Inspecting a used HH truck to buy

Everything, take to an independent mechanic have it inspected, run a rigdig report oil sample, and on and on.

 

A front end alignment shop can tell you if it's been greased enough or not.
I had a truck in once that I was going to take over the payments. They said "I wouldn't buy it" but I did, it turned into a nightmare truck.

 

Check wiring
Check king pins and grease fitting
Check Windows for leaks around gaskets
Check motor for leaks as well as new parts if any
Check body panels for spray from motor as well as broken panels
Battery cables and batteries
Lights and mirrors
The list is extensive

This is even before you start it
Just a couple. Others will chime in.

 

Frame rails. They are the foundation of any truck. Go over them with a fine tooth comb. If its double framed and the flanges are starting to lift, be prepared to spend $$$$$ to replace the inserts. Also check the integrity of the axle housings. If running in salt and other crap like that without regular washes the housings can corrode right through. Drain air tanks out. If they have oil in them, compressor is likely on its way out. If you see a truck you want, easiest thing to do is put on the coveralls and start at one point and work your way through the entire truck. Take a notepad, pen and flashlight with you. Note everything you see wrong or that looks odd to you. If you can live with the obvious stuff you've found, then pay a mechanic to look it over closely. My theory is that some issues are blatantly obvious (like rotten frame rails), so why pay someone a lot of money to come back and say the truck needs new frame rails and you're better off walking away.

 

That ECM report - tells a lot. Get the full download.

EVERYTHING mentioned above. Don't rush it. Buyers market right now.

Purchase price is little compared to the fix it price.

 

Are you looking for a tandem or 4 axle?