What to look for when buying a 02 1500

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ZekeTheFreak

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I’m upgrading from a 97 to an 02 1500 and I’m just curious as to what I should look out for when test driving the truck, anything helps. Thanks!
 

Snake15eyes1998

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Make sure transmission fluid is nice and red.

Of course its an 02, so its not gonna be perfect. But you don't want this truck to suddenly turn into a money pit. What engine does it have? If the transmission fluid goes into the radiator, then to an aux cooler. I'd replace the radiator, unless there is a paper trail on when it was done, if ever done.
 
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ZekeTheFreak

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It has the 4.7, so take a good look at the radiator and temp
 

HemiLonestar

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Ask if it's the original engine and trans, look for signs either have been replaced. Look at the dash, see if it's cracked or not.
 
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ZekeTheFreak

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Oh and also I did post a thread about finding a replacement dashboard, not an overlay, I’ve called yards and online always pulls up overlays. You wouldn’t by chance know of some other areas to look?
 

grpht03ram

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Check for engine codes if you have the equipment.

I have an 03 with the 4.7L.
Only major issue I've had is a misfire caused by a bad head gasket. Expensive fix at a mechanic.
The check engine light would turn on when the engine was cold or had been sitting for a while. Then it'd go away.

A dishonest seller could try to hide a cold start misfire (or other problems) by warming up the engine before you get there.
Check the coolant temp gauge when you start it.
If the engine isnt cold, I'd inquire.

And make sure the check engine light even works. It should light up when you first start the truck.

Check for temperature fluctuations as you drive it. If the temp gauge needle goes past the 1/2 way point there could be a problem.
 
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ZekeTheFreak

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Thank you so much for the info I am bringing my scanner with me but thanks for the temp info
 

Fishstickz

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Lol +2 on making sure the check engine light works. Mine didn’t work when I bought it and I didn’t realize it until months later. (Along with ABS, Brake, and transmission lights)


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Badger 13

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And don't forget to look for rust at the wheel wells.
 

Snake15eyes1998

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It has the 4.7, so take a good look at the radiator and temp


Yes, the reason why I say the radiator is because. If the transmission lines go into the radiator. There is cooler inside the radiator for the transmission fluid. If that were to rupture, it'll cross-contaminate and you're going to be Sol on your transmission. I hate that design, the later years came out with separate tranny coolers. That's the only reason why I'm saying look at the radiator. Good luck man, remember it's an O2. So it's going to have problems it's just the major problems we don't want
 

audiowize

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Buy a cheap borescope that will plug into your phone. Be sure it has a light on it.

Send that sucker in through the oil fil cap and look around to be sure the metal is either silver and shiny or a very light tan and shiny. If it's black in there, pass on the truck!
 

HemiLonestar

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Oh and also I did post a thread about finding a replacement dashboard, not an overlay, I’ve called yards and online always pulls up overlays. You wouldn’t by chance know of some other areas to look?
Answered in your other thread.
 
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