, according to him (he is the original owner, by the way).

my budget is really only like $3300 for a vehicle that can tow my 24' travel trailer, with 4x4 for montana winters. i'd love a diesel, and of course a cummins. do you have any idea what this truck might need to get going, and how much i'd be in for/how much i should offer so that i can cover repairs? a diesel/cummins might just be out of the question for me right now, but i was curious to know if i could maybe grab this one and fix it up for under $3500.

THANK YOU!

 

Trans, and you might as well put in a good one.

If it isn't fried, you might get away for a while with a TC/VB and band adjustment.

Idle is probably no more than a simple adjustment. Figure on fixing the KDP.

Gotta tell you, 3300 isn't going to buy anything to do what you want, and be reliable, gasser or diesel.

So, in the end, it will depend on how much you can do yourself, and how much over the 3300 you can afford to go.

 

thank you, pat. i think i might head down there and take the rig by a transmission shop for a quick diagnosis.

 

wow...just got a call from the guy - that thing sold in like under 20 minutes. oh well.

 

Yep, that was really cheap for an ext. 4X4........