Agree with $2500 being a lucky buy. I looked for four months and finally found an '03 for $2700......complete with a blown engine. : )

I saw no 03 or 04 in good running condition under $5500.

Regarding the knock/tick, take Mikes advice. Don't buy it unless you are willing to replace the engine at some point. If you are willing to do so, then I'd try to get quite a bit off that price.

 

Then buy it.
The sleeve will not slap or tick until a few miles are driven from cold - as you are correct - it will come lose when the block expands.

A few thunks - I would not worry about it.

Guy probably gets the oil changed at an oil change business and they put in
thin crap.
If he is putting in synthetic then well - there is your noise.

Should run quiet no matter what - but the engines loosen up.
Or, the person never changes the oil until they sell it - and the engine is really worn.

 

you should ask yourself the question if I pay $6500 for this truck do I have another $5000 to put a rebuilt engine in it? and can I get my money back if I have to sell it with $11500 in it?

 

My $.02

I have an 04 with 52,000 miles on it.
It was babied by the previous owner at the dealership during and after the warranty period - It was perfect and in showroom condition.
Before I bought it from him he had the head gasket done at 40,000 miles, it has Rotella 15-40 and still ticks.....

Mike is helping me wade through how a vehicle with such low miles may have a done-in sleeve or two, I paid up a little more for mine due to the mileage and maintenance but it still has all of the quirks these vehicles are known for.

That truck is cheap compared to other vehicles in many regions of the USA or Canada that are still operable.
But yee been warned...

***Do not get into these vehicles unless you have the patience, capital or abilities to
get the required work done.***

I came into buying my "perfect" vehicle with rose coloured glasses and came out this morning to a saturated headliner..... Couple that with the tick, knock or whatever it is, the dead SAI, exhaust bolts coming loose - Ohhhh I could go on.

But if you love these vehicles and take pride in driving a non cookie cutter vehicle then buy it, save your pop cans and enjoy the experience(s) both good and bad.

Good luck!

 

What he said. I've got $24K into mine over the last year I've owned it, which included a new engine to get rid of the "tick", but not until AFTER I spent a lot ruling out everything else!