Hey guys i'm looking at a 2001 Cummins "quad" cab 4x4 automatic with 220,000 miles. Supposedly it is was a salesman truck and was never really used for pulling or anything.

Can I get some tips on what to look for to make sure i'm not getting screwed? Worried about the high miles and want it to be reliable.

thanks!
-Luke

 

no one?

 

Make sure the tranny was serviced regularly. If it was a salesman's truck then he's probably lying about how he used it. Check out the front end, Ty rods etc... Others will respond soon. I've gotten a lot of help here.

 

I would be concerned about the tranny. Has it ever been rebuilt, or upgraded? If not, plan on doing it sooner or later. Its the weak link in getting the power to the ground. Also tie rod ends, as mentioned, and upper and lower ball joints, and u-joints in the front end. I have a 2001 one ton with 195k, and the front end needs some work.

As far as the cummins, check for the obivous, leaks, smoke when you start it and when you step on the gas. The cummins should be in decent shape, if it was maintained properly. Speaking of maintenance, does he have any records of whats been done to the truck as far as regular oil changes and any repair work. I think the secret would be if the truck has been taken care of it should be fine, but 200k mi. is a lot of mi. to not change oil and beat a truck.

Just my two cents.

 

Check to see if it has the "53" block. If it does, check for the horizontal crack on the right side of the block near the back. If it's cracked it'll be weeping coolant there.

If you wonder what the hell I'm talking about, do a search for "53 cummins block". The results will probably make your head spin. If it has the 53 block, it quite likely will NOT be cracked. Most of them don't, but the 53's are the only 5.9 block that had a chronic problem.

 

I think the Code 53 blocks were only 1999-2000 models. A service record showing regular service is a pretty solid indicator of someone who cares about their rig.