Went and looked at a 1996 dodge ram 2500 5.9 cummins with the 5 speed today. They want 7k for it and its in pretty good condition(only one rust spot on the bed, and a few dents/scratches). I drove it and it drives 10times better than my truck. Only thing is it has 285K miles on it. It has had the front end rebuilt a few times and the t-case, tranny, new clutch, some engine work, and both axles redone. I am really thinking on biting on this rig but I am worried about the miles. I think that it probably is pretty good though since its a 5speed and a 12v. Btw it also has 410 gears. No dash crack and is a long box club cab (4x4 of course). What do you all think? I know I can go to texas and get one cheaper, but this doesn't seem to bad?

 

285k isnt to bad its just past break in really, sounds like a decent deal.
Just remember Dodge makes and Cummins shakes it!

 

I take it your not looking for a project truck? That model you found is a classic in the making IMO. Since the chassis is good I'd get it and plan to rebuild it whenever it died. Seems you got a few backup rides if your sig is any indication. I think the value on these things is going to hold pretty steady if not go up since all the games EPA is playing with the new diesels these days.

 

is it pretty much stock? motor wise

when people start tuning up those 12v( which are cheap and easy to do),, if hot roded out they dont last as long as a close to stock one

 

Engine is stock, but has new head gaskets, new turbo and a few other odds and ends(stock injectors, is about all i can remember). I am really debating if i should get it. I want to try and talk them down on it some more and see if i can get it close to trade for my truck. I know the people pretty well and the truck has all the records of maintenance(hell even has all the fuel receipts!)

 

well it sounds like a good truck