I am currently looking at purchasing a 1999 2500 lariat. I have driven dodge diesels for work but have never owned one. My last diesel was a 2003 ford. The truck I am looking at has 96000 miles and many performace upgrades from air filter, fuel sytem, exhaust, and tuner. Also small lift kit and large tires. I would like the opinion of some knowledgable folks about this truck. I would be using it for work, construction and trailer towing. I would pay about $12000 all in all. Any help would be appriciated.

 

Welcome to DTR!

The usual stuff. Check for codes, check out trans, if auto those performance upgrades can kill a stocker, $4-7000 to replace or upgrade!

You are ahead of the game with intake/exhaust and fuel system already installed.

If you are going to work out of the bed a lift kit and large tires look good but are a pain in the rear to work out of. I am 6-3 and can just reach over the sides of my stocker. Carry a two foot ladder in the bed for easy in/out.

96K is also about time to rebuild the front end, looking at around $1800 to do it right.

Check it over with a fine tooth comb before dropping the dough. I am starting to see some nice stockers coming for sale around here from that time. If a guy wasn't careful he could really shorten the lifespan of a Cummins with a hot tuner and no internal mods.

Luck!

 

also look and see if its a 53 block might want to steer clear if it is

 

how do I check to see if it's a 53 block? Also thanks for everyone's input

 

Who owned it last? If a kid owned it and hot-rodded it, you might want to get it thoroughly checked out. But at 96,000 miles it's still just a baby.