96 Dodge Cummins 4X4

[Hammered Scout]

My buddy has a 96 SLT xtra cab dually 4x4 with 350,000 miles on it with newly rebuilt Auto. He wants 8k, my question is what should I look out for on such a high mileage rig? How much longer can this thing go? Planning on towing my 6000 pd Scout on a trailer. Thanks

[GRMhick]

Thats alot of miles. Id say 8k is too much for the truck.

But, I would be checking wheel bearings, tie rod ends, etc. Just go over the whole truck. I'd be scared to see what sort of condition the frame and body are on a chrysler with that many miles on it.

Oh, also check the ctd for a blown head gasket. when they blow, but just weep out a bit. Most owners just drive them that way for thousands of miles.

Also check for slop in the rear end.

As far as how many more miles will it go... who knows.

My grandfather still drives his 700k mile chevy every day, and its in better shape than my dodge was in at 130k.

[tennessee rockhumper]

the 96 b-series cummins can go further than that.

id be ready to break both axles down and rebuild just to make myself feel better. steering and brakes too.

plan on the transmission exploding about every 75,000 miles. (mine does)

edit:
my CTD dodge has the following chronic problems.
-transmission blows (4 times?)
-leaking steering box (3 times)
-tierod ends (4 times)
-unit bearing hubs (3 sets)
-d70u rear end carrier bearings (3 sets)

[Towner]

have a 96 4x4 cc auto 98k miles for sale

[k5Buggy]

I have a 98 CTD and the things i think you should look for are front brake issues. Exhibited by pulling hard one direction or the other upon braking. I also noticed that at 180k on mine that the bushings in the front end are cracking so those will need to be replaced soon also. May be only part of the out of control braking issue. Mine has an nv4500 trans and no problems to date. Think the guys having the trans troubles are autos. Cummins will eat an auto in no time flat....... bad design by Dodge !!!! The truck is solid but it gets leaky engine parts eventually so look for anything leaking from the front of the motor. Good luck with it!!!!

[Hammered Scout]

Thanks all the info. Towner can you pm some pics and a price? Thanks

[asnowsquall]

I'm looking at using a 94 or 95 2500 with the Cummins as a donor. I'm either putting the engine and tranny in a 1975 Suburban, or taking the suburban and setting ontop of the Dodge frame. I'm still in the planning stages and was wondering how the Dodge front end rides. Does it eat up the front end as fast as the transmission. I currently drive a 97 Suburban 6.5 K1500 and like the ride of my front end. Trying to keep it simple, but its hard. I want to get away from electronic BS and go for as much mechanical as possible.

[m016324]

way easier to put the body on the frame. I don't know about 4wd but my 2wd cummins rides pretty good for a 1 ton. They are older trucks so they don't ride like the new ones but they aren't that bad. If you are looking for a swap truck I would look for a little later year because they have more power. 97-98 would be ideal,but 95-96 still have decent power and some 96s have the high power pump.

I'm selling mine too, check signature

-ben

[CJHeap]

That is way too much . you can get a 99 with under 100k for 10k or so.

My buddy has a 96 SLT xtra cab dually 4x4 with 350,000 miles on it with newly rebuilt Auto. He wants 8k, my question is what should I look out for on such a high mileage rig? How much longer can this thing go? Planning on towing my 6000 pd Scout on a trailer. Thanks

[DEMON76]

The crankcase breather is at the front of the engine.....right by the fan. Thats why the front of our engine get grimey like that if left untouched.