1998 dodge ram 2500 diesel

[mower&more1986]

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=243987116&dealer_id=1071764&car_year=1998&model=RAM25002WD&num_records=25&systime=&make2=&start_year=1981&keywordsfyc=&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=25&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&make=DODGE&keywords_display=&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=60115&advanced=&end_year=2009&doors=&transmission=&max_price=13000&cardist=1
im looking at this truck. I took it for a test drive and it drove almost perfect
but it doesnet have power windows and power door locks whiich i really dont care. sounded like it should like a semi. but is there anything i should be aware of about the cummines diesel. the transmission shifted perfect so i dont think it has any problems i think the reason the price is low is because of the price of diesel fuel right but i dont do alot of driving so it wont affect me much. and yes i dont do lawncare too many allergies. i deliver newspapers right now but sometime in the future im going to get a job driving a semi.

[PlatinumLandCon]

search "53 block"

[mower&more1986]

hmm thats not good thing i would never expect that from cummines
looks like i need to take a one more look at the engine before i buy it
it has that 53 on the block im walking away form this truck.

[mower&more1986]

hay if i ran a carfax report migt that turn up with any info on repairs and other reports that might be helpfull?

[mower&more1986]

just ran a report its a one owner from Arizona the owner moved to Rochelle, IL abought a month after he bought it seem it been doesnet have any major reports on it or anything bad.

[nosparkplugs]

Yep, gotta check for the "53" block; however in general if a 53 block is going to "crack" it usually will have already failed if it's a high mileage diesel. You really need to get under the truck it's tough under ideal conditions to read the stamped block serial numbers. I know lots of folks are still buying up the 1st & 2nd genration Cummins diesel's regardless of the 53 block. It was a casting defect that was isolated to the mexican casting. I have the brazilian block; which is stronger than a standard Cummins ISB block, it has a unquie serial number. Cummins Brazilian block was over compensated due to the mexican weak casting defect. you could say I have a extra heavy duty Cummins

[mower&more1986]

so far from what Ive read the block seems to crack at 220,000
the truck has a 194,567. I wouldn't be really surprised if it was a 53 block
because of the low price. it does look like it wasnt used for heavy towing because im pretty sure i didn't see a gooseneck. i don't plan on pulling much
just hauling my quad and newspapers. I dont plan on any performence add ons. not even stacks lol. I guess im just the type of guy likes his Trucks stock. The main reason i like the truck is the child in me is loving that cummines diesel sound. probably the worst reason to look for a cummines
but hay you only live once
Edit: one for sure this truck sound alot healther then my 6.5 turbo diesel

[TXNSLighting]

ha it has ford wheels.

[packey]

I have read alot of commetns onthe 53 block and how it is prone to cacking. I spike with my father about this and here is what he said. Yes their were some 53 blocks with a casting defect. not all but some. He aslo said that the blocks would be within a certain serial number range. I do not have that part for you but evidently you can look that up. we were also discussing how often these blocks failed. His answer was mine has 610000 miles on it and has not cracked. His point is that only a small portion of them have had issues. My next question was would you buy one. Hes answer was just depends on how the truck was used and abused. I do not know if this will help or bring up more questions in your mind but as soon as he gets the exact casting numbers I will try and post them.

[mower&more1986]

I have read alot of commetns onthe 53 block and how it is prone to cacking. I spike with my father about this and here is what he said. Yes their were some 53 blocks with a casting defect. not all but some. He aslo said that the blocks would be within a certain serial number range. I do not have that part for you but evidently you can look that up. we were also discussing how often these blocks failed. His answer was mine has 610000 miles on it and has not cracked. His point is that only a small portion of them have had issues. My next question was would you buy one. Hes answer was just depends on how the truck was used and abused. I do not know if this will help or bring up more questions in your mind but as soon as he gets the exact casting numbers I will try and post them.
could you ask him how offen did he change the oil and what oil he used?

[packey]

I do not even need to ask that I know he is very serious about his maintenance. He changes his synthetic oil every 15000 miles. the engine runs a dual turbo set up with no chips. Chips are the down fall of most diesel engines. Well that and turning your boost of to much.

[thecollector]

Seems like a reasonable price and the truck looks pretty good. Check the bottoms of the doors and the backside of the rear bumper as well as the inside of the rear fenderwells for rust. Also remember that Dodge's have weak front end parts (ball joints, tie rods, pitman arms idler arms etc) You can throw $1,500 at a truck in hurry if it needs everything and can't do the labor your self. I just rebuilt mine and it only cost about 300 for the parts I needed. Good luck.

[IA_James]

If it was a 12 valve truck, I wouldn't feel too bad about spending that for it. I wouldn't buy a 24 valve for that. Once you're done with reading about "53 block" search for "VP44 replacement". I'd buy this one if it was me, Boone is about 260 miles from you.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=241231539&dealer_id=67672&car_year=1989&model=RAM25002WD&num_records=25&systime=&make2=&start_year=1989&keywordsfyc=&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=used&distance=200&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&make=DODGE&keywords_display=&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=50158&advanced=&end_year=1993&doors=&transmission=&max_price=13000&cardist=50

[idratherbeplowing]

i would also check the fuel pressure The transfer pumps in those are prone to go and it will put alot of stress on the injection pump and cook it. There is a test fitting on the side of the injection pump where you can check the pressure. If you buy it i would sugget a fuel pressure gauge or light for peace of mind

[IA_James]

i would also check the fuel pressure The transfer pumps in those are prone to go and it will put alot of stress on the injection pump and cook it. There is a test fitting on the side of the injection pump where you can check the pressure. If you buy it i would sugget a fuel pressure gauge or light for peace of mind

For the VP44 24 valve trucks. The 12 valves used a mechanical fuel pump that was effectively bulletproof.

[mower&more1986]

Just let guys know i did get the truck. amazing they gave me enough to pay off my 98 chevy k2500 6.5turbo diesel which just left me speechless because that thing didnt sound the greatest but they probably will send it too auction. I probably should looked harder for a 12valve but i dont a have much too pull. right i do most of my driving in town until i find a better job.
I take real easy on this truck. I keep my rpms between 1500 and 2000 rpms
Im pretty sure this truck will last 4 years with the way i drive it.
It sure sounds better then the 6.5.
I'll put up some videos soon.

[xtoyz]

4 years? 53 block? VP44 replacement? You guys are killing me....

I know it's a month old thread but people get so worked over things. I'd venture a guess to say that 99% of VP44 powered trucks today don't have the issues they did back in 99. The manufacturing and re-manufacturing of VP44's has changed immensely. The 53 block? Run it until it dies. It's cheap enough to swap an entire motor in that I wouldn't even worry about it. Fuel pressure is definitely a concern though. The biggest issue with these blocks is over heating. Most users who have a block crack will tell you that their trucks have run extreme loads, up extreme grades, in extremely high temperature zones. Worst of the worst, wouldn't you say? Factory lift pumps on these trucks sucked a big one, but any quality aftermarket liftpump will be up to whatever you can throw at the truck.

The biggest thing with buying these trucks is making sure you do your homework, check the records, and look it over good before buying (and that includes the proper testing like scanning codes, and checking fuel pressure!)

Before you ask, I've got a 99 with a 53 block with 150k trouble free miles on the original block and pump.

[davis45]

I have a 1999 53 block. 260,000 miles. Runs perfect, no leaks, and still original tranny.

[mower&more1986]

hate say it but dont even have the truck anymore just couldn't afford the diesel and the payment so i got new car. Im now saving my pennies and dollars for a ford f150 with the 300ci 6