I’ve been offered a 6.5 swapped 88k 2500 for a cheap price, should I buy it?

[someotherguy]

As for the broken starter bolt, the block is likely cracked. Though you can try to weld the block, it’s not easy to do and the reliability is questionable. I would pass on it.

This was the biggest red flag to me in OP's description. It's also something I've seen in SO MANY ads for 6.5td-powered trucks. Seller always trying to make it seem like it's no big deal. If it's not a big deal, then YOU fix it and adjust the price accordingly. Nah. It's a big deal.

Richard

 

[454C2500Longbed]

Holy **** @skylark, you're killing me I haven't laughed that hard in a while!

 

[skylark]

Holy **** @skylark, you're killing me I haven't laughed that hard in a while!

If my pain has brought anyone pleasure then it makes it just a little bit easier. Perhaps next time the silverback gorillas will use lube?

 

[skylark]

id trust almost all of them to california tomorrrow. I tow very heavy on stock cooling systems. (20-24,000 GCW over Donner pass.

So you're saying that you don't trust all of them to drive where you are already traveling?

 

[Big T]

This was the biggest red flag to me in OP's description. It's also something I've seen in SO MANY ads for 6.5td-powered trucks. Seller always trying to make it seem like it's no big deal. If it's not a big deal, then YOU fix it and adjust the price accordingly. Nah. It's a big deal.

Richard

It’s a big deal. Basically the block is toast. Given the other issues the ‘94 6.5 faced and the cost of the improvements, it’s not worth purchasing.

I’ve got my ‘94 running nicely, but it took a new IP, new fuel tank, fuel lines and Raptor lift pump. Just a lot of work, but I did it myself. I also rebuilt the transfer case in the last year as the input seal was leaking.

I always tell people to not count on the 6.5 as your primary driver. If you want a 6.5, you need to own two so you have one running properly while you take the other one down to work on it. If you need it to get yourself to work on Monday, the 6.5 is not for you.

All that said, the 6.5 is the VW of V8 diesels: parts are cheap and it’s easy to work on.

 

[454C2500Longbed]

If my pain has brought anyone pleasure then it makes it just a little bit easier. Perhaps next time the silverback gorillas will use lube?

Oh man, I can feel the anger and frustration but you're just so damn funny!! Maybe, maybe not I guess you're lucky they were gorillas and not donkeys? LMAO

 

[454cid]

If the truck is otherwise decent, I could see wanting it because its a first year truck. If that kind of thing means anything to you. I bought the 88 dealer brochure just because its the first year.

I would make plans to swap the engine at some point though.

 

[skylark]

Oh man, I can feel the anger and frustration but you're just so damn funny!! Maybe, maybe not I guess you're lucky they were gorillas and not donkeys? LMAO

I've been to Mexico...

 

[454C2500Longbed]

I've been to Mexico...

You know what, I don't think you've had enough struggle yet, I think you need a 6.2 as well

 

[Sean Buick 76]

Hard pass for me!