Hi Guys been on this forum pretty long time in the 1st gen section. Anyhoo thinking of buying a 99 CTD 2500 2wd ex cab swb truck has 194,000 mi. What do I need to check special? I know about the vp problems and I intend to put a fuel pressure gauge immediately. The min. pressure for the vp to live is 10psi at least at all times correct? Also how does the vp act when its getting weak? All I have ran were ve pumps so any advice will be appreciated.

 

check to see if it has had a lift pump and or injector pump replaced.... the 24v 98.5-02 had horrible lift pumps....

If you plan on adding power it must be done with programmers... since the injection pump in the 98.5-02 is elecrtonic... it's pretty much the only way to get more real power to the ground...

as far as air intake... many people run the stock box with a K&N filter.. or you can look up a DIY on getting the BHAF (big honking air filter)

also check to see if it is a "53" block... they are prone to cracking.... you will also want to check/clean all the grounding points and battery terminals as the can mess up your shifting...

See if the transmission heat exchanger is still in place... if so I would remove it

the 2nd gen rams 94-02 (1500, 2500,3500) are know to have poor steering and develope the death wobble... the steering shaft, along with a steering pump support fix most the issues....

if you plan on doing an exhaust you wont need anything bigger than 4"

 

All good points. Prob single most important thing is fuel psi to the IP. All of the things mentioned have "reasonable" fixes. My sig list most of them as Iwhite mentioned.

 

I would stay away from programers for power adders, most dont work well enough to justify using them. The edge comp box is the best low cost power adder, I have run one on my 02 for ten years now. I run a walbro 392 efi fuel pump and an efi adjustable fuel pressure regulator. Currently I am running 28 psi of fuel pressure. In the past I have also run 50 psi of pressure just to see what happens. My VP still lives, leak free, its an original 01 VP027 off an roll over with about 300000miles. I have people give me there supposely it dead VPs, only to run in my truck.

As for 53 block issues, seen way more 5.9/6.7 CR blocks with cracks than any 53 blocks. I wouldnt worry about 53 rumor.

Since your a 2wd, you can install a new rack and pinion off a 4th gen.

I never had a VP get weak that the truck wouldnt run. I had my original VP with electronic issues once, so the power came on erratically. Just installed one of my spare VPs, problem fixed in 30 minutes.

I owned my 02 since brand new, its been a good truck once you fix a few of the issues.

 

When the vP goes, you often get "Dead Pedal" The truck does not respond to throttle, then it may come back. Sometimes it just dies & that is it . It will give you codes, which is another sure sign. Do a search on VP codes, you will learn all about them.
FWIW, leave the truck stock, outside of a better lift pump. I run an Airtex/Vulcan bigline kit.80 micron prefilter-screen. So far, so good.
Tuners may cause premature failure of the VP. If you want a hotrod truck, way cheaper to soup up a V8 gasser.
These trucks deliver torque and are great for towing & heavy loads, while getting good fuel economy. Thay are reasonably realiable, if you keep the FP pressure up to the VP. I believe that 10-20 psi is considered the recommended range.
They are not sports cars and can be pricey to maitain.
My $.02.

 

I have only had to install a DSS and a Lift pump .my 01 has been a great truck the only complaint I have is the cracked dash ,which has always been under a cover . I would by another one its a great tow rig