Hey guys it's been a long time since i've been on here, and needing some much needed advise.

I just bought a 2001 2500 cummins it's got about 200k miles on it but i got it for $6k. What if anything do i need to look out for? What mods would you guys suggest to get a little more out of it not much I am affraid if i push to it hard it could break. Oh yeah it had a 5 speed standard tranny. Thanks in advance for all your help.

 

lift pump first. Get a set of gauges, watch your injection pump.

Change ALL of the fluids (brake, tranny, diff, oil, rad, TC, AC,PS) with high quality of your choice (I use Amsoil). Remove, flush and clean the radiator. At the same time do a KDP kill (Genos garage has a kit).
Go through the brakes and adjust ebrake.
I would switch to a sport headlight package and install relays for your headlights (www.danielsternlighting.com).
Check the front suspension and ball joints for play/wear.
The engine mods are really gonna depend on use. For towing you may want a little more power, but for normal driving or everyday use, I would probably be inclined to not throw allot into it.

Those are the main points off the top. I am sure the real guru's will chime in and add to it.

On edit - forgot about 4" exhaust and a cold air intake. They helped my truck a great deal.

 

All around pretty good advice.

The VP44 sure doesn't like the dry ulsd fuel. I add 2-stroke for the lubrication.

 

i add used motor oil to the fuel tank and have for about 3 yrs

 

Wyododge covered the basics perfectly. Fuel pressure and EGT gauges are important, and a boost gauge is always good to have too. I'd get an Edge EZ or some other simple timing box like that for a little better throttle response and economy. It's a simple mod that plugs into your truck at two places and is pretty cheap especially if you get a used one from someone who's upgrading.

What do you plan on using the truck for?

Mike

 

Driving back and forth to work, i have a 26' camper that will be pulled about 8 times a year, thats about it.

 

I wouldn't worry to much about chip it then. maybe in the future if you have some money burning a hole in your pocket.

I did forget one little mod that is very easy. PUKE BOTTLE!!! AKA crank case vent tube. I just extended mine down so it vents out below everything. Some guys have gotten pretty serious with it, and it could be a pretty cool mod if you took your time on it, I just didn't have a bunch of time and was tired of the oil all over my radiator and the rest of my engine.

Not a real high priority mod, but gets rid of a major irritation in my book. i would really like to find the bonehead who designed that one... What a Maroon!!! (Daffy Duck Voice)

Oh ya and X2 on the 2 stroke, used motor oil or lube additive. I actually use 2 stoke at every fill up and amsoil additive about every third or fourth tank. I can't use used motor oil, I use synthetic and you should not burn that from what I've learned on here.