Hey Im looking at a 98 1500 is there anything specific I should look for it has 160000 on it

 

Plenum fix,spark plugs,wires,cap,rotor,oil & filter,tranny filter but don't flush it might kill the thing oh and welcome to df

 

If it doesn't shift flawlessly, move on or negotiate it down based on the cost of a tranny rebuild.

 

Listen for noise in the rear diff. Pull the rubber fill plug and stick your finger in there and check the fuild level/quality.
My diff blew up 2 weeks after I bought mine.
Also ball joints, hubs, and tie rod ends are expensive. Negotiate the price if they need replaced.

plenum fix (do it yourself in about 6hrs)
basic tune up (almost any vehicle will need this)

 

Yea, keep an eye on the front track bar and rust on the bottom of the doors. I was sold a "rust free truck" which it was in the sense you couldn't see it standing out side of the truck. Cost me $200 to have my driver door fixed which had minor rust.

 

If the tranny hasn't been rebuilt recently, expect to pay $2000 for a future rebuild.

Other than that, check the oil for "bubbles" or "milky" discoloration (which would indicate coolant in the oil).

check the tranny fluid..make sure it's RED, not "dark red" or "brown". Dark color/burnt smell = tranny is shot.

Drive it on the highway. Run it hard. Then check for oil/coolant leaks. When you think you've checked it well, check it again. Look at the oil pressure and temp gauges. Should run well below 210 degrees. Oil pressure should show at least 30 at idle.

The list goes on and on! If you aren't mechanically inclined you should pay a mechanic to look it over before you buy it.

Good luck!