Looking at getting a 96 2WD, AT, Xcab long bed this week. It has 168K on the ticker and new tires/brakes. Also had the tranny serviced last summer. Current owner has had it for 4 years and put ~100K on it. No tranny issues....yet. also no modifications.

I have yet to see it or pics so I am hoping I am not wasting my time going to look/buy it. Asking price is 10,900. Offering 10K

Anyway, what should I look out for on this truck besides the basics. I'd like to have as few surprises as possible if I can. VERY new to these trucks as well.

 

I'd make sue to check out the front end suspension parts, ball joints, u joints, trackbar. I'd also look for rust problems. I don't know where the truck is located but It'll probably have a good amout. Check the rear fram rail I had a problem with brakelines rusting through and breaking on a 95. Also check for rust at the bottom of the door where the pinch weld is. I assume it's a diesel.

 

Yes it's a Diesel, Located on southern Misouri. Thanks for the tips

 

Also will the auto have enough poop to pull a trailer and truck without hunting for gears? Estimated load would be 7K on the heavy side of coarse.

 

I'm not sure what you're looking for exactly; how much weight will you be towing and how often? Will this be a work truck only or a personal use, commuter vechile? I guess more info would prove helpful.

As you can see by my sig, I drive a '96 myself. With 276k miles, I am still ont he first clutch, transmission, and engine. What HAS gone wrong of late: Power steering box at 250k ($900-1000), rear drum rotors, and front disc rotors (expensive$$), starter (didn't know about rebuild kits) $300, and the usual tires @ 165 apiece, etc. Guess you just need to know that when something does need replaced on these trucks, it's likely going to be more costly than other vechiles. I have just a little rust under each door on the inside seam, check this closely, it's a weak point on these trucks.

Is it worth it? Completely. My truck is 2wd, and I average 23-25 mpg empty on the highway. At 276k, I have no issues driving it anywhere. It still tracks absoutley straight, rides well, and runs like a (slow-motion) top.

As for the truck you're looking at--why would you even consider making an offer on something you've not even seen in pictures? There are a lot of these trucks out there, look at traderonline, under advanced search, select fuel type: diesel. Do a whole country search, and be willing to travel to find the RIGHT one. You'll save dollars, frustration, and dissapointment in the end. Ask lots of questions--maintaince records are key! When looking for my truck, I test drove a '95 auto with only 19k on it. Something seemed "odd" with the truck, so I took it to a dealer to have it checked out. (Something I would strongly reccommend before commiting to a truck) They drug me into the shop and showed me where the truck had been "clipped." Meaning, the frame had been CUT and RE-WELDED, evidence of major collision damage. Not a chance on this one! Just beware...

Last thing--sorry for the length; I would strongly reccommend against the Automatic. The 5-speed is very pleasent to drive, nearly bulletproof, and actually seems to raise the resale value. Good luck in your search--just don't "fall in love" with the first thing you see!

 

Thanks a bunch for the heads up. I did however buy a 96 Xcab longbed last night with 236K and an auto. It came from Florida and is real nice shape for the miles.

I will know more as I drive it and get a feel for it. Going to pick it up ina few hours.

I forgot, I will be towing a 16-18' trailer wiht a truck in it once a month, hopefully more. Total weight is around 6K with the trailer is all. For the most part though, it wil be driven empty as a commuter truck.

 

Good luck with your truck, it should have no problem with that load. Hope all works out well for you!