Originally posted by Ed_GT5000
Getting ready to start my search for a used 4wd pickup truck. I want a full sized pickup auto V8 with 8'bed. I have never owned a 4wd before and my spending limit is $10,000 but may consider a "beater" if cheap enough.
what should I be looking out for?
I like chevy and ford should I consider dodge? I heard there are problems with the trans and rear ends of dodge.
And lastly (this may sound dumb) How do I know for sure that the 4wd is working when I test drive a used truck.
The only 4wd truck I have driven was a "full time" older chevy truck.
As Spike has already said, I have a Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins diesel which is not in the price range you are looking for. I take it that you want a gas engine as it is likely that a diesel engine will push the price over the 10K mark in most cases.
I would recommend that you stick with the 1991 and older model Chevy and GMC trucks as they switched to the IFS suspension (independent front suspension). I would suggest that the 350 V-8 be the MINIMUM size engine you consider (bigger is better in this case) and I prefer the 3/4 ton K2500's for their beefier suspension, heavier duty axles, and slightly higher ride height.
The Ford & Dodge always had the straight axle front suspension and the same applies to them as above. Dodge uses the same Dana axles as Ford in the 3/4 ton and up trucks.
I can usually tell if the 4WD is engaged by how the front end wants to pull the truck forward, especially in turns. The shift on the fly type 4WD engagement seems to be fairly standard but you may come across some trucks with manual hubs that you must get out of the truck and manually engage the hub by turning the hub "lever" to the engaged postion. Most hubs are not of the manual design but a few are still around and some folks convert them back. They are more reliable but a PITA if you are already in sloppy conditions.
You also want a truck with a limited slip rear differential or the 4WD will not work as effective in slippery conditions.
DEFINITELY test drive the truck OFF ROAD or dirt road with the 4WD engaged and listen for any unusual knocking noises, especially in turns (could be worn steering U joints). Check the front and read drive shafts for being tight and cannot be moved (could be worn U joints) Be sure to check 4Lo and understand how to firmly AND postively engage the floor lever at a slow crawl speed or in Neutral; otherwise you will get gear clash. Drive it around in 4Lo and listen for any unusual transfer case noises. The transfer case make a certain amount of very subtle whining noise due to the straight cut gears. Check the steering suspension tie rods and ends, steerbox, pitman arm, etc. You may want to have a trusted garage or mechanic check this.
Your best bet is to find some guy who is a residential "Harry Home Owner" who rarely if ever used 4WD and took it easy on the truck.
They will ALL be gas toilets reguardless of brand.
I suggest you look at and demo ALL the brands and then narrow the choices down to the brand and year you like best as well as a particular truck that you find a very good condition. It could VERY well be worth the $20 - $40 to take the truck to a trusted AND competent mechanic or garage and have them give it a thorough inspection BEFORE buying as this inspection could reveal problems like leaking axle seals, brakes, transmission or transfer case problems, engine, or suspension problems.
Once you have the truck home; I strong recommend you change ALL the fluids AND filters to establish a known maintenance baseline and condition. (i.e. transmission oil & filter, transfer case oil, engine oil and filter, power steering oil, front & rear axle oil, engine anti-freeze, even the brake fluid if you have the equipment, check and grease all fittings & U joints, air filter, fuel filter) You may want to run the VIN# across one of the lemon/vehicle background check services too.
I am sure I missed a some areas to inspect or check on but this should get you off to a good start. I am sure some of the others will jump in here with some very good ideas & suggestions as well. Good luck and happy hunt!
:thumbsup:
