Never owned a diesel before but from what i have been reading it sounds like the way to go
.
I am looking at a 01 4x4 excab w/80k. Mods include true torque module and stage 1 injectors, pyro and boost gauges, kn filter, dtt torque converter and valve body, mag tech pan and 4in exhaust.

He wants $19k and the truck was used to pull his camper.
By the way the engine block is not the "53" but a "55".
From the pics and talking to the guy the truck seems to be in good shape. He did say there seems to be a tranny leak, he said the fluid level was high after he had it serviced, and never drained it yet.

Any input would be great

 

Not trying to pull you off your deal, but if you've never owned a diesel before, I would look for a pre98 12 Valve which are almost bullet proof. Or, go to the 2003 or later common rail diesel. The 24V cummins that your looking at has problems with its injection pump (VP-44) commonly caused by an electric fuel pump that goes bad. Its expensive $ 1500-1800.00 to replace at a dodge dealer.

The common rail diesel uses the same stinkin electric pump but does not have the electronic fuel rotary pump for fuel distribution. It relies on the computer to tell the injectors when to open and close. The 12V has no computers and for the most part is a true diesel. You can start it, throw the batteries and alternator away. Just keep fuel in it.

I've seen 2003's going for just a little more than your looking at as shown on
AutoTrader on Line.

Now, I have a 2000 with the same problems I've described above. I've been lucky only having to replace one electric fuel pump (LP) and two sensors in 154,000 miles. So you never know.

I will tell you if you've never owned a diesel in the past and you get one, you'll never drive anything else. Good luck.

You can search out some of the known problems with the 98.5 thur 2002 models here. There are other areas you can search as well.

Any of the members here will be glad to help you out.

Welcome on Board.

Dave

 

After just buying my first diesel ('99), I agree - - go with the older 12 valve or newer generation dodge. Although my '99 runs like a bat outta hell, I'm having to put a lot into it.

 

Yeah it's true...

I've got a 2002 and lost... (1) Lift Pump, (1) VP44 Injection Pump, (1) Thermostat, (1) front driveshaft.

I've got 74K on the clock and still running strong. But the trick is to put some guages on it and mantain it the best you can. So far everything above was under warranty. But all of this was early in its life (before 50K). I've done some BOMBing (Better Off Modified Baby) and so far I like it even more. Less to worry about so far... Most of mine are simple BOMBs but good ones.

 

It sounds like a good deal, if its in good condition otherwise. Go look at it, that might tell you everything you need to know.

I bought a used Dodge and its been great. I did lose a VP44 and lift pump but its a strong running truck and I have never looked back.

Let us know what happens and if we get to welcome a new diesel owner!

 

Besides the vp44 is there anything else wrong with the secound generation CTD?

Just to clarify, the vp44 is the pump for the injectors, and it goes bad because it does not get enough pressure from the "primary" pump (the pump in or near the tank)?

How much does the primary pump cost? what is the cost on a vp44 (pump, w/o labor)? Would'nt a pressure gauge before the vp44 let you know somthings up before you blow the vp44?

Not tryin to be a smart a$$, just tryin to educate myself.

 

All of these guys are trying to steer you in a different direction, but if you are a little mechanically inclined then you won't have any problems. That sounds like a decent deal for the truck with the upgrades, but I would still try to talk them down some because you hardly ever get your money out of upgrades when selling.

As for the lift pump they are a little over 200 for a stock or you can put on an aftermarket one which I would highly recommend but they cost a little more. Now the vp44 is the injectin pump which is after the lp and this one is expensive, it will be around $1200 so you need to make sure that there is good fuel pressure to the vp44.

And yes you can put on a fuel pressure gauge to keep an eye on things. This is what you should do if you do buy this truck. Put some gauges in there like a fuel, pyro, tranny, and boost. The most important being the fuel pressure gauge. The cost about $100 and are pretty easy to put in.

The 24v have there problems, but they aren't that bad. You just need to check the truck out and make sure that there are no major repairs that will dig into your pocket soon. With proper maintance these trucks are great.

 

Sounds like a decent deal to me, I agree with farmer dave try to talk him down some more.
True the 24v have there issues, but what doesnt? I've lost a few LP's in my truck. Luckily, they were under waranty. Then I got smart and went with an aftermarket set up.
Overall, I got a real strong runner, Ive had less problems with it than any gasser truck I've ever owned. Im just under 90K on the clock and runnin real strong.
Good luck on your purchase, whatever it is. And welcome to the DTR

 

What kind of after market LP are you guys talkin about (brand and type)?

What kind of pressure? Is the LP a mechanical or electric pump?

I have a new holley red in the garage from back in the day, would that work?

I am a marine mechanic by trade, so I guess you could say that I am a little mechanically inclined . Anyway more feedback would be great, and thanks for the previous responses.

The truck already has 2 pillar mounted gauges,(pyro, boost) where do you guys mount the other 2 (fuel pressure, tranny temp)?