Is there any thing I should be looking for on a clean used dodge 4x4 auto turbo diesel?
I’m new to the diesel trucks and will be looking for advice on chips, exhaust, and so forth once I bring it home.

 

1. Search these forums for "53 block", 01 trucks could have them. The 53 blocks are prone to cracking in high hp levels.
2. Look for signs of head gasket failure at base of head.
3. Check oil/antifreeze for discoloration or mixing.
4. Depending on your plans, automatic trucks can cost up to $5000 for a heavy duty tranny/converter to hold the power.

 

Look to see if they have a fuel pressure gauge and check fuel pressure, idle>8psi / wot >5psi. 24v w/ vp44 needs fuel.

Eugene

 

Look to see if it has rear disks...It'll be a 2001.5 if so. Also be sure to check fuel pressure and check for codes (turn the key on/off 3 times without starting and look for #'s to appear in the odometer). I would go to the tech section here and print off the code list and take with you so you will have some firepower for negotiations.

 

Thanks If I only new were the injector pump was. Hopefully it will be a 01.5 I do know it was built in Mexico and the dealer says it’s the much sought after t6 turbo diesel?

 

i would def. print off the list of codes and take them with you to check...that would help alot to have some negotiation power....and like j lent said, look to see if the block has a "53" on it...

 

if POSSIBLE, find a truck with a tow hitch that isnt rusted at all, that means they at least didnt pull anything with it. If the truck is modded at all, EXPECT that is was abused (come on now, who hasn't?). Check the front track bar and be sure it isnt loose. If they will let you, take it to get a state vehicle inspection and see if it will pass. It's probably around $80 and it will save you major $$$ if they find something you dont.

 

Well that was a wasted hour and a half drive. Never even got any one to open it up for me. I crawled up under it looking for the 53 stamped in the block (never did find it) and noticed oil dripping form the oil pan, trany pan and every thing else. The trany pan looked like some one had beaten it from the inside? Needless to say I didn’t need to see any more.

 

Sorry it didn't work out. At least your smart enough to take a good look and know when something ain't right. Don't worry, there's plenty of good ones out there.

 

DO NOT!!! give up ,I looked at,least 18 trucks over 1 and a half hours away,the right one is out there,you will know it when you drive it.I did and she ain't going nowhere,GOOD LUCK!!!!

 

The dealers always have the rarest and sought after vehicles laying around don't they?! The 01.5's are nice because of the rear discs. The 98 1/2 12 valve quad cabs are really the most sought after and rare 2nd gens out there. My truck was made in Mexico and is very tight. I couldn't be happier with it. The injection pump is on the drivers side top front of the engine under a black plastic cover. Looking at it won't tell you anything about it. You need to make sure the fuel pressure is above at least 8 lbs. at idle and you can't tell this w/o a guage. The injection pump is considered the achilles heel on these models. Some seem to go forever, many don't go very far at all. Don't let this sway you too much. They are replaceable and you can get hot rodded ones for big fuel if you got the $$. I just mostly look for used vehicles that were used, not abused. Its a truck so the bed may be a little beat up but it doesn't mean the truck wasn't maintained. keep looking and good luck. By the way, that 01 auto was one of over 100,000 made and sold in the US that year. Kurt

 

Yes, the disc brakes rock

the IP hasnt been my problem (knock on wood), but the lift pump was. That and the steering setup