tlhfirelion

OK guys, so here I am leaving the chevy group and looking at a dodge with a cummins of course. Now, in the begining stages of my research I have decided on a few things. 1) I want a 2001 or 2002 (I think) and 2) I want an automatic. I am reading and hearing that the biggest problem that dodge is having is tranny problems. That may of just been the first few years, but I am here to inquire about what items I should look for. I will of course take any vehicle I am serious about buying to a mechanic for a full inspection, but what can I look for and listen/feel for when test driving? Also, as I have never owned a diesel, sometimes the price they want and the mileage seem very off, but I know a gasser can't last as llong as a diesel so 150K isn't that bad on a diesel like a gasser. I recently read the 3 click trick so that will help. I plan on using this for a side business I have where I will tow about 3500 lbs in some hilly terrain, but I am sure a cummins can easily handle that. I plan on carfaxing and vin researching any truck I am looking at, but any feedback about things to look for is greatly appreciated.

Also, would it be better to take a vehicle for an inspection to a independent mechanic or a dealer?

Great site and thanks in advance for any help you can provide; now back to reading!

GrampZ

I love my 2000 truck but the fuel system has been problematic. If I were looking for my first Dodge diesel, or looking to trade, I would really look at the 3rd generation with the electronic fuel injection system. You're rid of the Bosch/lift pump issues. Be sure to read through the forums here and you'll begin to understand the strengths/weaknesses of the different year models.

Good luck!


GrampZ

tlhfirelion

thanks for the quick reply. Am I reading right that the fuel system change was in 2001?

GrampZ

Nope the 2nd gen with the ISB engine is '98 to '02 1/2. I think. The 3rd gen is '03 and newer.

tlhfirelion

darn....thats when they changed the body style to the current look isn't it?
I don't like the new look as much as the older ones.

GrampZ

If you're mechanically inclined and don't mind adding some gauges to monitor some important stuff, don't be too scared of the ISB. When I got mine my friend who'd had one for years made me promise the first thing I was going to do was put a fuel pressure gauge on it. I put gauges in for fuel press./boost/EGT/and trans. temp.
I'm really glad I did that as I have had 6 lift pumps fail. If it fails and you don't know it, it's only a matter of time until the truck quits and you're paying for a very expensive injection pump.
Other that that, there are few issues that should keep you from looking at these year models.
My neighbor has an '01 and just paid for a new VP44 and lift pump. Now he's getting gauges!!
Also, personally I like to spend my money on American made goods when possible. I looked at about 50 trucks until I found a nice one made in the USA. Easy to tell. USA trucks the VIN starts with a "1". Canadian made trucks start with a "2". Trucks made in Mexico(lots of these around), the VIN starts with "3".
A friend of mine feels the same way but didn't know about the VIN codes. His new truck(special order) was made in Mexico. He was ******!! I told him that his factory manual was only one page long.....

Page 1. "If she breaks today, we fix her manana!"

tlhfirelion

LOL good quote but I am afraid I am not very mechanically inclined. WHat do guages normally run? If there are a few things I need to do to a truck to make it run good (but keep it close to stock) then thats ok, but I don't want to buy a money pit.

GrampZ

I probably have about $500 in gauges and I spent $300 on ebay for a Superchips tuner. Plug it in and have more horsepower. Couldn't be easier.

tlhfirelion

cal me odd, but I usually leave my trucks totally stock except for an upgrade in tires to BFG's. The stock power on a gasser is more than enough for me, but I like all the diesels have to offer, especially the long lasting part (as long as they are taken care of mind you). I would most likely get the guages, but chips and what not would not be in my plan. This sure is a great website and thank you for your replies grampz.

Bump for more replies.

GrampZ

Another thing about the diesels is the fuel economy. I get about 18 mpg and that's running hard. A gas rig that size/weight would be lucky to get half that. With fuel at $3+ a gallon that's nothing to sneeze at.
The chip tuner adds just enough to make it a little more frisky. It's fun to drive but harder on tires!

TNfarmboy

There are plenty of stock dodges getting 20+ mpg. My 92 (4:10 rears) gets a little better than 20 and I have talked to folks with 3:55 rears that get about 23+. You migh also consider a scan gauge rather than gauges for about $170....does more than gauges.

tlhfirelion

that scan guage looks like a pretty good idea. I will look more at that link. I have to get the truck first. lol Good post thanks

tlhfirelion

Yeah I have to kind of laugh at some of my friends that mock me for looking at a diesel. They get 14 in their V8's and they wonder why I want to pay 20 cents mroe per gallon to get 20 with more power. ***??? lol

DISTURBED

you might also wanna check if it has a "53" block cause i've heard those blocks tend to crack real easy

mjgcamper

I think that buying a diesel is almost like getting a free option, because compared to a gas engine, when you go to sell it, the diesel will get you alot more money in the end.