Im looking to buy my first cummins. My Uncle offered me his 98.5 with a 5 speed that needs the 5th gear fix. Its a 4X4 dully ex cab. 245000 miles for 5500. My biggest concern with the truck is it has the 53 block. I was wondering if the truck was a good choice.

 

at 245000 it probably would have cracked by now if it had an issue. Keep and eye on the egt's and drive it. Unless your pulling heavy up steep grades you oughta be fine. Most of the ones that had issue where people towing heavy up steep hills. change all fluids get a egt, boost and either a fuel psi gauge or light.

 

Alright thank you is there any special mods i should do to the truck to make it last me a long time.

 

The price is probably fair, but with a 53, I would shy away... Some people don't have problems though. Be aware that the vp44 injector pump that 24v is equipped with is prone to failure. And that replacement will cost at least $1000, for the cheapest replacement, plus the install if you don't want to do it yourself.

When I get a cummins it will be a 12 valve.

 

With a P pump.

 

mods? not really, making sure the vp44 doesnt get below 5psi fuel is a hugeeee thing.(unless you want to spend a grand..). gauges should be your first mod

fuel psi or light
boost
egt

 

Exac-a-tac-a-ly.


Did 2nd gen 12 valves come with anything else?

 

nope pretty sure it was all p-pump.. what about a p-pumped 24v.. seen a few and there sweeeeeet(custom of course)

 

Yea I would rock a P-pumped 24v. But it ain't cheap!!!

 

id give my left and right....

haha back on track
i say go for it op.. at that price you have a screaming deal