Taquache's Resto Mod

[Taquache]

Well I have decided I want a 1st gen and I'm going to look at one tomorrow (Saturday)

I need the opinions of those very knowledgable with these trucks so that I can make an informed decision.

Here is what I know:

1990 5 spd 4x4 with a 6" lift. RCLB

Problems:
Steering stabilizer bracket is broken off
Needs front end work (I'm assuming tie rods ball joints all that)
Does not start well with the key but will push start
needs carpet
used to have an air dog on it
Pump and timing are turned up and leaks a little
leaks a little oil
Shifter is broken (guy uses a pipe to shift it)

He is asking $2500 I plan to start at $1800

None of these sound very serious to me but I'd like some input preferably with some estimates on prices to fix the problems.

I will need to get this truck to Daily Driver status quickly and then will go through and fix it up towards what I have planned

Here is the craigslist ad for the truck:
first gen cummins 4x4 6 inch lift 5 speed

Thanks in advance for the help

[1STGENFARMBOY]

With everything you listed that needs attention, that price is a steel for a 4x4 5spd that will go down the road with a little work.

even if theres some hidden problems it's still worth the money.

thats my oppinion.

Dar

[Taquache]

My thoughts exactly. Unless the body is completely rusted through I should be picking it up

[Taquache]

lunch time bump for more opinions

[9297oldram]

How many miles on it? Good thing about the 5 spd the ECM can be totally eliminated if you have problems with it and want to go manual controls.

[Taquache]

Not sure on miles. He said 87000 but it doesn't work. It was his DD then he wanted to turn it into a mud truck hence pulled carpet.

Sounds like it has has a rough life

[Taquache]

Tell me more about the ECM bypass

[9297oldram]

I think a 90 has a external regulator and maybe a cable driven speedo which would be good. The grid heaters you can wire to operate by push button and use when needed. Can't think of anything else that would be controlled by the ECM. My speedometer doesn't work so I use a Garmin.

[Taquache]

Sweet! This may work out

[9297oldram]

It sounds pretty rough for 86,000 miles, I'll bet closer to 186,000. $1,500-1,800 sounds like a good price. Also there is a 1 wire option for the alternator which a couple members has used and like.

[Murf & lil Murf]

Id probably start around $1400 and go from there. Get a feel for the guys personality and use judgement. But from what your describing the truck has quite a few problems but nothing real serious. A few hundred dollars and some time and youll have a $3500 truck imho. Id probably say that the truck has quite a bit more than 86k on it. Truck in the sw usually are pretty solid, if taken care of, til 250k-350k. Good luck and dont be too jjmpy on it. Ive seen it on CL before.

[Taquache]

yea i'm figuring on it having atleast 100k more miles.

You have seen this one before? Thats good news for me.

I'm guessing your $3500 estimate is about correct