I am looking at a 2001 Ram 3500 SLT dually Diesel. The truck is in excellent condition body, paint and interior wise. It has 88,000 miles on it and seems to run excellent, the truck is fully loaded with an automatic transmission. Few questions, first what to look for in the way of problems? Was this the years of the cracked blocks and if so how do I identify the good block vs. the bad block? I have heard there is a 53 casting (or something like that) and a Mexico casting and to look for the Mexico casting, is this correct? IF so, where do I look for the casting number at? Plus, is this the years of the bad automatics and is 88,000 miles nearing the end of its life? Also, is this the years of the bad injector pumps? The truck is bone stock and doesn't appear to have been used to do a lot of pulling, no goose neck, 5th wheel and even the Hitch assembly still looks pretty new. Are there other issues to look for regarding these trucks, I did notice a squeak in the front end while driving it.

Thanks.

 

It has been said the 53 blocks were in some of the 2001 trucks only way to tell is to look on the block (my 2001.5 is not) just above pan below vacuume pump 53 is cast in the block near wire loom ,also as far as injector pump, yes this truck has that pump 98.5 to 2002 had them not all are bad and most trucks run along time with out trouble ,the lift pump seems to be more of a cause .the inj.pump is sort of a crap shoot some members have 180,000 +miles and no problem some have had to replace 2-3 i have 2 with 90,000 +with no problem at all. most run fine just get a fuel pressure gauge to make sure lift pump is running OK . hope this helps ,I am quite happy with my 2 -2001.5 truck.88 ,000 on a well maintaned transmission is good if the engine has not been modified for more HP or towed alot of miles it should be fine.
good luck

 

Thanks for the information. Can you tell me if the casting number will be found on the drivers side or passsenger side of the block? I am kind of new to the diesel world and trying to get into a good truck to use for pulling an enclosed trailer.

Thanks.

 

I have heard it can be on the right side (not seen) but the ones i have seen are on the drivers side.

If you do buy one keep this site handy tons of free info and real good people hear too

 

Thanks, I have been a lurker on this site for a little while trying to pick up tips on Diesels. I will be buying a diesel soon, either new or used, the 3500 I was looking at sold this morning before I could get back and look at it. Oh well, there are a lot more out there

 

good luck, once you have a cummins in your driveway the fun will just begin.