Considering a '96 2500 V10
 

Hello everyone, I'm considering the purchase of a 96 2500 with a V10. The truck is an extra cab, 4x4, automatic transmission. It only has 113k miles, so that's good. It's selling for $3995. It has no rust at all. Undercarriage and frame looked perfect.

I did have some concerns about a few things and was wondering what you all thought about it.

1. It has a fifth wheel hitch. I've been told to shy away from trucks with fifth wheels because they have likely lived a hard life pulling all kinds of heavy weight. Would this scare you away? The miles are low, but probably hard miles.

2. The "Airbag" light is on. Why would that light be lit up on the dash? Does this indicate that the airbag has malfunctioned or that the truck has been in an accident. It stayed on during the 10 minute test ride.

3. I know to expect poor gas mileage, but I was wondering what people are actually getting with the V10. I've owned a 1500 with the smaller V8, I think it was the 318 V8...and the mileage actually wasn't that bad. How horrible will it be with the V10?

thanks,
pf

Stay away from 5th wheels. That truck has been run hard. The v10 is the same as a 5.2(318) just has two more cyclinders. The hills in pa I would think a RUFF running v10 would get you 8-12 I think Miami gets 10?

Yeah I'm pretty sure Miami says he gets 10..I'm sure he'll chime in here pretty soon and give you a good response.

I'd be surprised if you got 12 out of it honestly.

As far as the 5th wheel hitch, if it were me, I would at least play 20 questions with him and see exactly what he was hauling, how often, what for etc before I went either way with my decision. It could have been ran hard 3 days a week every week, or he might have used it 2-3 times a year, you never know.

I know he could make stuff up, but most things you can put 2 and 2 together or at least have a hunch. I would at least ask.

Is it 4x4?

He said 4x4.

Long day.. haha I even read it twice to make sure he didn't mention it..and I still missed it.

the v10 is nothing like the 318....no plenum issue for one because on a different intake manifold

Its the same bore and stroke.

That's about the only similarity. As was mentioned, the intake is completely different from the V8s, no plenum issues. The timing cover and water pump are also very different.
Peter, that's pretty low mileage for a '96. I doubt it saw too much towing time, but it doesn't hurt to ask. Many of my friends that I moto with have 5th wheels and they only go 100-200 miles at a time with them to the track and back home. Not like they're out traveling the country with them. Is the 5th wheel hitch still on it? If so, you can usually tell from the condition how often it was used. I'd have a mechanic check it over and maybe have a leak-down test done because the early V10s were known to have cracked head issues. I get 9-11mpg all day long depending on how much highway and city driving I do, but the good thing is it doesn't really drop when I tow, unlike smaller engines that often lose 3-5mpg when towing. If you can afford the gas, a V10 2500 is a great truck. If you need to tow more, then a diesel is better, but you won't find a clean diesel at that price.

Well duh. lol. (No pot shot was take here) I have seen a few pics of V10 motors I understand that the intake is different. Thats why there is no plenum issue.

I have a 1996 V10 2500 with a 5t wheel. Don't buy mine...lol. I can get 13.5mpg (and have!!!! for real!!!) if I stay right at 70mph and 2000 rpm where the engine isn't struggling to overcome wind drag. It should sound like it would if you were in park and holding the rpm at 2000, just an effortless droning sound. Mine is a 2wd regular cab though, so there is a little bit of a weight difference. Mine has 181,000, still runs and the transmission still works. I have abused the hell out of my truck. I have pulled 5t wheel loads WAY over the towing capacity, burned out, hit the rev limiter causing violent jerking, and much much more. I do have to let off the gas to get it to shift between gears, but it still works,,,,,lol. I think my engine might last forever, it's the most reliable car that we have in the family.