Looking for a 2nd gen

[Rangers13]

Hi all I'm new to the forums and in the process of looking for a 2nd gen quad cab. I'm looking at a 99 tomorrow 5.2 l ext cab with 150k. I don't think the tranny has been rebuilt so should I be afraid it won't last. I know to look out for rough shifts or delays when I test drive but is there anything Else I need to look for. It will be used mainly as a beach truck and some around town stuff no major drivIng distances. Thanks for any input.

 

[WhiteExpress]

Check along the bottoms of the doors and the wheel archs for rust. Then again, if it's going to be a beach truck, it'll turn to rust quick anywho.

With 150k miles, that transmission is more than likely going to die soon. I'd plan on a replacement / rebuild in the near future.

I don't know of any other things that cannot be rather 'easily' fixed if wrong.

 

[Rangers13]

so if im looking at a truck with 125k to 175k miles and the tranny hasnt been rebuilt or new should I stay away from those trucks? And if I need to do a rebuilt what can I expect to pay and how long would that tranny now last? I know its hard to say but ballpark numbers.

 

[reddot]

ill sell my 98

I think my trans cost about 2k all in. I think they normally go out around 80k but they are one of those hit and miss things. Some might last forever and some will blow up tomorrow. Mine was not a huge blow up. I lost my reverse gear and the others showed a ton of wear when they took it apart.

 

[Rangers13]

so do you think if this truck has lasted to 150k its good to go or could it possilby go at anytime

 

[txbass06]

^^That's almost impossible to tell. I've seen stock transmissions get the hell beat of them at the strip and last 200k+ but I've also seen them go with less than 50k.
How the truck was driven and if routine maintenance was performed has a lot to do with it but you never can tell...

 

[iSlacker816]

so do you think if this truck has lasted to 150k its good to go or could it possilby go at anytime

My truck has 193,*** miles on it and I got at it just over 150,000. I have no clue on any previous repairs to the tranny and for all I know it COULD be the original trans. It still shifts very well especially with all the hell I've put it threw. Shifts pretty firm into each gear kinda like a shift kit but I know it doesn't have one. They really are hit and miss and for me I got pretty lucky with a good one

 

[iSlacker816]

Oh and other than the trannys on these trucks, the steering components are the other major issue. If it has sloppy steering there could be loose steering parts but it may just be the gearbox needing adjusting. There's a DIY on how to do it, I'm sure someone can dig it up for ya.

 

[reddot]

best you can do is take it for a drive and see how it acts then pull the trans dip stick and smell the fluid and see if it has any burnt smell to it.

 

[txbass06]

best you can do is take it for a drive and see how it acts then pull the trans dip stick and smell the fluid and see if it has any burnt smell to it.

I second this.

 

[WhiteExpress]

I would personally rather buy a truck without a rebuilt transmission. I would want it rebuilt to my specs. (Carbon Kevlar bands etc) with all the latest updates. We did this on my Dad's '98 Ram and WOW, It's a whole new truck!

I'm just saying, if you're looking at a used Ram, You're looking at a large potential of a transmission issue.