Looking at buying a '95, own a '01, questions!

[thor999]

OK so I found a '95 in pretty decent shape for cheap ($1,500) and test drove it for a while, seems to run shitty but does run... has manual locking hubs, yet 2Hi / 4Hi / 4Lo on the shifter??? Oil leak that is fairly apparently coming from valve cover, and sounds like it has a few holes in the exhaust (under truck). Performance is INCREDIBLY dogged, i.e. can floor it and just slowly gains speed, doesn't upshift and start hauling ass like my '01... It has many other problems I can address myself, but am really worried about the engine performance, would a leakdown and compression test alleviate these concerns? I hear these are prone to head gasket failure, what else are they prone to I should investigate? After posting this I will do some research but this seems like a good deal to me (even though it has body rust, the frame is straight and only surface rust, and interior is actually decent!) so I feel this is fairly time sensitive and could really use your guys help!

 

[KidVermicious]

OK so I found a '95 in pretty decent shape for cheap ($1,500) and test drove it for a while, seems to run shitty but does run... has manual locking hubs, yet 2Hi / 4Hi / 4Lo on the shifter??? Oil leak that is fairly apparently coming from valve cover, and sounds like it has a few holes in the exhaust (under truck). Performance is INCREDIBLY dogged, i.e. can floor it and just slowly gains speed, doesn't upshift and start hauling ass like my '01... It has many other problems I can address myself, but am really worried about the engine performance, would a leakdown and compression test alleviate these concerns? I hear these are prone to head gasket failure, what else are they prone to I should investigate? After posting this I will do some research but this seems like a good deal to me (even though it has body rust, the frame is straight and only surface rust, and interior is actually decent!) so I feel this is fairly time sensitive and could really use your guys help!

Head gaskets are really the only knock on the 3.0. The automatic transmission is a dog. If it's got oversize tires, that'll slow it way down. The exhaust leaks could indicate a clogged cat, which will also change the flavor of the pudding. If you want it, and aren't a competent mechanic, get it checked out by one first. The one you're looking at sounds like it'll need some time and love and money to get back in shape, $1500 might be too much.

Yes, manual locking hubs and a jshifter. The locking hubs serve the same purpose the ADD on your '01 does.

 

[thor999]

Thanks for the reply! Changed clothes and went back and checked out the underbody more, frame rust THROUGH the crossmember and blown rear seal... Just not worth it! I can see him parting it out eventually! But if anyone needs parts it is located at the Carquest in Idaho Springs; trans and transfer case "seemed" to operate, and good moonroof and window motors throughout.

 

[nigelorion]

i hate rust.

me if i find any on a car i am looking at.