Hey everyone, I'm looking at a 1998 Ram 2500 4x4 w/ 5.9L cummins diesel. Has the full load (heated leather etc.), with 68000 miles on it. Now I'm very new to diesels and was hoping you guys could guide me into some things I should know about them, as the only things I have heard about them is there reputation (Only good things!). What would be some things I should look into that could be possible problem points for a typical diesel, and then possible problematic designs for the 1998 Ram 2500 4x4 year; transmissions, transfer cases, lift pumps, injectors etc, I'd like to hear everything I should check/ask the current owner about. Would also appreciate general feedback on the 1998 model from people who have owned/ have experience with them. Thanks alot, Rob.

 

well if its a 98, we need to know which engine. 12valve or 24valve? If its the 24v the fuel transfer pump likes to sh!# can and take out the vp44 injector pump. It is best to swap out the stocker for an aftermarket one, or at least put a fuel pressure gauge in.

 

Whatch out for the 53 block, check the trac-bar, balljoints and everything else up front for wear or excessive play. Get rid of the stock lift pump as fast as you can and put a FP pressure gauge in it. If you are gonna be towing with it, or modding it up, also put an EGT gauage.

 

I have a 1998 24 valve turbo diesel, so was interested in your comments about the fuel lifter. I have 125K miles and believe it still has the stock fuel lifter.Do you have any advice on how I canlearn more about selecting and installing a fuel pressure guage.Also, I would be interested to hear if replacing the fuel lifter is something I can do myself. Thank you for the great insight!

 

welcome to CTD.It is the best out there.The engine itself is a no brainer.It is the best Turbo Diesel in a light truck format by far.You will however need to get a 3 pack gauge to keep an eye on fuel pressure,.EGT snd boost #'s to best keep an eye on the CTD.Check the lift pump first as this is the weak link in the system.Dodge Cummins 5.9 is the best there is...Have fun....

 

Thank you for the response! Are there certain 3 pack guages that are better to use or easier to install? Also, I would be interested to know where is a good place to purchase for a reasonable price. Sorry for all the questions. Thanks!

 

Depends on what you think is reasonable. I have the same rig as you. I bought a direct read gauge for 60 bucks on ebay and found my lift pump was on the way out. Bought a new stock carter pump for 100 bucks and was back in business. The injector pump runs 2000 so I got lucky. If you want to spend more to get more, genosgarage.com has good stuff and so does a bunch of others. Check the diesel magazines for a thousand ideas.Good luck with your new truck.