I am going to take a look at a 2001 Dakota R/T with about 85000 miles on it. From what I have read the tranny's on these are pretty weak. The truck is not licensed to be driven on the road right now so I can't take it for a drive. Is there any telltale signs that the trans is going to fail on me?

If he wont let you drive it somthing sounds funny.

Just because it's not licensed doesn't mean you can't drive it around the block. Don't buy it without driving it.

If I was to buy it I would have it checked by a mechanic but I was just just wondering if I could pre-qualify it a bit.

I'd drive it. even if it's down to the end of the street and back. how strict can the cops up north be anyway? are they hiding behind every bush waiting to jump on someone for a minor infraction?

you should also pull the rear diff cover. All R/Ts have the 9.25 axle with 3.92 gears and an LSD. the LSD is notorious for the clips that hold the clutch packs in, falling out, the LSD will still work fine(supposedly they're just in there as an assembly aid), but if left in there, the clips can take out the Ring and Pinion gears.

Put the truck on a treadmill