All,

Looking to pick up a 2000 5.9 ctd, manual trans with 43k miles. Never purchased a diesel before and looking for suggestions on what to inspect before purchasing (lift pump, injectors, u-joints, ball joints, etc). Is this year prone to leaks anywhere? Any advice is appreciated.

 

With it being a manual, you pretty much mentioned the stuff to check.

The only other thing to be wary of is the "53" block.

There is a casting number on both the driver and passenger side. The blocks cast with 53 in them are known to be weak castings and the water jacket tends to crack when heavy mods are thrown at it. Not all, but a much higher number than any other casting.

 

Coal Train hit the nail on the head. The big thing to look for is the 53 block..
Scott

 

good tip, so we should stay away from a 53? but isn't hard to see this in the engine bay? is it easier to see from the bottom?

 

Yes, if you can avoid it, stay away from the 53 block.

Easiest way to see it is from underneath the truck with a flashlight.

 

What years was the 53 block used?

 

You find them between '99 - '01.

Mostly '99 and '00