Ok, so sooner or later my mom's 98' GMC Jimmy is going to be replaced (256,000kms and things are starting to wear out). So recently I suggested to her that she get a newer 3/4 ton CTD 4x4 since she really isn't too keen on burdening herself with a massive truck payment. So I've been looking through the local bargain finder and I found a few 02's that fit the bill, low kms, auto, 4x4, power everything. I want to stick to the 01.5-02's since they have rear discs.

Now I have read all about the VP44 and its shortcomings, but is there any reasonable fix out there that will cure its problems? I know a fuel pressure gauge and an upgraded lift pump is needed (FASS?) but is there anything else? I know I'd probably get some gauges in, exhaust and air intake. Also I keep reading about the Smarty, is it the way to go for a programmer on these things?

What else is there to look for in these trucks? I'm a 1st gen guy so I'm only really knowledgable in that area.

Thanks in advance

 

I love my 01.5 more and more everyday.. no problems here.. just the crappy dash these trucks have

 

I have an 02 and yes i had to replace the IP, but other than that no problems. It has been a great truck.

 

Well since you're into fixin' diesels a 2nd gen isn't too bad of choice. Gages 1st, then lift pump relocation or replacement as you noted, straight pipe can be cool but your mom might not like the attention. haha I'd also put the big starter contacts in first thing.

I don't think there is a real "cure " for the VP-44 problem other than prepare the check book and frown and bear it.
It happens to all of us. It's not a hard job to replace. One of the guys even made a very good video that is downloadable on the install. I would just become very familiar with the warnings and symtoms, not that you will get them all the time. I keep all the tools specific to the replacement in the truck so I can do it anywhere anytime. Mine went 155k before it went without warning. The new rebuilds are supposed to fix the early problems so I would expect it to last longer the way I drive and use the truck. I look at it from the cost per mile and it is pretty small. You can spend $1000 pretty quick for 6 tires and they might last 50k. Nobody complains about that. So if the VP goes 100k so what...a maintenance item just like tires.

The Smarty is great in my opinion. I have one and love it. I get about 2 mpg better average in town and as much as 4 on pure hwy trips. For light towing 8k or so its great. Heavier just watch the EGT, that's what the gage is for. If you really want a little better performance, some RV injectors compliment it nicely and don't cost that much. The Smarty just makes the truck a joy to drive.

I have a 5spd so I can't say much about the autos. Personally I'd think seriously about a 5sp or 6spd. Much cheaper to fix a clutch than a trans.

All in all a 2nd gen is not a bad deal if you are aware of it's minor problems.

Probably the best way to look at a potential purchase is to just add about 2k for additions with part of it saved for VP.

 

im a first time cummins owner and have had my 24v for about 2 months now and am worried about the vp44 issue.

i have 115000 miles now all stock. i baby it all the time when i drive. is there any real preventative measure that i can do right now?

i am still in college until dec and i make enough money to pay bills and truck payment, but nothing left for extras and i dont want to be stuck on the side of the road stranded until i cough up $1000 that i wont have.

 

No they are not bad trucks. I have both a 96 12-valve, and a 01 24-valve. The simplicity of the 12-valve is nice, no electronics and its pretty easy to work on and modify. But the 96 truck is another story, week brakes, rides like crap, etc, etc. Overall the 01 is a much more refined truck, rides smother, quieter, stops way better, even with drums in the back, its a way nicer truck than the 96. Sure you have the VP44 issues with the 24-valve, but that's it. I'm sure if you've been stranded with a dead VP44, you don't agree with me, but if I had to make a choice I'd keep the 01 and sell the 96. I've had both my trucks for a few years now, and I've spend about $2000 fixing all the worn out Dodge stuff on my 96 (suspension, steering, and brake stuff), and just a few hundred on my 01. I know sooner or latter I'll need a new VP44, but so what its only $1200 at most.

 

If she ain't hauling stuff , Ain't worth it, Get her a gas engine,

 

i don't haul a darn thing either, mine is just a daily commuter.

and i love my 02, couldn't ask for a better truck, the auto like mine, can be a downside but i've got over 91000 miles on mine and no real problems.

i'd say go for it.

 

We haul about 2000lbs worth of snowmobiles and gear in the winter so the diesel is a must. My truck will do the same job its just that its pretty uncomfy for more than 2 people.

 

Second owner and 45k miles later after 4 years and it has never let me sit once.

I love my truck and really would kick myself if I got rid of it. Looked at a Toyota Tacoma the other day, can't believe I get about the same mileage and can do so much more with my truck. Despite the fear of the VP44 dying, I find it a pretty minimal worry so far for me to even think about. The auto works great for me and parts cost more then something smaller. Most compacts I looked at you can haul 5 people. I generally I have hauled 5 adults and one kid in the middle up front. Can't do that in a smaller truck. If the truck ever starts to just fall apart, then possibly Id get rid of it, until then I'm going to keep enjoying my wonderful white cow! ( yes, white quad cab long boxes with white toppers look like large cows on the road )

Later, have a good one!

 

Not exactly sure where nosparkplugs is, but in my area, gas is 30 cents/litre more than diesel. And diesel gets better mileage in comparable vehicles. I'm driving my untested and uncompleted diesel truck to work (300km from home, and another 150-200km a day driving) instead of taking a gas vehicle. There is a definite advantage to the oil burners right now!

 

I hate VP44 problems but I love my truck. Perfect truck in my eyes. Now if I come across an old lady's 98.4 with a 5 speed for $3000, I may have to buy it in addition to my 24v. But I am keeping the 24v. Love it.
And, I just have ordered a replacement VP44. What are you gonna do. One of those things you can't get away with.
But, when I told my wife that we have a looming failure on the truck (0216), she said "Oh! How are we gonna go grocery shopping?! You better fix that. I like to go shopping in the truck." So there. Ladies like second gens, too!
-P

 

Thanks for the info guys, kinda reassured me that the 24Vs are pretty decent. I was out job hunting today (want to start my HD mechanic apprenticeship) and I found a 01.5 or 02 quad cab short box, with a mild (3" maybe) lift, Toyo MTs, triple gauges, auto, so we might look into it but I think that we'll be a little more serious in a few months from now.

And like Tate said, diesel is way cheaper than gas in the Edmonton area. $1.13/L for gas vs 89.9cents/L.

Also, flashing for codes is on, off, on, off, on and leave the key on? P0216 is the VP44's death code right? What other codes are common?


Thanks guys

 

I love my 2002 24v. I had my VP44 replaced at 85000 miles. I got a 0216 code and took it to the dealer to be replace before it left me stranded. A VP44 and a shift solenoid have been the only major things to go wrong yet. I've had little things but nothing major. Just keep an eye on the FP and maybe put in a FASS system.

 

aside from the cracking 53 blocks, the trannies going at 100 k or under, the vp44 isues, the a/c problems and the dashes, they are great trucks...