I am going to buy a 2nd gen. turbo diesel Dodge. I have never owned a diesel. To avoid getting a problem truck what should I be looking out for? How many miles are to much? Are there any transmission problem with any specific year(s)?? And so on and so on. I would appreciate any pointer or advice.<br>Thanx Tom

 

It depends on what you are going to use it for. I had a 99 2500 auto, and the tranny went out. I now have an 02 3500 6 speed very happy with it. As far as miles it would depend on previous owner. There are trucks with 50,000 miles worth more than an abused truck with 20,000. Don't know how much I helped, but that is my .02.<br>Scooter

 

You should look for a 97 extenda cab 3/4 ton 4X4 with an automatic transmission. I'm sure that you would prefer the color to be Maroon with grey interior. It should have around 44K miles and have all of the options on it. You would want to pay under $17,900 so you would want to look under the for sale section...maybe something sold by BRASSBULLDOG...<br>

 

Hey Brassbulldog.. if your not a salesman you outta give it a try.....

 

I am trying to be helpfull to a future CTD owner!!!

 

Tomrox.<br><br>An example for you: I am the original owner of a 98 Ram 2500 12 valve CTD 4x4 auto with over 153,000 miles and going strong. I figure the engine is good for about 350,000 with the synthetic oil by-pass system I installed early. <br><br>The transmissions are supposed to be the weak link but mine is still strong and I am not an easy driver. I have hauled a tractor and bush hog regularly with it. <br><br>I recently boosted HP by 30 with a torque plate and wish I had done it sooner. Of course my tranny might not still be here if I had.<br><br>So, if the body is good, the engine cared for properly and the tranny seems strong the rest of the &quot;stuff&quot; is rather simple to maintain and repair. These truck keep their value rather well and I intend to keep mine to be buried in.<br> :<br>

 

Tom go here on Fritz's web site this lists all of the common problems to look for on 1994 to 2002 2nd generation trucks. Don't let this scare you these are just things to look at depending on the truck you are interested in. Good luck<br><br>http://dodgeram.org/tech/troubleshoot/Problems.htm

 

Hmm.. what to look for?<br><br>-Dodge logos<br>-Cummins engine under hood<br>-Quad Cab<br>-Long bed (though I bought shortbed for better maneuvering)<br>-4x4<br>-6-speed Manual trans or full aftermarket auto (DTT, ATS, Suncoast, etc..)-6speed has better ratio splits and is much stronger (no OD nut probs)<br>-Pump Wire NOT tapped<br>-Check fuel pressure!!<br>-#53 block has been known to crack (check driver's side oil pan rail on block)<br>-KDP! KDP! KDP!-- This is the Killer Dowel Pin that afflicted 12V engines. The early 24V engines are vulnerable too-- all 98 and 99 24V trucks should be checked for this and have it jigged.<br><br>HOHN<br><br>

 

Don't froget about the front end. If you take it for a drive and the truck is all over the road then is needs a rebuilt front steering joints.<br>DM01