I'm new here. I joined up because I'm looking at buying a Dodge diesel and I'm hoping some of you might be able to enlighten me, or at least save me from making a bad/uninformed decision.

The truck is a 2001 ram Quad Cab 2500 Laramie slt 4x4 5.9 turbo with 309 000 km (192 000 miles) Running synthetic oil, Has service records. The transmission was rebuilt last year, transfer case year before that. New tires. Safetied. Leather interior.

I asked if he did much pulling seeing that it needed those rebuilds. He did mild pulling during the three years he owned it so I guess the damage was done by the guy before him.

He's asking $12 900, or $10 400 US.

I know a diesel can handle the high kms, but would you trust a rebuilt transmission/ transfer case? I would like to eventually pull a 24' camper.

Paul.

 

In late 07 I bought a 98 24v with 214k on it and its been a great truck. I gave 10,900 for it. It has a rebuilt tranny and hasnt had any problems. Ya might check to see if its a 53 block, there are several cases of these blocks cracking.

 

If you get an automatic, chances are it has already been rebuilt.

I bought one 2 years ago, trans still works beautifully, converter clutch dumped, because it was rebuilt? No way to know.

I would be more concerned about losing a VP44 than the trans.

 

Search "53 block"...There is a lot of discussion about it, more than I can tell you hear!

If the transmission/transfer case has been rebuilt, properly, think of it as one less thing you have to worry about.

Don't worry about towing, that's what these motors were built to do.

 

Thanks for the advice, everyone. It's good to know about the 53.

What's the common practice if a VP44 fails? Is there a more reliable pump that will fit or only the 44?

How many miles before this model might need the front end rebuilt? Still trying to do the math here.

 

depending on how hard its been driven the front end could need work or not . trac bar it a week spot but there are after market parts to fix that. if the vp fail there are real good replacements out there like blue chip..I have had few problem with my 01 and all its used for is towing a 17,000 lbs fifth wheel

 

This is my truck, almost.

Bought it used in 2002 with 36K, it's just about at 100K. I love it and don't plan on trading it unless something drastic happens. If you're worried about towing, find one with a 5 or 6 speed manual. The autos weren't that great to start with. I tow my Jeep on the trailer, a small boat, or a small camper, and never had any issues with towing. It's even prewired for a brake controller (plug under dash.)

Good luck!