Hi all, love your posts and info sharing, I hope someday to contribute but what I need right now is advice. I'm about to buy my 1st Dodge 2500 SLT Automatic Quad 4X4 S/B Diesel. I've got a line on one that's a '99, former farm vehicle, good shape minimal rust, 130K. Clean throughout. My question is what should I be wary of. I think the engine is fine, what about the tranny. I'm a little wary of the autos but my wife will also be driving and can't reach the floor with a standard so auto it is.
I don't know what model tranny. I've been reading the forums and trying to absorb all the info I can but it's a new learning curve for me so some basic newbie advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks again,
M

 

There is only one model tranny avalible.
Unless it's been changed out.

now if you want to BOMB [ upgrade ] it that's a different story.

But I'll let some slushbox owners chime in on that.

I drive a stick.

: Eddie :

 

Welcome to the site. 48RE is the only auto available in the new trux and is said by Dodge to solve the problems with the 46 and 47RE's. So far no problems with mine but as I reread your post I expect you want to hear from owners who have '99's. Nat

 

welcome to the site
the pedals for a stick and auto are the same distance away
I have power seats and can lower and raise my seat considerably over the middle and pass seat so maybe consider power seats for when your wife drives

 

The biggest thing to watch out for with a '99 is probably going to be a #53 engine block. These have been prone to crack. The 53 is stamped on the block somewhere, I don't own one so maybe someone with a 24V can let you know where to look for it. I also think that the lift pump, and injector pump VP44 on the 24V are not just the best. But if you aren't planning any big modifications I think they'll last a long time.
As far as the transmission goes, I think you should be getting a 47re with that truck. As far as reliability of the transmission, It's hard to tell. My dad has one with 140K and still running well, even with the Edge EZ chip (+60 hp) he installed at 100K. My uncle also has one but it fell apart at 75K, with an EZ in it for only about 10,000 miles. And my uncle definitly is easier on his truck than my dad! So it makes me think that the transmission is just luck of the draw.
The only thing you said that makes me suspicious is "minimal rust". Not sure what you mean by this, but that seems like a little too new of a vehicle to have any rust IMO! Good luck, and enjoy having a CTD!

 

47RE worked OK.

I ran 205,000 Ks ~ 123K miles on my '96 with a 47RE before I sold it (waiting for an 04). I had absolutly no problems with the unit. Just ensure the linkages are adjusted correctly and it should shift and pull ok.

I hope the 48RE works out as well and that we can finally put an EB on it....

Cheers Frank

 

Other than some surface scale on uncoated areas, nothing to worry about, and I've been looking at lot of trucks. I've got lines
on some 2001's too, would it be worth getting a 2001 over a 99?
-besides the obvious 2 years newer?

 

If for no other reason than the VP44.

98.5's and 99's are know for injection pumps dying very soon after adding a fueling box.

2000's on up have a better pump and last much longer (mostly).

Also, 2001.5's have 4 wheel disc brakes, a great improvement.


phox

 

The '03-'04.5 have an option where you push a toggle switch and ALL the pedals move toward you or away. The reasoning is you can be short, but you don't have to have your chest sitting on the steering wheel to drive.

 

Thanks again, well, I nixed the Alberta truck for now. I've got a line on a 2001 BC truck with 85K, still under partial warranty and babied it's whole life with full service records I may be able to pick up for $29000.00. That's a fair deal for around here. And it's automatic so my wife will like it. Tranny is as clean as can tell. I'm looking at it today so hopefully it doesn't sell before I get to it.

 

29k for a 01' model!!! my 04' wasn't much more than that!!
later, dustin

 

check this out!
'99 White QC SLT 4x4, LB, 111K miles 35" BFG A/T's w/
4" lift. 5 sp Loaded w/leather and carpet delete
option, Leer matching canopy, spray-on bed liner. PE
Drag Comp, Don M Mach 3.4 EDM's, PDR HX-40 w/16cm, SBC
OFE, Jardine 4" exhaust, fastcoolers, Scotty II, dual
lift pumps & upgraded Aeroquip lines,(tank to VP44)
Mag-Hytec Diff covers front and rear, Abbott ERA
Speedometer calibrator, Westach 30 psi Fuel Pressure
Gauge, Isspro EVA EGT & Boost guages on pillar, PS
Intake Heater System Saver, PS Heavy Duty Idler.
Amsoil Synthetics everywhere. (Synthetics everywhere
since 70k miles) Have ALL records since purchased.

I will also throw in a Palm Pilot and the Cummins
QuickCheck II, which is a neat diagnostic tool, and a
factory service manual.

Dynoed 517hp @ PDR Dyno Day in September of '03.

Gets 16-17mpg with Comp on 1-5 and a 50/50 mix of
city/hwy driving.

$20k firm I will not be parting out as I don't have
the time to do so.
Have PSD Excursion on order.

 

Since he's from The Great White North, I'm guessing that's 29 large in Canadien (or is it Canadian?) not US currency. I won't be a wise apple and say that's ~ $108.00 is US funds. Whoops, sorry.

 

oops !! didn't realize he was from way up dar'!! 12er, u gotta give em' some credit, 29k must be = to at least a couple grand!!
later, dustin

 

Yeah, well they soak us for them up here. Truth here is the guy upped the price a couple of G's because of the low miles and a lot of dealers are trying to sell at premium so I walked. I've got a friend who rebuilt a body vandalized 2002 with a 1999 SLT lariat body. I can get this for cheap. Ex work truck 100K on the 2002 motor/tranny running gear but a primo body and cab package. Everything seems to work and I've driven it and you'd never know the difference for looking at it or driving. Quad cab short box 4X4 Auto. Besides the fact that there's no warranty, it might be worth a shot.