I'm looking into buying a 98-02 Ram2500 with Cummins 5.9L I6 Turbo Diesel an i'd like to know more about the engine's wintertime needs?

Heres tempes the truck would see during winter time.
(Temps are rough estimate for areas ranging from mid/lower Canada to mid/lower New York State)
Daytime: -15 to 40 Degrees
Nighttime: -50 to 25 Degrees

Thanks for any input on this subject, Mike

 

An engine block heater would probably be a good choice for you. You might also want to post this in the Cummins deisel forum, you'll probably get some good responses there.

 

Just general diesel info. you'll definitely need a block heater, and when its cold out, you'll need to keep it plugged in overnight.

You'll also need to run a premium diesel blend or add a product such as diesel 911 to your fuel to prevent gelling.

 

Change your fuel filter often.
add a fuel additive to improve fuel lubricity.
Only use anti-gel when necessary (very cold weather). They have a lot of alcohol in them and are hard on the diesel fuel system. The Cummins uses an in tank lift pump (retrofit) and isn't as sensitive to fuel gelling as some other models.

Have the batteries tested when disconnected from each other. Replace them in pairs with the same brand and model when they fail.