Well I've been looking to upgrade from my 2wd short box to a 4x4 long box. With that, there brings up some things that I don't know a lot about so hoping I can use everyone's knowledge here to help me out!

So ideally looking for a 2nd gen 4x4 long box with a manual trans.

- The pros/cons between auto and a 5/6 speed? and with this pros/cons between the 94-98 and 98.5-02?

- Any pros/cons between the 12v and 24v?

I'm much more familiar with the 24v since that's what I currently have so I feel more comfortable wrenching on that, but is it much different on the 12v?

I know the weak points of the 24v trucks being the lift pump, injection pump, poss high A/C currents on alternators and I've read a couple on the 12v (primarily the 5th gear something or another?) but are there any other things I should look for?

I feel like they're pretty similar, and from what I've seen there are some decent options on the 12v side, but just want to make sure I know what I'm getting into if I go the 12v route. Thanks in advance!

Matt

Yea I was wondering about that?? gahhh! I sort of assumed they just replaced the bumpers with the sports just for the look.

I've searched in other states for trucks but anything under 200k or even 150k and they want to price it up like 15k plus. I'm really looking to find something cheaper. Have you guys seen a non 53block 6spd at 10k in your area?

haven't looked recently.  I would look in Texas.  

I should also add that I'm not opposed to a plane ticket, diesel and some miles, but I'm also not big on basically buying something sight unseen ya know?

That is where I am at when it comes to trucks.  If I can't look at it, I really don't want to buy it.  I've hooked up the trailer and come back empty from getting a car or truck several times. 

Best car I have ever bought was sight unseen.  Key was it had full records.

Just from a searching through craigslist from different major cities across the country, prices only seem to be slightly better or about the same.

I'm planning on calling him shortly to ask a few more questions, I'll definitely ask about the sport bumpers and repaint and see what sorta vibe I get. He said he didn't have any receipts but he was able to tell me when things were installed on the truck. That made me feel a little weird, but being the company truck it makes sense that they wouldn't keep track of that sort of thing. This truck is about 4.5 hour drive away from me so I'm getting out of area best I can short of getting a one way ticket. If I got there and really didn't get a good feeling after looking it over and driving it, I have no problem walking away. Rather save 10k.

Definitely not saying buying sight unseen is unheard of, and I'm glad you were able to find such a score, I'd just personally rather see before I buy.

http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/5415303031.html

Make this guy an offer. I don't think you could go wrong with it.....

understandable.  

 

Honestly if it was a company truck I would expect the records for tax reasons etc, I wouldn't expect him to remember anything if they weren't on record, I mean he has how many trucks in his fleet? 

7 minutes ago, TFaoro said:

http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/5415303031.html

Make this guy an offer. I don't think you could go wrong with it.....

That's a good looking truck for sure. But I'd like to stick with a 24v and the 6spd! I'll keep that one in my back pocket though 

10 minutes ago, Me78569 said:

understandable.  

 

Honestly if it was a company truck I would expect the records for tax reasons etc, I wouldn't expect him to remember anything if they weren't on record, I mean he has how many trucks in his fleet? 

That does make sense, I'll have to ask about it. Don't know about the fleet size, just seems they used this as the flag truck out from of oversized loads so not sure if it was an official work truck or just 'the work truck'

19 minutes ago, TFaoro said:

http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/5415303031.html

Make this guy an offer. I don't think you could go wrong with it.....

Ohhh.... want....  You know the guy?  that picture is at the former Black Hills building at 6th and Indiana just south of the mall.  

Edited January 25, 20169 yr by CSM

If it was any closer I'd take a serious look at it. Major issue in my case is I'm active duty so I can't just hop on a plane for and take 3 days to trek back or whatever. Oh, and the 2 month old kit at home doesn't help my case either! hahah

Edited January 25, 20169 yr by notlimah

24 minutes ago, CSM said:

Ohhh.... want....  You know the guy?  that picture is at the former Black Hills building at 6th and Indiana just south of the mall.  

I don't. Yeah I live by that building. Heck of a nice looking truck!! I would make an offer if I had the money!

 

 

Why so set on the 6 speed?

Edited January 25, 20169 yr by TFaoro

I guess more personal preference. I asked earlier in this thread if someone could enlighten me on the differences between the 5 & 6 speed because I don't know if there's any pros/cons to one or the other.

If I could get that from him for a price that works for, you want to drive that up to Washington for me?! hahah

Edited January 25, 20169 yr by notlimah

6 speeds split the 3-4 gap on the 5 speed.

For high hp applications the 6 speed is stronger.

6 speed is much notchier to shift with any clutch. Can be a bit of a pita with a dual disc.

5 speeds shift smooth as butter with a single disc clutch.

5 speed CAN have issues with the 5th gear nut falling off.

6 speeds have bearing issues if they aren't overfilled with fluid.

5 speeds are significantly easier and cheaper to rebuild.

Personally, I'd run either.

 

I'd drive it up! Just buy my plane ride home  

Edited January 25, 20169 yr by TFaoro

I think I've heard that the 6 spd is more problematic over time than the 5. Definatly more expensive to rebuild.

Have you thought about employees hammering it on the way back from a flagging trip? Employees barrowing to haul heavy for weekends? I think it's not a one owner in this case. Without records, a paint job and other things that got redone  why on just a flag truck? I sends up big smoke signals to me.... I'd stay away because a company truck usually stays basic stock. It's got big red flag as far as I'm concerned.

9 minutes ago, TFaoro said:

6 speeds split the 3-4 gap on the 5 speed.

For high hp applications the 6 speed is stronger.

6 speed is much notchier to shift with any clutch. Can be a bit of a pita with a dual disc.

5 speeds shift smooth as butter with a single disc clutch.

5 speed CAN have issues with the 5th gear nut falling off.

6 speeds have bearing issues if they aren't overfilled with fluid.

5 speeds are significantly easier and cheaper to rebuild.

Personally, I'd run either.

 

I'd drive it up! Just buy my plane ride home  

Thanks for the info man, that's clears things up for sure! What's your definition of high hp on the 6spd?

I just might have to get ahold of this guy and see what he'd want as an outright purchase price. Might take you up on that offer!

7 minutes ago, JAG1 said:

I think I've heard that the 6 spd is more problematic over time than the 5. Definatly more expensive to rebuild.

Have you thought about employees hammering it on the way back from a flagging trip? Employees barrowing to haul heavy for weekends? I think it's not a one owner in this case. Without records, a paint job and other things that got redone  why on just a flag truck? I sends up big smoke signals to me.... I'd stay away because a company truck usually stays basic stock. It's got big red flag as far as I'm concerned.

All real valid points. I've only talked with the guy through text messages so I'm trying to have a phone convo and ask some more questions and see how I feel about the situation to see if its even worth the drive to have a look. I'd obviously give it a pretty thorough look through and test drive before I made a final decision, if it even gets to that point. Really appreciate the input though.

Edited January 25, 20169 yr by notlimah

I dug around craigs list here around home and was very surprised at what folks wanted for the 2nd gens. Auto 2wd were less, but manual 4wd 5 or 6 speed were ridiculous. If they had less than 200k on them $13K to $16k were the asking prices. Some of the built a few not. Did not expect that around here. Did not expect dirt cheap either.  

2nd gen 12v's are going for ridiculous prices these days. I've got the only 12v truck around here that I've seen, everything else is a 24v. I guess they're getting harder to come by.

.

Yea Dripley, I don't know what's driving the prices so high but it's definitely surprising to see the prices on these trucks.

 

I'm just depressed now lol  Here I was thinking I found a good deal and now I'm second guessing it

Edited January 25, 20169 yr by notlimah

It took me 3 mos. of looking to find a good 2nd gen. Finally got tired and settled on an 02 24 valve with auto trans. It was the lowest miles around and completely unmolested. Still virgin if you will.

Edited January 25, 20169 yr by JAG1