Going to buy first dodge tomorrow, what do you think??

[ramharder]

Hey guys! Well this is my first post on here and I need yalls advice... I'm going to look at a truck in the morning, a 95 dodge 3500 dually flatbed 12 valve 6 speed for 6k. I'm trying to figure out if that's a reasonable price, and worth it. The truck has right at 200k miles on it which is waaayy more than I thought I would ever buy a used vehicle with, but everyone keeps telling me how amazing the 12 valves are and that 200 is nothing for them. I will probably pull a trailer a couple times a year with it, and it won't be anything but a small bumper pull. So it might seem overkill to get a 3500, but I do occasionally need to pull a backho and dozer so it would be nice to have. The guy wants 6k for it, interior is pretty nice except for the headliner, cab is great. Flat bed is brand new practically and new tires all around, flatbed and tires are worth about 3500 bucks alone so I don't think it's a bad deal. He said everything is very tight in the truck, no sloppiness in the steering wheel and the clutch is tight and the gears shift good (I'll see when I test drive it) I don't doubt him because he seems reluctant to sell it likes he's giving away his baby. Anyways I'm going to try and attach some pics and would love yalls opinion on the truck, price, what to look for when I go see it any thing that would raise a red flag in the second gens when looking/driving it. He said it's all stock never modded well maintained, the only work he's had to do on it b was something to do with a synchronizer?? Between 2nd and 3rd or something..have heard a few dodge guys talk about that though. I have never had a dodge or 12 valve. Anyways thanks guys!

 

[ramharder]

Here's one more pic

 

[haybale]

First off, welcome to the forum! That looks/sounds like a pretty good deal to me, but I don't know a whole lot about diesels, so I'm sure someone with more experience will chime in soon. Good luck!

 

[BBartow]

I'm not too knowledgeable on the Cummins but I know the 12v is known for being pretty darn stout. Also I believe the 6spd was offered in 99+ so never behind the 12v. If its there then its not stock or I'm wrong. Price is reasonable imo.

 

[ramharder]

Thanks everybody for the responses so far! Yeah the 6 speed thing threw me off too, possibly just a typo in his ad, when I talked to him on the phone he didn't mention the number of gears just said they were tight and shifted good. We will see, going to meet him in about 1.5 hours, always nervous buying a used truck!

 

[rammanriley20]

manuals are usually worth a bit more too. 200k is nothing for a 12v and new tires also. i think your getting a really good deal

 

[ADudeOnSkis]

That's a hell of a deal. 6spd + 12v is either a typo or swap, that started using 6spds in 1999 as far as I know.
That engine will far outlast the truck itself.

 

[BlackMagnum2000]

I got to this thread a couple days late, my bad.
But yeah there aren't too much diesel guys on here. But coming from the diesel world myself, everything you've heard about the 12v lasting so long is 100% true. Combined with a 6 speed tranny is amazing. You've got yourself one hell of a truck here. I'd go for it. Make sure to let us know if you get it.
Oh and also, welcome to the forum!

 

[NYCruiser]

Are you sure its an automatic? Could be a 6-speed manual.

 

[BlackMagnum2000]

Are you sure its an automatic? Could be a 6-speed manual.

He mentioned clutch and how it shifts, he knows it's a manual.

 

[dodgetruck2]

With how it currently sits its an ok deal, hes not robbing you by any means and your not stealing, new tires and flatbed really help it but a RCLB Diesel for 6k is about the going price, at least around here.

Check into the 6spd, 12vs were never offered with one as mentioned before 98.5/99 is the first year for it. If it was converted he would definitely remember as its not just a bolt in swap. the 5600 is longer then the 4500 and requires a start spacer IIRC, as well as a different clutch if its a good 5600 it'll have the 1 3/8" input shaft vs 1 1/4" that the NV4500 has. Could easily have been swapped but not a simple swap.

You'll easily know after driving what it has, reverse is over and up on the 5600 an over and down on the 4500

One big thing to ask about and repair if not already is the KDP 12vs were known for. It may never give you a problem or it may come out, lodge in your cam gear pop a hole in your timing case, snap your cam shaft and screw up your entire valve train and possibly punch a piston. I figure for a $.50 piece of steel and 4-5 hours of your time its worth doing.

Good luck on your purchase, looks like a great clean truck which is worth something too, and values in your area may differ from around here

 

[Stegs]

12v cummins is a great truck

I think you got a great deal
lets see some more pics of it!

or a video of that ole 12v chuggin