I am giving up my 97 12v and want to replace it with a 01-02 6 speed truck. Have found one ( geesh, the 6 speed trucks seem to sell as soon as they are listed for sale!) Mileage is higher than I would really like @ 249k, and I'm looking at a 6 hour trip to go see it and maybe bring it home. It is supossed to run good, interrior is in great shape, outisde has a few scratches. The clutch is still original so I'm sure it will need one soon. Do I need to be concerned about the high mileage on this truck? I don't mind going through the rear and transmission ( it is a 4 wheel disc truck). I"m thinking with these options it is worth taking a gamble on.. I need to research the 53 block issue but would think if it has made it this long it should be ok. truck is stock except for a 4 " exhaust. Opinions, please? anything I need to be sure to check out other than the issues also common to my 97 also like the front end?

 

With 249k on the clock and the original clutch still in use that is a good indication that it has been taken care of and not beat upon. You have the right idea's of what to look for - front end parts, 53 block, the other big concern for you would be the fuel system such as type of lift pump and when was the VP-44 fuel injection pump last changed? With those miles i would suspect at least once. Another thing to check for is cracking of the dash top i would also check carefully on how well that 6spd works in all gears and of any history of repair.

 

Unless the price is real good I would look for one with less miles.

 

The trucks I have seen in the 125-150k mile range are going for $5500 more and on up. It's priced under kbb so I think it's a deal.

 

Some people never use their park brake and they become seized up. I know my FIL with his 2001 ho 6spd dually had problems with his from lack of use. When you live on a farm you just tend to park in gear the problem comes when you need to use the park brake.

I just saw on another post that you have changed yours so you know what I'm talking about. FIL also has horses.

 

As for the Cummins, that's a reasonable amount of mileage, and hopefully what is keeping the price down.

If the trans is good and shifts smoothly a clutch may be all you need. the 6-speed isn't a racing trans and doesn't like to be shifted fast, you need to let things catch up to speed and then it will drop in. Come to a complete stop after rolling in first and see if it will drop into reverse, if you have to pull on it, it probably needs blocker rings (synchros). Not cheap and maybe a haggling point.

Other than that remember the truck has 249K on it and things tend to wear out at the ten year mark so go over it carefully before you plop down your money.

Don't expect the HO to be a rocket ship, its only ten more hp, but the 6-speed is definitely worth it and good for towing.

 

I have over 400,000 miles on my HO 3500. Love the NV5600 (6 speed) had it out of the truck once to replace the factory clutch around 280,000 miles. Pulled upwards of 22,000lbs many times with no issues. Otherwise, front end parts will need to be replaced every so often, along with U joints of course.
I have replaced the VP44 once about 200,000 miles ago, and this unit from MWFI seems to still be running strong. As far as the motor I have yet to have the head off of it for anything. Ill keep dumpin oil and filters at it till she gets real tired.....

 

My 01 jst pulled a 11.5k fifth wheel to Cheyenne from Sac. Calif. the only promblem I had was blow a intetcooler boot on a big pull. I have 208k lve the 6 speed. As stated it is slow to shift but a great puller.

 

I bought it! Drove it 400miles home yesterday.needs the usuals, dash, front end just a bit bit loose, has some oil leaks, needs a center bearing. But paint and body is really good and the interior looks looks great except for the dash. Going to start checking it out today.