Need input

[dedghill]

I'm looking to purchase a 1995 Ram 3500 V10 with 120k miles on it for towing purposes. The seller advises that the transmission was recently replaced with a "2600" transmission. Not sure if that is the correct transmission for the vehicle. They also advise that the front end differential needs replacing. I estimate that to be about a $2k cost to do. Is there anything else I should be looking for in a truck of this age and miles or anything I should expect to come up soon? I had a 96 before with similar miles and both the AC and heating went out before I decide to trade it in.

 

[dapepper9]

Stock transmission should be a 47re but it sounds like he might have out in an upgraded aftermarket version. Around where I am you can get em but they call em Road Ripper 1000 2000 or 3000 depending on strength. Front differential being replaced sounds more like the gears inside it rather than the whole assembly. I could be very well be wrong but that is what it sounds like. If that's the case, total cost including parts should run you roughly 800 for a shop to do it.

If I were looking top buy it I would pull the diff cover and check out the inside. If the gears are good it's more likely the axle shaft that needs done. I would still have it towed home to get fixed tho. Hopefully it's the axle shaft as that's easier and cheaper to replace

 

[dedghill]

Thanks for your response. In your opinion, what about the other systems? A/C, heat, etc. it doesn't seem to have much mileage for a 95, and its a dually. Anything else I should be asking the owner? My old 96 lasted to about 180k, but ultimately rusted out (leaf springs, etc) and front end needed expensive work. I like the V10's, but my experience is limited to just my old truck. Any advice would be very welcome.

 

[dapepper9]

Well most of my experience is with 1/2 tons but the regular 2nd gen items like front end party's and heater core. Heater core can be done for 50-$60 and a 1/2 days time just be a pita.

If you get it have somebody turn the wheel slowly from side to side while you lie under it and inspect all the tie rod ends, ball joints, pitman arm, etc. Anything that moves really.

Other than that I can't think of anything. The v10s have a pretty good track record for reliability. Hopefully someone with more experience with these engines will chime in

 

[rammanriley20]

I had a 2001 2500 ext cab short bed with the v10. only had it for a few months but i learned a lot about the truck. i had to sell it because it needed all new brakes, and basically a whole new front end. The v10's are VERY strong reliable motors so i wouldnt worry about it with only 120k when mine had 230k. i would probably check the whole front out like pepper said, and i would not worry about the A/C or heat sense ive never had a problem with it in either of my 2nd gen rams. as far as the front diff i would pull the cover off and make sure nothing inside is messed up. junkyards are full of them though if you need another! good luck bud

 

[MagSport]

I hear the oil pumps in them can be shady sometimes, but other than that I agree with dapepper, they are pretty reliable trucks.


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[rowdyram]

I've seen a few loose oil pumps, wouldnt say its a terribly common thing.
As for the trans does he mean 5600?