I am about to make the change from gas to diesel and I was hoping you all might be able to help me with my purchase. I am looking at an 02 QC shortbox, automatic with 25k miles on it. It's an SLT with few aditional options. I am curious what this truck is really worth to help me make a decsision on what to offer. Also are there any common things to look for on the 02's that might be potential problem areas? Thanks for your time.

Take care,
Eric

 

25k miles? Geez, its not even broke in yet. As for the value, I'd check NADA and Kelley Blue Book for the fair market values, offer a little low and work your way up. Just don't spend more than you want.
Being an auto, I'd be concerned about whether its stock or not. The autos don't like too much power upgrades, but if its been stock all its life, you're fine.
Other than that, there really isn't much problems with them. The fuel system is notoriously weak... just a 24v thing, and not too much of a problem with stock trucks... and can be upgraded.
Check out the rear brake pads... I went to adjust my parking brakes and the pads disintegrated when I removed them. Cheap fix, but with only 50k on the clock, they had plenty of life left, hated to replace them so early.
Enjoy!
-D

 

Check the fuel pressure!!!!!!!!!!!
I cannot stress this enough. Drafalske was just being nice with his comment about the fuel system.
The lift pump (fuel pump, which is different from the injector pump) CAN be bad and the truck will STILL run!!
In a case like this it is slowly cooking the injector pump because the fuel is what lubricates AND cools the injector pump. It needs the excess the lift pump SHOULD be providing for this lubrication and cooling.
If the truck does not have a fuel pressure gauge now, that should be your first purchase, even if you aren't going to do anything else to the truck but drive it. It can save you thousands of dollars down the road (injector pump replacement).

If the fuel pressure goes below 8psi at any time, the lift pump is bad. It is more likely you would see this when accellerating under load, but that is more difficult to check on the used truck lot, unless you have a long hose on the gauge.
You can remedy this problem permanently, if it exists, for about 3 bills, plus labor, so the if fuel pressure is bad and you still want the truck, get them to knock off 4-5 hundred bucks to fix the problem. (If the LP is bad now, you do not know how long it has been bad, and there may already be damage to the injector pump. This may or may not surface during your ownership of the truck)
Any questions?



Chris

 

Another suggestion too...

Look under the truck. Look for leaks, wet spots, bent metal, basically any kind of damage. Look up at the engine also. A lot of shop will power wash a engine but never clean the underside. It will give you clues if the truck been abused.

Fuel Presure is the number 1 concern! Have it checked

Check for codes! That might tell you alot...

 

Bring it to a local Cummins dealer/repair shop. Have them check it out, most will do this for free.

 

Thanks for the replies. I will check the FP I think he may have a tool to do this because I know he works on a lot of diesels. Also the truck has BD injectors and an Edge box on it are there any potential problems I should look for there, I know they haven't been on the truck long.

Thanks,
Eric

 

What size injectors, and what kind of Edge box?
Just speculating, if it is an Edge EZ, and it was just that, you'd be fine. With injectors though, it is a bit harder on a stock tranny. Ask what has been done to the tranny after you find out what size injectors is has. At a bare minimum, it should have had a shift kit installed and the line pressure turned up. Some just put in a better valve body that has had this done.
If the injector haven't been in there long, the tranny could be OK, but will need work to hold the additional HP and torque.

Keep in mind I am only speculating based on what you have posted. There will be variances, depending on a lot of factors, but you get the idea.

Chris