mini14

providing volume to the vp should be the concern not high pressure...ive driven around with 5psi for years, i also have 1/2 lines and another ff by the pump

DZLPWR

Hmmm, interesting points from everyone. Are there any signs that a vp44 may be getting ready to fail or do they usually cut out with no warning? Lets rule out lack of fuel psi assuming it already has a good/aftermarket lp installed.

J BODY

well I'll be dipped in .....!!! someone "!!FINALLY!!" gets it!! Volume is KING!!

...that said I've never felt the "need" to replace my 01, but another downfall is the 47re trans. Built mine with DG parts and it's complimented my mods perfectly, but if I were looking for a "new to me" truck it would be an 03.5 to late 04. HO 48re combo was quite reliable as long as the lift pump has been moved to the in tank unit, and they seemed to be the best in the power/mpg ratio. I do prefer the look of the BR/BE body and where I live the A/C in the older ones worked better.

mini14

well ill tell you from experience, the wanting is greater then the having...i cant for some reason get rid of my 99, i dont need 2 trucks but the 99 is so much more fun to drive, the leather seats in my 05 are like sitting on concrete.

DZLPWR

So are you saying waiting for a 12v is a better option than getting a 24v?

Junk Man

Just plan on 2-3k to fix what is wrong &/or likely to go out. Cracked dash, steering, front end rebuild, gauges, fuel, VP. Next move from correcting common problem areas to catching up any deferred maintenance which will include drive train seal leaks. They you'll have a reliable truck.....maybe. I'd like a 12V stuck in an 01 body.

supr

The main issue with the 12V is finding a decent one anymore.
The 1.5-04 are a good choice, higher HP, more torque, better tow ratings. Most of all, they are newer and perhaps a bit nicer in creature comforts. A lot of truck for the money,especially compared to ANY 6.7.
As said before, they all have their issues. I would ask if the VP has been replaced, if not discount for that. Same with Ball joints. You could have it checked at a local shop, not a bad idea. Certainly have the FP checked, also codes.

mini14

well, no matter what u buy be prepared to fix the basics like hubs front suspension, etc.........ive never owned a 12v but if i did id buy a 98...if i were to do it all over again id have a 12v too. tab the kdp and not have to worry..once i finally give up my 99 then my 05 im done with diesels, their just too costly to repair, and i do 99% of the repairs myself, its stupid how much parts cost, and by me i have to mail order everything or pay almost double from auto suppliers. guess you'll just have to find out for yourself, i do own other diesel work trucks and have had nothing but good luck with them.(hino)

DZLPWR

I used to have a 98 that needed repair from ball joints to ps pump along with some elec. gremlins that were never fig'd out lol So, im used to that game. My main concern is pretty much how dependable is the 24v, what are the signs of one going bad, and if a vp44 is supplied with correct fuel flow, will it not die? Sounds like it still may/will. Bluechip diesel is selling there replacement as a fix all vp44, wonder if that really is the case?

Junk Man

Do a quick search of VP problems & you'll have your answer on reliability. I just replaced mine. If the VP craps out again, the truck is gone. I bought it using an occasional boat towing (only ~ 4000#) as an excuse. I had to borrow a Cheby with a 350 gasser because the Ram was down when I wanted to tow. It is running now & will stay as long as nothing major fails without reason (like the VP does). I think our VP problems are stupid & dodge management should be shot for letting it happen.

Nor_Cal_Angler

DZ...

The bold statements say it all to me....you said it yourself..."I dont know if the vp44 is as bad as everyone makes them out to be...

and just like RD....I have owned 2 vp trucks...a 99 with 150k and now a 01.5 with 96K I have had to replace 1 vp between the two and that was on the 99 it went at 145k. 750 bucks and I replaced it myself...

The only reason I sold it was becasue I really wanted a long bed. So one weekend I listed it and it sold within 48 hrs...I went to the bank on a tuesday got approved and found my longbed with in 2 days....and bought it....

I also agree the later 01.5-02's with disc brakes and less likely to have a 53 are nice (55 also) and I too would not hesitate to purchase another vp44.

NCA

nothingbutdarts

What would be an approximate build date of an 2001 so that it might not have the "53" block??? My 01 6-speed has rear discs.

Nor_Cal_Angler

I do not know of a "Build Date" that suggest you would NOT have a 53 block...it is just "less likely" to have one if build after 2000....

Everything I have seen or read, suggest that peak production for the 53 block was 1999....a very very very small amount of them were produced in 1997...ramped up in 1998, peaked in 1999 and in 2000 they found the mistake and started producing "54" blocks and then 55 blocks and eventually what is commonly known as a 56 block....it is possible to have a 53 block in 2000 and 2001...I have not heard or seen any on a 2002.

these were blocks cast at a brizillan plant...

the 56 block is the BIG DOG...

their brother if you will are Mexican cast blocks and these didnt have the same charastic's (problems) and are generally regarded as "sturdier" blocks...

DO a search on 53 block and you will have hours of good reading....

I was lucky, my 1999 was NOT a 53 block...and my 2001.5 is a 55 block.

From what I can tell personally, the 53 block is a crap shoot just like the VP pump...

I know of only 1 person personally that has had a 53 block crack...and I run around with a large population of Cummins Motor guru's...I know of one person that has had a 55 crack and I also know of someone who has a mexican block (not a 53,54,55,56) crack.

The guy with the 53 crack was a mild HP guy...400ish

The guy with the 55 crack was a big HP guy...low 700's

The guy with the mexican block crack was a BIG hp guy..720 on fuel 800 plus on spray. (1997 12V)

So I would suggest take that information, block and VP and put it in the BACK of your mind and DRIVE your truck and enjoy it....

The internet is FULL of the "hard luck" stories...you always hear of the problems and never hear about the good stuff....if its running great why tell people. Its only when there is a problem that people talk about it....weight that out to all the trucks on the road and the stat's suggest there are more running GREAT than running with problems.

NCA

Tate

Did these two crack in the same place as the 53's typically do?

Nor_Cal_Angler

Tate...

The 55 Yes...

The 97 12V non 53 no...If I can remeber correctly from a mental picture it is drivers side up a bit higer front of the block near the PS/ P-pump area...I will send a text out to him and he can correct me if I am wrong...

But I am certain about the 55 it was right at the 3 cylinder, horizontal crack running toward the bumper (forward) right in line with the freeze plug...

get this....the 97...is still running...been running that cracked block for 90k making god knows how many dyno's, god knows how many 1/4 mile runs and even did a stunt at a pull or two...

when he got the crack he was around 650 hp (#2) and has on that same block pushed it to 720 (#2, that was his best dyno averages 695-705)

That block currently has 297K....

But hey he a cummins mechanic and well when that block goes he says he will yank it, drop in another in a day...MUST BE NICE.

NCA