I am looking at a 99 2500 4x4 and a 01 2500 4x4, the 99 has 198k miles and the 01 has 164k miles both one owner. Any difference in the engines I may need to be aware of or tips on this new venture ?

 

Early 24-valve trucks had a lot of problems with the stock lift pump, so they moved the lift pump from the side of the engine to an in-tank design that was supposed to be more reliable. I'd check to see if either has an in-tank pump (look at the fuel filter on the side of the engine - if there is a pump plumbed into the lines underneath it, it's not in the tank). As far as I know, there isn't going to be much of a difference between the two. Find out if either has had the lift pump and/or injection pump replaced yet. That's an expensive repair.

 

I just got a 99.. love it! but like stated above.. both are pretty much the same minus the mileage...

 

OEM lift pumps located on the firewall are questionable at best and when they fail they usually take the VP44 injector pump with them adding $1200 to the bill. The intank type replacement had problems too so I prefer an after market one such as Bully Dog or Fass instead. I think all these trucks should have a fuel pressure guage. One important thing not mentioned is the dreaded ''53'' block many 1998.5-2001s had. You can find the numbers 1 1/2 inch high on the left (driver's) side front corner just above the pan. Other numbers you may find are 54 and 55 and no numbers are all OK with many of the ''53''s never cracking but I wouldn't take a chance. The cracks happen passenger side middle toward the rear. My ''53'' had 107k when I traded for my 2004.5 and probably would have been alright but always give me a worry.