Hey guys, I'm never really over here in the 24V section of the forums since I own a First Gen but I'm here today to ask for a few pointers on what to look out for when buying a 2nd Gen 24V (98.5-02). My truck is almost sold now (already have two serious buyers with cash-in-hand) and I'm just in the market to buy something newer with more horsepower and obviously more luxurious.

I major things I know to look out for on the 2nd Gen 24Vs is the following, but please feel free to tell me anything else I should look out for that I don't already know:

Loose ball joints
Loose front end parts
Steering box mount on frame (I've heard the frame can get bent over time)
Wheel Bearings
Injection pump issues (I know the VP44 is kind of a "weaker" pump and doesn't take too much abuse)
Dashes cracking
Obvious cosmetic things like rust/dents/scratches etc.

Some other things I'm not too fond of but want to know more about is:

Buying 24V with large injectors (100hp+)
Any kind of programmers that are on the truck (what is ok and what to stay away from)
Bigger lift pumps (Raptor, FASS)

Thank you all for your help and please feel free to add anything that I missed! You all will be helping me out a ton!

 

If a truck has a wire tap box and a stock lift pump you should stay away.
As the injector pump has probably been run dry and sustained some premature wear.

You can check for codes by turning the key 3 times.
A code list can be found on this site. It would be a goods idea to print out a copy and take it with you. If it has any low voltage codes this can be caused by bad grounds and or dieing ecm.

 

I'd steer for a 2001.5-'02. Dodge finally added rear discs.

 

Thanks for the info y'all. I sold my truck last night around 8pm so now I'm definitely in the market for something newer!!!

 

Be sure you don't get a 53 block !

 

What exactly is a 53 block?

 

Apparently the '53' casting slippped during manufacture and created a weak point alont the top of the block below the exhaust manifold causing it to crack horizontally along the cylinder walls.

Search it to find out how to ID and avoid.

 

I did a little research on the 53 blocks and I know what it is now. Doesn't really sound like something I would want to get into. I also know how to identify since it's stamped on the crankcase right above the oil pan. Thanks!

 

Surprisingly there are a lot of them out there, I saw 4 or 5 when I was hunting for my 01.5...