I'm pulling the plug. Saturday I'm going back to Texas to do another inspection and hopefully drive back an 03 2500 6.0 5spd regular cab with roll up windows.
It's a bit more complex than the classic I was intending to buy, but at 11-12yrs old and 165k miles I think I can get to it just in time before the original fluids that most people neglect to change, degrade the components they are lubricating.
LS1Mike suggested I check the oil cooler lines and fittings, I will also check the oil again and a few things I forgot the first time I looked at it: the paint on the roof, tire psi, the reverse gear, and underneath, but I probably can't get underneath it, all lights and flashers and turn signals, but maybe that's overdoing it! And I plan on some interstate driving during a test run to see how it does at 70-75mph.
It has two sets of wheels: some 16" tractor wheels and some pretty good looking aluminum 16s, two spares all in 245/75-16.
All in all I have been hoping I end up with this truck since it is newer, but not too new to get the afm and other doodad nannies, has the most up I've ever had (had a 97 LT1 with 285), is a heavier duty truck which I didn't intend on getting, but will be there if I do haul or tow, and I've become sweet on having a2500 over a 1500.
It has the NON POWER windows I desperately needed as every vehicle I've ever owned had problems with them. Tinted windows and a flow master that is barely audible at cruise and does not drone at any rpm or throttle opening, pretty tasteful dual outlets w/o shiny tips exiting behind the rear wheels.
Split seats so I can have my subwoofer, and believe it or not, a real live DIN radio on a vehicle from this millenium. It has a new ac delco battery, but no dual setup, too bad. Besides the added complexity, the dual bat is all I'm having to compromise with. I hope I am able to change the clutch when it gives out.
When the owner drove me down the frontage road and 'got on it' it felts like it was bucking somewhat. I don't know if it needs a tuneup or its just how a 2500 rides with tires that call for 80psi, or something worse?
I guess that about does it. So, if anyone has any ideas on what I can look at before handing over the money, let me
I will try to gets some "before" pics before I started working on it and its all tuned-up and pretty!