I currently have a 1996 2wd 3/4 ton with 296K miles. I've been talking to a guy about a 2005 3500 4wd that has 220K miles. He said he hasn't had it long so the previous owner put most of the miles on it. Truck looks like it's in good shape from the pictures he sent. He's asking $14k for it.
We won't be driving the truck every day. Just when we camp and for a long trip to DC this summer. those who have trucks with this many miles what list of repairs should I expect?
thanks

 

if it has the nv5600 it is a steal. not any one particular problem with it. you will be good for another 800,000 miles. you need better filtering for the fuel than the stock for the common rail. if you get it pm me and will give a list of lubes and filter info along with instructions to build the filter. i see you have a auto in the 96, i might be slightly biased but i think a automatic might be ok if you live on flat ground and only occasionally carried the wife in front or groceries in the back but not both at the same time. i think it will cost you about $6,000 for used g56 and parts to replace the auto that brings the truck worth to $8,000 or less.

 

220k miles?

FWIW, mine has 215K and runs great... But on a 4x4 start with the front end, ball joints, tie rods, etc etc etc.. when were they done? Dodge 4x4s arent the best, coming from a 2wd, you will have to get used to takin care of a front end, and that they are not cheap, secondly id look at blowby, does it have any? does the oil cap come off when you unscrew it, and just like that place it back on the filler neck? thirdly injectors, original set? if so, they might be on borrowed time.. did mine at 200K. fourth, DTC codes, what does it throw? simple codes or problematic to fix ones? next, id check the wear on the front drive shaft, too much play and well, it needs to be replaced, next id check the trans, auto trans? when was the last time the fluid, solenoids, and filters were done? next, is the truck stock? programmed? gooseneck hitch? programmer, which one? its hard to tell how it was driven if it had a programmer removed, but blowby if any will give you an indicator how hard an engine was worked, or if you are due for a rebuild.... gooseneck hitch? towed hard or heavy with?

well.. i cant think of much more for now but its a start... BTW, if you do find that it has a 2 micron filtration system, like one from GDP, then you know the guy was good to his truck and cared about his injectors.. that would be a good sign, especially for your injectors...

 

So to check for blowby you're saying while the engine is running take off the oil cap?
How would I know it the injectors are going bad? Exhuast smell ?

thanks,

 

I personally wouldn't be surprised to be having issues with things such as ball joints, and any other major front end parts. They're not hard things to fix if you've got the time and necessary tools to use. I had a 99 that appeared to be in good shape and it had 230000 miles on it. However, once in a while the front brakes would stick. I would inspect fluids if the seller allows for it. If any of the fluids are off color, such as brakes fluid being dark, then if I were you, I'd run far far away.

 

Last month I bought a one owner 03 2500 5 speed 4x4 QC SO Cummins with 231k. I have put almost 2k miles on it and no problems. I did replace the original battery and the output seal on the transfer case needs replaced, but I knew that when I bought it. For reference, I paid $9700+fees & tax

 

thanks for the feedback. I'm going to see if I can go look at it this weekend. If it's nice I may offer him $12K.