Well I found a 99 Dodge diesel 4x4 Ext Cab (4door) shortbed diesel with 144k on the clock for $14,000. If everything checked out on it would it be worth this price? Also I'll search for what I should look for but any other advice to look for would be nice. Thanks all.

 

The prices don't seem to bad to me. Check kbb.com and see what it says. Can you get the service records? Individual or private party?

I have 147+ on mine and have had only to replace a few sensors and one lift pump. I've added the EZ for a little more power and have had no problems with it. The engine still runs strong and the clutch is still in good shape. I also have almost all of the service records and parts receipts since it was new.

 

Buy it! I thought mine was worth $20K!

 

Sounds like a great deal..

 

I'd at least take it somewhere and make sure it's not throwing any of the codes for the fuel pump. Look up info on the 53 block.

 

I dont think the 53 block thing is an isue unless you are going to be towing way beond its designed intentions. It seems to me that all the reading on the subject I did when I had my 98.5 lead me to balive that the only people with any problems where the ones that towed 100% of the time and where WAY WAY heavy. I was not concerned enough abought it to even figure out if I had the 53 block. I remember reading that most of the problems where on 53 blocks in med duty trucks such as busses and straight trucks that where worked way harder than our trucks.

 

Thats not exactly true....bombed trucks can also crack blocks. Ive heard of stock trucks cracking them as well. I have a #53 and I am going to get rid of it at some point. Do you have any idea what the repair bill is?? Well over $7 k - why chance it. I personally wouldnt want to take that kind of financial hit.

Lockdown - keep in mind if you are buying anything older than a 2001 you will have to take care of the Killer Dowel Pin (KDP). Do a search if you dont know what that is.

 

Ya KDP would be the first to go. Don't need to lose my timing gears etc due to a pin falling out. Also that 53 block seems like a bad cast but only shows up if you are putting big time power through it or towning like a mad man.