Looking at a used diesel 2500 2wd regular cab(first time buying a diesel) and am quite impressed by what I am hearing about this particular model. The info on 12V and 24V along with some potential tranny problems has been invaluable.
Will be checking the vehicle tomorrow, looking forward as I have the wife's green light. We drove by an idling 2003 model this evening and I rolled her window down to see for herself how quiet they are (looking forward to hearing the difference with the older model).

Time for bed and some dreams of diesel fuel

Bonne Nuit

 

Look up 53 block info on this site and the KDP (killer dow pin) The KDP is a high mileage problem with the 12 Valves. The 53 block may have a tendancy to crack as it was cast thin in places.(both 12 and 24 valves to 2002 I believe) Other than that, 12 valves are usually unmatched for mileage and down the road realiability. My son 12V has 265k on it. Gets 17 around Tampa and 21 on the highway.

The automatics don't tow more than 100k without rebuild. 5speeds have problems in the 5th gear nut. Oh, Well none of them are perfect..

Good luck with your choice. The 12V and 24 Valve will more more noisy than the 2003. Way more. I like it. Makes shifting easy.

Dave

 

Just got back from looking at a pretty good looking truck. I brought an old drop sheet with me and had the guy drive over it. While the truck idled I thought I was taking pictures but only ended up with one, have to learn how to use my wife's digital. The guy bought it at 290000km (from an auction dealer who got it from the farming community of Arthur Ontario) and put on 55000km. He is getting married in 2 weeks and also buying a house.
There was a wisp of white smoke coming out of the dipstick for oil.
Nothing coming out of backend, I had him stop and start the engine and could see nothing (nice sunny warm afternoon). When he pulled away I removed the drop sheet it was very clean except for a silver dollar size damp spot which was very light in colour. The spot would have come from around the steering column area.
The VIN is 3B7KC26D2 WM220302 anyone know how I can check to see the vehicle history.
The guy had front and rear bearings done, breaks are nice and tight and the truck has a great sound.
Had good pickup on the highway, everything just felt right.
Will have our Cummins repair guy have a look at it this week when he does a maintenance on our forklifts.
I guess check fuel pressure, check to see if the KDP has been fixed, check for the notorious "53" block etc.
Any other things would be appreciated, my limited diesel knowledge has been acquired on the site over the week end, great sight and great info from other owners.
The guy wants $8000.00 Cdn, once I find out the condition of the vehicle I will go from there.
We had arranged a meet time in a strip mall and I would hook up with my wife later on. When I pulled into her location she was just coming back to our car and noticed me beaming like a kid as I drove in.
Her approval was immediate with the comment that the truck sounds great.
My kind of woman hehehe.

Just came across this info
3B7KC26D2WM220302
Year/Make/Model: 1998 DODGE RAM 2500
Body Style: PICKUP
Engine Type: 5.9L L6 HPDI TRBO DSL
Manufactured In: MEXICO
Is this the notorious 53?????

Thanks for the reply CoastalDave

Can't wait to join the "Cummins family"

Excited future owner

 

Will have to move this to the 12 valve section. I have happened upon a 98 12 Valve, the VIN confirmed this with the 8th digit being a "D" yahooooo!!!

The sale is now official (not forseeing something monstrous) but will get my Hewitt guy to check it the truck out for me.

The maintenance schedule with the gov't is pretty good. Now I know why the truck ran so great, nice feeling like a kid again hehehehe.

What an excellent weekend never had time to check and see if my Habs won last night.

http://www.dodgeram.org/tech/specs/VIN_decode.htm

The information for in this table is courtesy of "rbuchada" again many thanks.

A happy future cummins owner