Hi all, my Jeep Wrangler is finally paid off and I'm looking for a tow vehicle that can double as a daily driver. I have feelers out on two trucks, a 2001 Ram 2500 with 50,000 miles and/or a 2002 2500 with 68,000 miles (both auto's....not by choice, by local availability). Really looking forward to having a truck back in the driveway, as I grew up with a truck in the family. Any tip about buying a 2001-2002 Cummins would be greatly appreciated ( I know Jeeps but I'm a newb to Dodge diesels).


Thanks,

Mike W
Nova Scotia
Canada

 

Welcome, A couple things to look at would be to see if it is a 53 block whicih is known for cracking but probably isn't an issue being an 01 or 02. Also do a search on here for vp44 the injection pump has a reputation for failing and they are pricey. Other then that good luck I love my 01 on the 01 check to see if it has disc brakes they added those half way through the yaer.

 

if you have a choice.... stay away from 98.5 - 2002 CTD... either go with 12v cummins pre 98 (most trouble free) or 2003 or newer...

 

"If it is a 53 block" .....can I find this out by running the VIN?

"VP44 issues" ......From what I've interpreted from reading about VP44 issues on the board, the VP44 burns out when the LP becomes blocked/partially blocked and the fuel pressure drops. I see that BD offers a LP warning system/light that warns when this happens. Would this be a way to counter potential VP44 issues? Are there others?

Anywho, I've added another truck to the list of potentials, a 2003 2500 quad cab/short box SLT, auto with 130,000 Kms (roughly 80,000 miles). Did Dodge change the fuel delivery system in 2003?

The List:

2003 quad cab/short box SLT, auto with 130,000 Kms (80,000 miles)



$23,900 neg.

2002 quad cab/long box, SLT, auto with 110,000 Kms (68,000 miles)



$ 21,900 neg.

2001 Laramie package (loaded), quad cab/short box, auto with 80,000 Kms (roughly 50,000 miles)



$22,900 neg.


Thanks for the input,

Mike W

 

I'd personally take that one though.

Get a fuel pressure gauge and that should monitor the feed pump to the vp44. its not a guarantee, but it solves one of the problems. Keep in mind that this is a forum that caters to the problems people have, so the fact that problems are mentioned doesn;t mean these trucks won't last forever. mine has 150,000 and i just had to replace my vp44 (injection pump). It costs about 1000.00 for the part.

Another thing to think about is that many of the people on here are running chips that tap the pump and are causing failure too. It's a gamble to bomb the truck.

Bottom line, I'd take the long bed 2001... and have a set of gauges put in! I tow the jeep in my signiture with mine and there are pictures in my gallery.

 

I'd pass on all 3 choices personally and go with a 12v. but if I had to pick from those three.... I'd take the 2003 hands down.

do a search on VP44 failures... that should convince you.

sure you can work around it by installing a FASS system and gauge to keep track of pressures. but why?

going in, you have a choice of which models to chose from.... why go with a known issue that can leave you dead on the side of the road. then cost $1,000+ to fix.