What To Look At When Buying Old Truck
Posted in Air Intakes System | Asked on Feb 4, 2012
Im looking into buying an 1989 dodge, this is the description.. can you tell me what to look at? what to look for? what to ask?
1989 Dodge Ram W250 with 120 000 on the body and I beleive around 30 000 on the rebuilt engine (Was rebuilt 7 years ago). he is currently using it as a daily driver. The truck has the following:
-5.9L (360cui) Gas engine
-Farmer Four transmission (3 speed with Bull Low)
-5 inch lift
-35″ BF Goodrich Mud Terrain KM (Awesome tires and they dont wear much)
-16″ American Racing offset rims
-Fabricated front bumper
-MSD ignition (improves fuel mileage)
-Edelbrock valves and valve covers
-Weiand intake manifold
-Edelbrock Intake
-Holley carb
-Manual locking hubs
-Bench was taken out and two captain chairs were put in with matching center console
-Hard to beleive but it gets around 20 ish mpg in town (No BS.)
There are 3 Answers for "What To Look At When Buying Old Truck"
Have a qualified mechanic inspect it(cost $50-$100) to make sure there are no hidden problems prior to purchase. Good Luck
1989… well you can expect problems.. so it all comes down to how much they want for the truck. If you expect it to be in great shape, don’t buy.
At least pull the dist cap, rock the crank. note rotor movement. if it don’t move instantly, there’s an issue with the timing chain.
pull and read plugs.
inspect locking hubs.
since it’s lifted, the rear diff ring/pinnion really work hard. so no slapping there. u-joint’s to.
check fluids for contamination. especially case fluids.
other than that, it’s the same as buying any other vehicle.
really best to pay for an inpection though…….
owner of two 4×4′s. 4& 6″ lift