things to look/listen/feel for when test driving/checking out a 4x4 access cab?

As the title states, i'll be driving 4 hrs to go look at/checkout/ buy a 07 4x4 access cab with 140,000 miles

what issues are these prone to that i should look/listen/check out while test driving and looking over the truck? im a noob to TACO's but use to working on cars. Just trying to figure out specifics to look for.

sounds from the diffs?
Switching into 4l and 4h?
CV joints/boots?
Bushings?
Control Arms?
Leaf springs?
Wheel bearings?
etc

Thanks,
Alex

 

sounds like your on the right track. if you really wanted to get into it, you could crawl under and check u-joints and carrier bearing.

make sure the 4wd engages and disengages. it can be a pita to get it in on the street sometimes, that's ok. and when you disengage, it will may make a horrid clunk if your on the road.

as far as motors, if its a 6 cyl, look for oil leaks at the timing cover, valve covers, and rear crank seal. I don't know of anything to look for on the 4cyl.

 

i appreciate it/ will look into it.

and yes its the V6

 

im sure you probably were going to, but check the frame for rust. I've seen some scary rust from members' photos here

 

Ask if the rear diff oil has ever been replaced; if not I'd bet nothing else has been done either. I'd mentally start deducting 2k for maintenance and see what happens. Good luck.

 

Blood stains and bullet holes are usually a bad sign.

 

Check oil....for color/clarity
Check the radiator fluid (under the radiator cap)...for color/clarity, etc.
Look in engine bay for any signs of leaks/issues/overall appearance

Take it out and drive it in 4Hi and 4Lo

As someone already mentioned - crawl underneath. Look for rusted areas, signs of leaks, other ....

Get a carfax report

 

A friend of mine bought a cab & chassis cummins with low miles for $1500 ish due to a massive transmission failure that sent a piece of the bell housing through floorboard, and into a body part. Blood stains all over, but got a helluva deal. The bed alone was a $6k bed

 

Interesting combination of post and username!