macmademetals

Im a Chevy man but im looking at a 01 3500 cummins 6 speed with 37k mile for a work truck. I dont know alot about dodges so I need to know everything I can about this stuck before buying it.

What should I look for. What are common problems out of them.
Tell me anything and everything I would be greatly appriciated!!!

TxDiesel007

Welcome to DTR!

while i own a 12V, i do know some issues with the 24V engine, the main one being the VP44, that is the injector pump on the truck you are looking at. The VP44 is known to fail every so often, but that is because they do not monitor the fuel pressure on it. Main cause of VP44 failiure is the lift pump dying and no providing fuel to the VP44, so it burns out on life much quicker. The 01 year is supposed to be a very good year, with many kinks worked out of it. The six speed is a towing machine, but can be a pain to drive daily, and 37K miles? that truck is barely broken in.

If the truck is a 4wd, then the front end trackbar can be a pain as well, if not then disregard that statement, best of luck!

Rick

bluedodge3500

I have an 01 the only problem so far after 80000 was a lift pump and a injection pump other wise truck has been great

Andy505

I've got an 02 with 81000 miles...I've got some injection pump issues right now (VP44) other than that the truck has been flawless. The fuel system on these trucks is not very reliable when compared to the 12v fuel system. But overall is a great truck and powerwise in a pickup....nothin' compares to a Cummins Turbo Diesel.

ncmech

TxDiesel007, What is the front end trackbar that you are referring to?? What is the problems associated with that? I have the 4x4 truck? Thanks. Dondi

high country

the track bar is the bar that keeps the front end square to the frame as the suspension travels, it has a ball and socket on one end that is not the strongest design, they wear out faster then the new style which has eyes on both ends.

the 01' is a great truck the the track bar and fuel pump issues are the only real balck eyes it has and really are not as big a deal as the forum makes it out to be, everyone posts if it fails, nobody posts and says "my truck ran fine today". there are aftermarket solutions to both problems but really if you are looking for a tough used truck that is a good choice, go look at an 01' ford or chevy and see what problems they have.....a track bar every 80k don't sound so bad now does it?

the running gear on a dodge is WAY stout compared to the others, they are not the best on front brakes but not the worst either. overall prolly the toughest 01' you can buy, fords are bigger and chevy's ride nicer but the ram brings home the win in the overall.

cummins fuel mileage and reliability is second to none.

macmademetals

thanks for the help.

pcbing

My 01 has 270,000+ and still runs great. VP44 was replaced at 180,000 and I installed a FASS lift pump. Absolutly get a fuel pressure gauge its a cash saver! If you adjust rear brakes every oil change it will greatly increase front brake pad life.

Mike

AAmeeting

I got 73000, I replaced a lift pump with the FASS. I beat on it everyday like it was a rental. I am surpised it works so good still. The motor really likes abuse. When the motor gets up to temp its a freight train. I take it on really long trips (500-700 miles one way in the middle of nowhere) gets a consistant 20mpg highway unloaded. Even with the VP44 its still cheaper than injectors in a 7.3 ford, 6.6 Duramax parts CP3 (injectors a waranteed to 200,000) , Lets not even talk about the 6.0 oh no. AND you can work on it yourself. You dont ever see a dealer again if you dont want too. Easy maintenance and serious durability, No compromises on the engine like Ford or Chevy. Cummins is King.