First time owing a first gen

[Dodgecrawler2011]

I assume this is the right place for this? Looking at buying a 1993 250 ext cab 4x4 with a automatic. Not sure on the gears. It has a rear main leaking pretty bad need new front axle u joints. It comes with these parts. The body is kinda bad not trashed but isn't pretty. Anyway he says it runs great. He wants 2400 for the truck. He says the tranny kinda "hesitates" when cold. Now besides the normal dodge problems what else should I check for. The truck is 4hours away.

[Dodgecrawler2011]

Wrong place for this I assume

[dazedandconfused]

Welcome to the site. Powertrain wise check the trans fluid and look for burnt coloring or a burnt smell. Cab rot is another issue to check for. Look close around the drip rail for rot and under the cab. Its worth $2400 even for a donor if it runs good.

[PToombs]

The rear main leaking is common when they get older. You may want to trailer it home if it's leaking bad. I bought one that was leaking a solid stream from the bell housing. That explained the 3 or 4 cases worth of empty quart oil jugs in the box.
Check the front cab mounts from below, they rot thru and drop the cab. The floor may be gone too, mine rotted from the floor down and took out the mount.

[Dodgecrawler2011]

Thank ya. I aint actually seen it in person yet. Was jus curious if theres anything specifically on the motor to look for or listen for. And the tranny issue.. my gas motor 360 with a 727 has been like that for years. U always just put it in neutral for a few seconds. Is the 518 different

[dazedandconfused]

With the motor look at the front timing case the best you can and make sure it isn't leaking or cracked from the dowl pin. Also look around the lift pump for wetness which may be caused by leaking/failing lift pump.

[PToombs]

A 518 is basicly a 727 with an overdrive bolted to the back of it.

[Dodgecrawler2011]

Yes kdp and rear main are first things to address. The owner has only had the truck for a year and says he thinks the injection pump is the factory one

[oldestof11]

Welcome!

[Dodgecrawler2011]

Well got a first gen today. Isnt tge one I asked bout. This one is basically just the cab. Everything comes with it tho. He was in process of redoin it. Paid 2300 for it. Its a 5 speed. The only problem with it is when he put shifter in it some how "jammed" and wont come out of reverse. Is this easy to do wrong?