I'm seriously thinking about looking at an '85 D100 /6 automatic tomorrow. I already know that the choke doesn't work, and he's swapping out the starter now (said it wore out due to the choke). What should I be looking for? I know enough to look for:

-funny tire wear
-leaks
-burnt tranny fluid, or anything not pink in the fluid
-rust
-"custom" wiring
-knocks and funny noises on the test drive

Anything else, in particular to these years?

Well, I went and looked. Unfortunately, I had the wife and kids, so I did the five minute look-over. I didn't get to hear it run.

I think it had been sitting for a while, the rust on the leaves looked old (inbetween the leafs that is). 52k showing, so I'm guessing 152k.

The bad: both rockers have been "fixed" with bondo (and painted over); couldn't tell it the same was on one cab corner, but the other definately had been, and it was getting very soft. Probably not too bad, but I couldn't tell if the cab has settled or not. I couldn't tell with the floorboards. The cab appears to be "molded" around the frame, and there was some sort of seam/reinforcing bend on the bottom, and I just coudn't see the floorboards too well. The bed seemed ok, although one wheelwell did seem loose. I forgot to check the sides for looseness.

I suspect the parking brake cables were frozen. Worse, I think the vent line from the tank to the charcol cannister had been cut--there was a 1/2" or so rubber line, next to the fuel tank inlet--no telling if the charcol cannister was still there or not. [Didn't pop the hood, too much of a rush.] I'm sorta worried that the emissions "junk" has been hacked, meaning I would have to replace it. I don't recall seeing the cat either, although i didn't look specifically for it. Exhaust diameter look pretty healthy though.

The worst part was the rear main seal appears shot. I didn't sample the fluid really well, but it looked black enough, and it was in the right spot. I'm not sure what it would take to replace it, but the last rear main I replaced was *not* fun (1983 S10 pickup with 2.8L V6). Maybe it's easier with a Dodge.

[I did see a electrical connector on the driver side of the auto tranny, for reverse and park/neutral interlock saftey switch?]

So, I'm not sure if I would spring for it. No garage, and this NH spring hasn't been exactly what I want to be lying on my back in. Maybe I'll go back, if it doesn't sell over the next few weeks I could pick it up for a song.

Here's a trick I learned (the hard way).

Make a list of everything you can think of that it needs for repairs. Seats, dashpad, e-brake, whatever. Then price out the parts before you go back to look at it. If you don't do body work then add in the cost of a body shop.

Now take that total and hunt around (even eBay), just to see what you can get for that kind of money. Sometimes it's cheaper (by far) to spend an extra thousand or so right up front, instead of the "song" that a bomber will cost you.

Ask me how I know.

-Mac

Yeah, I'll probably pass it up ultimately. I've been wanting a beater of sorts, something to play with, not to take to shows or the like. I don't want to have to worry about scratches or number matching. But I don't want a yard queen. I used to like wrenching on my vehicles, want to try again, but funny things happen with a house, kids, wife and job.

My wife isn't against this sort of project, but a) I wouldn't want to work on it all summer and then have to wait 'till next summer to drive it, and b) I wouldn't want to pay for the tow to get it home if it wasn't able to go right on the road.

My problem is I'm too cheap. This truck was in the price range (<$500). If I only had more time (or money)!

Just picked up an 87 D100, and its true mileage is at 81,000 kms. Body is fair and the wreckers have tons to pick from. A word of warning though, she ain't no "speed demon". Around town its great, but its highway performance is seriously lacking. 100hp in a full size pickup makes for a slow 55mph + get go. I really only intend on using it for hauling around the city, and the occasional camping trip, so I guess thats ok. Every Ram from the 80's in the wrecker yard has a frozen parking brake it seems, but other than that parts seem abundant and cheap. little dents and some fender rust at the back should be easily fixed, hell, the topper on it is probably worth the $500 I paid for it.

That's cool to hear. Regular bed, or short bed?

The one I looked at would probably last a couple of years before body rot was too excessive I'd guess. Not sure I wanna jump just yet. And, while I like the laid back idea of an automatic, I dunno. Alot of money (for me) for just a toy.

I'm not sure if I could pass inspection minus the parking brake or not--which is the only reason I looked. When I was a kid, I "knew where to go" to avoid this or that issue on the vehicle; but times have changed and I live in a different state now.

Can you post what you get for mpg's later on? From what I gather, 18mpg is rather optimistic for the A904 trannied D100's.