going to look at an 04 1ton today. what are the major things i need to look for? it has 260k miles i know the blow by and front end stuff but what else do i need to search for?
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In 04, they had 2 different motors. The early 04 had a 305hp and the later had a 325hp HO. -
Check and make sure that the engine and transmission aren't leaking
turn the key on and off 3 times fast, and leave on then watch the odometer and see if any codes come up. Plug any codes into your smartphone and look them up to see if anything is troubled.
Check the rear end for any leakage.
Make sure all the lights work
Get it out on the road, and light it up. It should pull hard, the early 04 is 555ftlb of torque, 04.5 is 600ftlb. If it doesn't impress, think hard about pulling the trigger.
Ask about when the lift pump, injector pump and injectors were replaced. If they haven't, be prepared for a big bill.Comment
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I am the original owner of an early 04 and it has been a great truck.
Check:
+ pinion seals
+ HVAC doors within the dash (make sure every position on the dial works to include recirc. The doors have a tendency to break)
+ 65-70 mph vibration (most likely will have it, not that big of a deal)
+ check for evidence of a programmer (I would walk if I found evidence of one)
+ cracks in exhaust manifold
+ I know you said you knew about the front end stuff, but definitely check BJs, hubs, and all u-joints
By the way, I am at 165k and on original injection pump and injectors. I replaced the OE lift pump with a Walbro installed on the frame near the tank before it quit 120k ago.
Hope this helps.Comment
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If it's an automatic, check for slippage and ask if the bands have been tightened or if the tranny has been rebuilt.
I ran my '05 for 8 years and sold it at 200,000 miles. I had the bands tightened once. Other than that, there were no other problems (except the recirc door for the AC).
Speaking of the recirc door, if it has broken and not been replaced, the air will not be very cold. If it is broken, the dealer (and most mechanics) will want 8 hours labor to fix it right. I had a mechanic buddy come to my house and we changed mine (right) in less than an hour.Comment
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Sounds silly, but open the air filter box. I popped one open one time on a 12 valve I was looking to buy, & it looked to have never been changed.Comment
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