I'm looking at buying the truck, it has a five speed and is four wheel drive. is there anything to look out for on these? is a slight wandering feeling on off camber roads normal or is the front end worn? the truck has 150000klicks on it already but is in well cared for condition.
also it has blocks in the rear, is that a factory thing or has someone added them? if they are factory has anyone tried removing them for a level stance instead of the stock tail high setup? I plan to run airbags for when i am loaded so I'm not worried about leveling it under a load.

I thought the Cummins started in 89? Do you mean 96?

uhh yeah thats what I meant, sorry never had a vehicle didn't start with an 8 before

yeah, it needs to be alligned. Check The TDR for the specs, they have the proper ones, while the stock allignment specs are alittle off, and cause alittle bit of wandering. Those blocks are stock. Take them off and you will be 3.5" lower in the rear. I dunno what else to tell ya, but if it is really nice go for it.. just remember than in the 6 months I have owned my 96 ram 1500 I have had to put in a new transmission and transfer case.

The engine should be good. I got rid of my 93 cummins when it hit 350,000 and it was still going strong, every thing else was worn out .

I would have the valves adjusted, or ask them if they have had it done. They need to be checked about every 100,000 or so. Other than that no worries.

2500 4x4s have 4 3/4" rear blocks (stupid, stupid, stupid Dodge). Check the track bar, they go bad a lot. Also check ball joints and the front end in general. And get a TDR membership (35/year), www.tdr1.com. Then call TST and get a #10 plate.

Some guys put in shorter block to level the truck out. I did the opposite and put a 2 1/2" coil spacer in the front to level it out.

Pete

hey pw, what tranny t-case do you have? I'm assuming that mine would be equipped with the heaviest duty t-case they could find to survive the diesel, I locked it in lowrange and stood on the brakes at idle and nothing complained so I think the 4wd is good.
I'm thinking shorter blocks is a good idea, the rear end hops a bit when you let out the clutch and I'm pretty sure its the springs wrapping, can you do a shackle reversal or other simple lift in the back of those to get rid of the blocks totally?
I think the upper on the track bar is probably at fault, if I wiggle the steering wheel I can see the truck moving a bit side to side without the wheels turning. anyone have an idea what the track bars are worth?

The '94+ come with either the 241 LD or the 241 HD. Both are available.
The valve adjustment interval is much more frequent (20,000 maybe), the interval on the 24 valve is 100,000. Fairly easy job with a feeler gauge.
As for the blocks, yes the axle wrap sucks (even worse when you put in a brass clutch). I plan to put in some type of traction bar when I get the chance. Don't know anyone thats done a shackle flip.

Pete