Hey everyone, looking at buying a dodge diesel, I seen a 1998 w/ 5.9 cummins, auto. with 420,000 km. truck is in very good cond. never plowed and has a new tranny , my only concern is the mileage, how much more can it take and how difficult is it to rebuild these engines, and also with that kind of mileage what else could I be seing myself change or should I look at if it hasn't already been replaced . Thanks a bunch.........

 

Don't worry about the engine , chances are it's better than a new one (no joke , they take 160 000 kms to break in properly)

If the rest of the truck is in good shape , buy it up!

Now , beware, most 98's you run across will have a 24v engine , very rarely you will come across a 98 12v truck. (i have been looking for one for almost 2 yrs now) The 12v is by far the more reliable engine , as the 24v trucks suffer from lift pump failures, which if not repaired asap , can cause the IP to fail.

 

That's just getting broken in. You should expect to get at least 500K miles out of it (804,000km). I plan to get a million or more out of mine. If it is a 12v, go for it, and get the KDP done after you buy it.
If it's a 24v, just make sure it doesn't have a 53 block (http://www.Stamey.Info/Truck/Cummins53BlockFAQ.htm), and otherwise runs good. Check the fuel pressure also. If it's good, that's another plus to buy the truck, if it's bad (less that 7 psi at any time), then you might still buy it for the right price, but you WILL have to put a lift pump on it, and may have to put an injector pump on it eventually (no way to tell when the VP44 will die after being starved for fuel).

Chris

 

Thanks Stamey, what if it is a 53 block, would you shy away from buying it ? Did the 1998s all have 53 block or did they also have the 54 block ? Thanks

 

I wouldn't touch it with a 10 foot pole if it has a 53. That 53 is a big pain, unless you have an extra Cummins lying around, and like to do engine swaps.
They have other 5x block in them, but none are as bad is the 53. Read my web page about it and you'll understand.

Chris

 

Is it a 12V or 24V - that makes a big difference (at least to me)

 

What is the VIN number? I lucked out on a 98 2500 with a 335000km, I have never driven a cummins before all my previous trucks have been gas Ford and GMC Sierra, this truck was in a league of its own. Pulling into the strip mall where my wife was waiting I had a grin on a mile long (nice to feel like a kid again). Truck will go for around $7500 Cdn.
In my searchs today I came across an excellant link courtesy of "rbuchada"
(will post it later). If the 8th digit in the VIN is a "6" the truck is a 24V, if the digit is "C or D" you have hit the 12V jackpot.

Good luck

Serge future cummins owner who can't wait

 

I think you must be confused sir... ANY cummins goes for no less than 10 000$ aruond here. I know where there is a 98 12v for $20 000 , with 330 000 kms on it and in need of some work.

 

_______________________________

WOW!! JKM
Trucks are alot more on the east coast.
We have a 98 12v auto 4x4 SB QC thats been for sale here for 15k forever (needs a little cosmetic but has huge mileage 375k) When they come up, clean ones are 20-25 . The big problem is they dont come up that often with the QC

 

If I knew how I would post pic of the engine,judy noticed there is some gunk on different places on the radiator (might be oil from A/C system, was told that when your freon leaks out the oil that lubricates AC will create a haze on rad) when trying to post pic previously. It might be because I can't post pics just yet or that I just don't have a clue how to do it (I tried DieselDaze img thing to no avail). Any heads up appreciated.
As for the price I don't know diesels very well but a new one regular cab 2wd goes for a few grand less then the quad cabs so you are looking close to 50G, this truck is 8 years old with 335000km which seem to be all highway, no plowing and no trailering so I think the price is pretty good. We confirm tomorrow when my forklift maintenance guy takes a peak at the truck, if it as I believe it to be we have agreed on $7500.00 Cdn, I also know where there is a 98 2500 regular cab and 2wd along with new paint with 160000km for $11500. I asked the guy to call be back with the VIN to confirm if it is a 12 or 24 valve. By the way here is the handy link http://www.dodgeram.org/tech/specs/VIN_decode.htm

Can't wait to have the gently used beauty in my yard tomorrow night, I think it will enhance the neighborhood hehehhe.

Bonne Nuit

 

I agree, they go fast but when the megacabs came out there was a surplus of 01-02 QC's around and they went for about $28-30K. Most of the mid to late 90's models are getting above $15K here irregardles of mileage.

 

SO , how much would you guys give for a 1998 2500 quad cab, leather, 5spd. short bed, 12V, w/180,000mi, and 349hp/902tq at the wheels????

 

A whole heck of alot but try to get them across the 49th it is hard not that it can't be done just that is hard

 

Paint it black , get it across the border , and we will talk...

 

Just got my 98 Black (repainted from blue) Ram 2500 335000km. Heard it rumble in around 6:45 tonight. Will be on the road tomorrow and my travels on this Forum have just begun.

Thanks to everyone out there, I went from thinking about purchasing a truck as a secondary vehicle (my wife's suggestion) to buying a 12 Valve gently used beauty (a ton of information so priceless).

See you all in the 12 valve 2nd generation forums

Serge