so what to look for on one...
looking at a 2003 3500 quad 2wd swb truck. It has what looks to be the standard output motor with the 5spd trans and 4.10 axle. Truck has a rebuilt engine per the seller with about 40K on it, and the truck has about 280K on it.
What should I be concerned with...or look specifically at or for?
My intention is to regear it to 3.42 and have a mileage machine for trips.
Comments would grately be appreciated....
FWIW..I have an 11 that I am about ready to drive up FIAT's BUTT..oil making truck....wish I still had my 06 2500 2wd manual truck...but that it life!

 

Nothing major, but make sure the defrost/vent door is working both ways. 2wd don't have ball joints (at least I don't think so) to worry about, so that's good but do check the steering box, intermediate shaft and rod-ends for play. Check the trailer light outputs at the plug (bring a test light). If it has marker lights check for leaks. I would assume it has an aftermarket or in-tank lift pump with that many miles. Check the oil condition, and for abnormal injector noise. Ask for maintenance records, hopefully the filter and fluids have been changed regularly.

 

Sounds like you've got some diesel experience already so I'll mention a couple of things and let others chime in.

The 03 will have the fuel filter canistor mounted fuel pump. This is pretty much junk. With that many miles it should already have been replaced. But with what? If not.. well replace it now.
you say the engine has been rebuilt, how about injectors?

I have a 2004 (auto-not manual, 4x4 not 2wd) and other than operator error (trial and error high performance stuff) I have had little issues with mine.

Another issue is the drivers side master window switches-- the lock out goes bad then the other windows won't work at source.

Also check that the air blend door works correctly.

 

oops-- I started my response earlier-- got distracted and just came back and didn't see above response...
my apologies for repeat answers.

 

ok, on the rebuild... apparantly #6 had a bad piston, or should I say hold thru it, and 2 bad injectors. So it was overhauled, and only the 2 bad injectors were replaced. It had a clutch replaced not too much before the engine was done. The a/c is inop, its either dead or a bad pressure switch....it seemed to go from hot to cold, and from top to center to bottom when commanded.
Its got some cosmetic issues, bumps/dents on it. Needs a windshield, and has a set of bald tires and a 6 foot flat bed on it too.

 

and is it worth an offer of 7500, which is around low wholesale.

 

I wouldn't pay that much. I sold an immaculate 97 94k miles for $10k and it needed nothing. I didn't like the wide gears with a 5 spd and 3.54. I wouldn't think of 3.42s but it's not my money. Craig

 

I know it is apples to oranges...but my old 06 2500 g56 had more than enough power.....

 

5 speed is notorious for loosing 5th gear. Happened twice on my 96 so when I got my new 03 I took it to Quad 4x4 and had his 5th gear fix done. There are other aftermarket fixes for 5th gear. The wide split in the 5 speed is bad enough with the 373 I sure would not go more than that. But that is just my opinion fwiw.

 

would one be better going to a NV5600 in this truck and 3.42?
It currently has 4.10's in it...
Still trying to figure out what to offer...

 

I get 20 plus mpg with my 3.73 except when towing of course. Have never owned a 5600 but I have heard that parts for them are hard to come by the past few years. The gear ratio for first is about identical and 5 in the 4500 and 6 in the 5600 are also about identical the 5600 just adds another gear eliminating the wide split in the 4500. I personally would not even go down to a 3.54 much less a 3.42. The sweet spot on the cummins is in the 1800 to 2100 rpm area and with my 3.73 I am doing 60 mph at 1800. Again just my opinion fwiw.

 

makes perfect sense for sure. I just won't be towing heavy, and truck has 4.10 gears in it...

 

It is worth, whatever it is worth to you.

Factor in the money you'll spend to get it where you want it as well.

For what you describe, it seems a tad high to me.

 

I think the least amount the better, but I don't figure it could be bought for much less....will have to wait and see what they say on my offer...