Looking at a CTD tow pig/DD possibly. Need some help on things to look for

[bellofello]

Found a local(ish) 1996 Dodge ram 3500 dually 4x4, CTD, unknown trans and mileage. I'd like a manual, and reasonable mileage, but hey who wouldn't. The guy wants $3,995 as is for it.

Here's a pic of it from the ad
http://cdnppgmedia.hometrader.ca/BCExport/02265600/10415673_1-orig.JPG?W=1024

and a link to the ad (mods let me know if I have to take the ad link down)
http://www.autotrader.ca/a/DODGE/RAM+3500/PETERBOROUGH/Ontario/25_10415673_/?ms=pv

Just wanted to know what are some things I should look for if I go to see this thing. I'm an apprentice mechanic, so I know all the common stuff. Brake/fuel lines, brakes, suspension, etc.

Just looking for some common things to stay away from on the CTD or dodge trucks in general. Common places that they like to rot out, etc...

Thanks

[cancritter]

they can get pricey real quick if pump ect gos..06 was last year before they went with added polution crap...easly moded....if your thinking about buying a cummins would set up a account at http://www.cumminsforum.com/ lotsa info there

[bellofello]

Yea I've done a fair bit of looking into the differeng generations of cummins engines and their moddability (mostly the 12V) because I've been toying around with the idea of dropping one into my OBS if I found a motor for cheap enough.

I'm not all that concerned about the motor, I get parts at cost and the labour is free because I'll be doing it all. I'm more concerned about the frame/body having hidden rust and rot.
I'll probably put up a thread on diesel place and see what they have to say as well.

It's hard to get a feel for the truck as I don't know the mileage, or any details about the particular truck.

[Shopkins]

ask about the KDP (killer dowel pin) its a pin on the front of the motor that comes out over time and shreds some **** up in the timing cover. Look for rust underneath at the floor pans, bottom of the doors, and in the edge of the wheel wells. brake lines are really bad on those things. and if its a manual ask if 5th gear has been fixed. the nut on 5th gear would loosen up over time and the gear would litterally just fall off into the bottom of the case. didn't really tear anything up but there was no 5th gear. they have updated locking nuts and some drill holes for a cotter pin in the shaft. just a few things to look for if i think of anything else i'll lyk.

-Shaun

[cancritter]

as stated dowel pin could be a issue but is easy fix..the rest is all new info to me//good to know
http://www.tstproducts.com/dowelpinrepairkitfor89-93or99-02.aspx

[bellofello]

Yea I knew about the KDP, I will ask if it's been adressed/fix it. Also remember hearing about the 5th gear thing on tv, trucks I think.

The one in the OP has been sold already, so I've been looking at this one.
http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-cars-trucks-1995-Dodge-Ram-3500-reg-cab-dually-Pickup-Truck-W0QQAdIdZ230457336

more money, but probably less mileage, and I know for sure it's a manual trans. Plus it has a plow that I will sell. Don't like the cap, but it could come in handy if I need it.

[Shopkins]

no go to that one unless you like body work. see behind the doors on the passenger side there where the paint is flaking off and there is rust... bodys rust from the inside out, that body is trash.

[bellofello]

Yea I was noticing that, the cab corners, rockers, both front fenders. It's a shame, but it's all I can find thats 4WD and in my price range ish. I was going to low ball her @ $4000 because of all the body work that's needed.

Sell the plow for $1000-$2000, use that to pay for some of the body work.

I wish there was more of em on craigslist and kijiji and such.

[Shopkins]

12v's are hard to find. spent 6 months looking for mine cause i wanted one 4wd 5spd extended cab, really really hard to find, i ended up paying more than book value for mine just cause it was so hard to find. but if thats what you want and don't mind doing the body work i'd get it if you can even get it for 5

[bellofello]

Yea I'm really hoping for an extended cab. My truck right now is a regular. It doesn't bother me, but it'd be nice to have some extra people capacity.

I talked to the guy on the phone last night. He said it needs two fenders (not certification nessesary), drivers rocker, drivers cab corner. He got a quote for $1100 for everything including fenders. He's also flexible on the price. So I might go in with an offer of 5 grand and see what happens. The 5 speed and low k's are a big plus on that one. But on the other hand the low K's mean it's been sitting for a long while.

I've got a friend of mine that does good rough work, and can weld in new panels for me, then I'll just clean in up and paint it myself.

[bowtieguy101]

My 99 Was a huge hunk of garbage, So my was my 96, everything that wasnt cummings was complete crap. Dahs falls in the water leaks int eh cab, Electrica wares hong off the rear dif for the speed sensor ( great for a 4wd huh? the two worst trucks I haev ever owned, if its an automotic, RUN, ran fast and far, if your thinking about dropping the cummins in your truck, consider going with a soldi axle swap forst, these IFS front ends dont do wel withthe weight.

[bellofello]

My 99 Was a huge hunk of garbage, So my was my 96, everything that wasnt cummings was complete crap. Dahs falls in the water leaks int eh cab, Electrica wares hong off the rear dif for the speed sensor ( great for a 4wd huh? the two worst trucks I haev ever owned, if its an automotic, RUN, ran fast and far, if your thinking about dropping the cummins in your truck, consider going with a soldi axle swap forst, these IFS front ends dont do wel withthe weight.

I'm not too concerned about little things like that. All I want is the cummins and the dually. I don't care about what truck is on top of it. I'm a mechanic and can deal with little issues no problem. It sounds like both of those trucks you had weren't in the best shape to start off with. If you have a good starting point, then you shouldn't have to deal with the bs of the issues you stated.

I am putting a solid axle in my chev regardless if I keep the 6.5 or end up trying to drop a cummins in it.


Some updates, every truck I've found in my price range is either sold already, RWD, or auto. It always works that way, as soon as you have the money for what you want, you can't find anything. I'd take a 12V or a 24V at this point, might even just get an auto truck and swap in an NV4500 or NV5600. My patience is getting thin.

[bowtieguy101]

My 99 was babied its whole life, never pulled anything or worked, used as a DD adn it was still a huge hunk of ****. Teh dash fell in the interior fell the heck arpart and teh trans was a complete hink of crap. Like I said everythign but the motor was complete crap.