It finally happened. Drove this AM to the county fair grounds this monday, and everything was fine. Moved the truck to load up my grandson's rabbits, and it just quit. Unable to re-start the Cummins. So it was towed to the local Dodge dealer, and was informed that the lift pump was SHOT. BUT they could not install another one as this newer pump design is now located in the fuel tank. BUT there is a 4 to 6 week back order on these pumps. Bottom line is that they suggested that the truck be towed to an independent shop that specializes in Cummins engines. So off it went, and it was repaired in about 2 hrs after they got it. An after market pump was installed. The bottom line is that there were no codes indicating that the VP 44 injector pump was damaged when the lift pump went out.
So with tows and new parts, I am now about $600 dollars poorer.

98.5 Ram, QC,2500 HD loaded.

The truck just turned 100000 miles two days ago. Glad it did not happen when I was in Yellowstone NP.

Anything else that I should be looking out for?

 

I would be looking for a fuel pressure gauge, not only can you see if fuel pressure is dropping from a dirty filter but you can also monitor the LP performance and when it starts to drop off you can replace the pump at your convenience before it quits.

 

I 2nd the lift pump fuel pressure gauge, Eric has a kit at www.vulcanperformance.com

 

I third the lift pump pressure gauge. $600 would've bought a gauge, and a good lift pump if you had known.

 

I have been reading the forums for a while...buy a gauge they all say....pump finally died when I was gettin on the pedal. Finally I went right out and bought a gauge, apparently the best insurance you can buy.

 

Get gauges AND plan on doing something about the crappy pump they put in. Coulda had an AirDog & been done.

"Anything else that I should be looking out for?"

Cracked dash, leaking steering box, clunking steering shaft, ball joints, track bar, tie rods, frequently worn brake pads, weak rear brakes. 2 grand in parts will fix most of it. 500,000 mi engine installed in a 50,000 mi truck.