thenrie

Hopefully, anyway. Specifically, I'm looking for the 2500, 5.9 CTD, 6sp manual, QCLB, from 96-05. I just happen to have located two 01s within driving distance today. This will be my first diesel. The CTD was the deciding factor between the Dodge and the Ford. I have been lurking for a week or so and have tried to read up and soak in as much as possible.

Can you tell me what I ought to be looking for? What is desirable and what is not? What is a danger sign and what can slide? What mods should have been done and what mods to stay away from? etc.

One pickup has 78K miles, the other has 194K, neither owner has responded to me yet, though, so they may be gone before I get there.

I am aware of the 53 block thing, as well as the 01.5-later getting the 4-wheel disc brakes. From what I have read, the 53 blocks are fairly uncommon in the 01.5 and later trucks, so I'm going to be looking specifically for the 4-wheel discs and hopefully kill two birds with one stone, so to speak.

What else?

RAMMINVA

I would diffenty be aware of the 53 but for the right price i would not worry about it. Wether it is going to crack, there is always a chance but most likely won't. I bought mine before i knew about the 53 block and turns out i have one. Also two of my friends have 53's both are 98.5s one has 202,000 no crack other has 160,000 no crack. Mine has 84,000 no crack and my dads 98 12 valve has a 53 with 240,000 no crack and he pulls loads like crazy. But if i'm not mistaken I don't think many H.O. 6 speed trucks have the 53. But once again i would not be scared for the right price,I have one, all the 53's that live near me have Edge Juice with attitude except my dads 12-valve of course. They all seem to be doing just fine, knock on wood. Hope you find what you are looking for. They are hard to come by.
Ryan

SIXSLUG

6 speeds showed up in 2000, IIRC.

The front ends are the wierd factor with these. Some are shot by 70K, like mine, while others are still going strong according to their owners.

Keep in mind that you are looking at a 500K mile engine in a 100K truck chassis.

I just looked for signs of general abuse and thouroughly checked out the engine for leaks, mods, odd noises etc.

My truck had a 5ver plate in it but I was ok with it since they are built to tow.

I've R/R'd the front steering components, the clutch and trans, a wiper motor, and ECM, the exhaust, and changed all fluids religiously. A new Lift Pump, seat belt retractor, and a set of tires and brakes so far.

Tacomaman87

check for codes on a 24v truck key on off on off on wait whilewatching the odo window in lh side of cluster it will flash codes p0--- then when its done it will flash p done look out for p0216 p 1688 p 1689 it is the vp44 inj pump death codes around 1500 bucks if you put it in your self. ball joints trac bar. good luck

thenrie

Trucks were sold before I got to them. I'm finding it tough to find a QCLB with the 6sp manual for sale around here in VA.

GUMP

I found a 5 speed, and I like it.