Im thinking about buying a 2001 Ram 3500 2wd today with 282000 miles on it and i dont know anything about these things. I run a small car lot and tow vehicles regularly with a tow dolly and a 1500 gasser gmc and just rung another trans... I went and looked at this truck the other day (dually), it started right up soon as i hit the key, it doesnt have a fifth wheel in it and it is a 6 speed standard. Drove it and it wants to grind going into 3rd gear... Everything else seem to run out good on the truck. I got him down to $5000.00.... Is this a deal or is that average price? Its a extended cab 4 door with the two suiside doors, loaded power seats, and alot of miles??? I just got the money and am suppose to be on my way to get it but thought id shoot you pros a line on it first.... Any imfo would be much appreciated! I think its worth it but it is ruff somewhat, Needs both bumpers replaced and the pass side rear dually flare is broken...

 

i think thats a fair deal

 

Thank you Jeasus... I think so too. Im going to buy it in about an hr... Thanks, Again!

 

The main thing to be concerned about in a 1998.5-2002 truck is the weak Lift pump and Injection pump in that model truck. If it doesn't already have a decent aftermarket fuel pump to replace the stock one, you need to do that right away.

The Injection pump on that year truck is iffy to start with and the lift pump will fail not feeding the Injection pump enough fuel to keep it alive. It will run on the injection pump alone so unless you have a fuel pressure gauge, you will never know the lift pump isn't working.

If it already has a fuel pressure gauge in it, you do not want to see less than 5 lbs at wide open throttle, and frankly I would feel better at nothing less than 7lbs at WOT.

 

LOL, The 6 speed is worth probably 2K even with the 3rd gear synchro going...................

If it runs out nice, i think that's a heck of a deal.

BTW, 282K isn't high for that truck.

 

Thanks for the info guys. Much appreciated! I dont know anything about these diesels besides they are known for their power and they take diesel LOL... Well I just got it home and its in my driveway! I noticed it takes off in second gear fine and i tried shifting it from second to forth and it handled it ok i thought... This thing is a totally different truck than what im use to driving (2000 GMC Sierra 1500 2wd). Only thing i noticed is i believe it needs a heater core... (smell it and windows steamed some) Hope it isnt a major job.... Sure it probably will be... Most are! And i noticed on the interstate in 6th gear running 65 i could feel the power back off very little about every ten seconds intervals and would be back and could hear it in the speed of the turbo too... Would last for like a second.... Does that mean something is weak, dirty, that injection pump you was saying? Also how can i tell if its a stock injection pump or not? I want to change all the fluids and filters in it tomorrow! I read last night where people recommend "RedLine Fluids" for the trans to help the grind... Any recommendations on Oils and weights of the fluids and type of filters? Sorry for all the questions guys but I really dont know and from the looks of this forum there is alot of knowledgein here! Again thank you guys for helping me out with this purchase! Much Appreciated!

 

is that a "53" block???? concerns?

 

Check or replace fuel filter. Get a fuel pressure gauge on it asap. The lift pump goes bad and kills the injection pump as stated. Lift pump is relatively cheap, an injection pump will run you $1,200 +/- plus the labor to install. The temporary loss of power can be an indication of the injection pump going bad. Do a search on here for "dead pedal".

 

I havent a clue cat... A gentleman ealier stated it was the HO model...

 

I will get on that tomorrow Pirate with the filter and fuel pressure guage and lift pump. How hard is it to install a fuel pressure guage?

 

its easy i have a 12V motor but its probably the same there should be a port/plug by the fuel filter where you screw in the fuel gauge


280k is barely enough miles to break in a cummins

 

I think/thought the 53 block was only a 99 concern?

 

Thank you Jesus, I will look for that tomorrow!

 

for anyone interested i am in possession a 1997 with the 53 block it is cracked. so i think they are out there in several years

 

I would hope the block isnt cracked or my $5k deal just went up in smoke