12valvin

Ok so Ive got a buddy who's strapped for cash and I'm getting a dang good deal on his truck. Its an 04 2500 4x4 , HO, 6 speed, 4 door, long bed. Its got 3in body lift and 6in suspension lift on 38s...........I'm going to sell all that and go back with some 33s. It also has a bully dog chip (not sure which one), a fass system, and some upgraded ball bearing turbo.

It only has 70k miles on it and Im just wondering if there are any issues I should look out for.

Any preventive maintenance I should do when I get it?

And which trans does it have and is it reliable?

Any info would be great since Ive always owned 1st gens and never a new one.

Thanks in advance

Super Dave

You'll need to know if it's an 04 or an 04.5. The engines are different. The easy way to tell is to look at the sticker on the driver's side of the valve cover. An 04.5 will be rated at 325 HP, the 04 should be 305.
IMO, the biggest issue on these trucks is the stock lift pump and fuel filter. Since you already have a FASS, and I assume the H2O seperator and 3 miconr filter, you've got that covered.
You said 6 speed, so it should be an NV 5600 manual. IMO, its a bullet proof trans, the most common complaint is that it can be rather notchy shifting. Just realize that its a truck transmission and that you won't be doing any power shifting with it, and you'll be fine.
For preventative maintenance, I would just do the simple stuff, start with an oil change with good quality oil/filters. Then, unless your friend has done it recently, drain and refil the trans and diffs. FYI, those all take full synthetic gear lube. Check the air filter. IMO, the best value is a Wix paper filter. Otherwise just fix what is broken and have fun!

12valvin

Its a 325 high output motor.

And thanks for all the other info.

Super Dave

The a/c in these trucks is kind of dodgy, but when everything is working and it has full charge, they work fairly well.

When you remove the lift, you'll want to check all of the front end steering/suspension components for wear or slop. The big tires combined with the weight of the Cummins are known to be very hard on the front ends of these trucks. Hopefully you won't encounter the dreaded "death wobble".

12valvin

Ya , I know I have to have upper ball joints but other than that front end seems tight.

BLACKBEAR

Yes the front ends wear out from 70.000 to 100.000 miles check it close