Hi friends--I have a 08 Ram 6.7 diesel --Love it. I just saw a Govt turned in 01 3500 Ram diesel dually 4x4. It has only 44,000 miles. Any advise on this year? Is the auto trans OK, etc.

Thanks

dan

 

The auto trans will last for a while as long as you do not overload it or do any upgrades to the engine. I had mine rebuilt with about 198K on it, but I bought it used and do not know if it had been rebuilt before or not. To be honest, I will never buy another Dodge auto trans vehicle. Both of my sister's went out (she drives like a granny) and mine went out. In my opinion I don't think they are built that well.

 

The main problem with the '98.5 to '03 was the VP44 fuel injection pump, which will fail sooner than later. It is usually caused by failure of the lift pump. Since the VP44 is lubed and cooled by fuel, a drop in pressure when the lift pump fails, causes overheating and loss of lubrication. Have the codes checked, to see if it has already failed, and/or been replaced. If you can buy it right, grab it, and immmediately install a fuel pressure gauge.
Check the rest of it over like any other used truck.

 

Not just the gauge, but buy and AirDog or similar lift pump. It's cheap insurance over buying it later with the cost of the VP44.