I am new to this forum, but not new to Dodges. Unfortunately, I traded my last Dodge for a Ford. But I was very displeased with my Ford, so I am wanting to go back to a Dodge. However, I have never had a Cummins, and I was wondering what to look for. I am considering a 2002 (I like that bodystyle better) with a manual transmission. The truck I am looking at specifically has a Cummins HO with a 6speed, and is a quad cab shortbed 2wd. It also has 130K miles on it. Is there anything in particular I should be looking for? Engine/Transmission condition? How about longevity? Are there any parts that wear out quick? I know what to look for as far as the body and interior, as I used to have a 2001.

I am sorry about the amount of questions, but I really want to get a Cummins.
Thanks

Dave

 

well i have said it before what i know about Diesels can be written on a postage stamp with a 3500 Dually but i would like to say WELCOME TO THE FORUM!

 

Bucky, just wait a day or so, you'll get the standard response... from what I understand watch out for the VP44 lift pump, and some years have a problem with the engine block serial numbers starting in some number like 53.... I think...

Drew, GOD RAM IT, Mayfair, or one of the other regulars will give you the real info

 

Welcome!
I am a relative newbie too, and I don't know much about diesels, but I can tell you that this is the place to learn. Real people, real opinions, no BS. Well, maybe some BS, but it's good BS.

I'll post links to some of the threads that have been very helpful to me.

This one has a great summary of the injector pumps from 94 to present:
https://dodgeforum.com/m_578941/tm.htm

Here is some good info on the #53 block issue:
https://dodgeforum.com/m_634906/tm.htm

This one will help you to keep from over-analyzing your choices:
https://dodgeforum.com/m_626072/tm.htm

This is a decent general discussion on pro's and con's of some various model years, and some BS also:
https://dodgeforum.com/m_624695/tm.htm

A little bit on manual trannys:
https://dodgeforum.com/m_637214/tm.htm

A little more on manual trannys:
https://dodgeforum.com/m_637638/tm.htm

A little more on injector pumps:
https://dodgeforum.com/m_626048/tm.htm
https://dodgeforum.com/m_624695/tm.htm


I hope this helps get you started in the right direction. One other piece of advice: if you are thinking of buying a particular truck, post pictures of it and you'll get more feedback.

 

Here's the link for the one I am looking at, it's from a dealership in Dallas:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...5447&rd=1&rd=1

Thanks for all of your help! Keep it coming!

And PS: Do ya'll think the price is fair?

 

I took the liberty of plugging that truck's VIN into carfax (I bought a 30-day unlimited number of searches, so might as well put them to use) and it came up clean. Two previous owners. The report is pasted below:

2001 DODGE RAM 2500 QUAD
3B7KC23791G244117
4 DOOR EXTENDED CAB PICKUP
5.9L V6 FI / REAR WHEEL DRIVE
Standard Equipment | Safety Options
CARFAX Safety & Reliability Report
CARFAX Vehicle History - At A Glance
• 4 billion vehicle history events checked from public and private sources
• Qualifies - CARFAX Buyback Guarantee
• 2 owners
• Last reported mileage - 51,497 miles






A CARFAX Vehicle History Report is based only on information supplied to CARFAX. Other information about this vehicle, including problems, may not have been reported to CARFAX. Use this report as one important tool, along with a vehicle inspection and test drive, to make a better decision about your next used car.

The number of owners is estimated by CARFAX
Year purchased 2000 2002
Type of owner Personal ---
Estimated length of ownership 2 years 4 years
Owned in the following states/provinces Texas Texas
Estimated miles driven per year --- ---
Last reported odometer reading 50,817 51,497




CARFAX guarantees the information in this section
Salvage | Junk | Rebuilt Guaranteed
No Problem Guaranteed
No Problem
Fire/Flood | Hail Damage | Buyback/Lemon
Guaranteed
No Problem Guaranteed
No Problem
Not Actual Mileage | Exceeds Mechanical Limits Guaranteed
No Problem Guaranteed
No Problem
GUARANTEED - None of these major title problems were reported by a state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). If you find that any of these title problems were reported by a DMV and not included in this report, CARFAX will buy this vehicle back.
Register | View Terms





Not all accidents or other issues are reported to CARFAX
Frame Damage Check

No frame damage reported to CARFAX. No Issues Reported
No Issues Reported

Airbag Deployment Check

No airbag deployment reported to CARFAX. No Issues Reported
No Issues Reported

Odometer Rollback Check

No indication of an odometer rollback. No Issues Indicated
No Issues Indicated

Accident Check

No accidents reported to CARFAX. No Issues Reported
No Issues Reported

Manufacturer Recall Check

Check with an authorized Dodge dealer for any open recalls. No Recalls Reported
No Recalls Reported

================================================== ==========

Kelley Blue Book says $17,000 retail value for a truck like that with 130K miles and in "excellent" condition. The pictures show some minor body damage so the asking price seems fair depending on the condition of tranny tires and brakes. Also you would be wise to sort out if it has the #53 block, but from what I read that would really only be a concern if you live somewhere that gets cold.

And, you should not buy ANY truck without getting Mayfair's opinion...[sm=lol.gif]

 

Nice job on keeping all of that info handy Doc. How did you do it? Since we can't float what we want at the top, all of that helpfull info kinda slips by on me.

Welcome aboard Buck !!

Best of luck to ya !!

 

Wow, you guys have been a helluva lot of help. Now I just have to talk the woman into letting me buy it. And also, it doesn't get too cold around here, lows in the winter are usually in the upper 30's, lower 40's. Thanks again!

 

woah. . .Doc got this all wrapped up. . .good job

 

It's a 2001 with 130K miles on it. Is it me, or does that sound like a lot for a truck that new?



It IS a nice truck though !! I dunno. The more and more I think about it I think you can find a better deal. I just realized that it's also only a 2wd.

Year: 2001
Make: Dodge
Model: Ram 2500
VIN: 3B7KC23791G244117
Stock Number: 244117
Mileage: 130,156
Transmission: Manual
Engine: 6 - Cyl. 5.9 L
Exterior Color: Silver
Interior Color: Gray
Body Style: Quad Cab
Title Status: Clear

Options
Interior
AM/FM Stereo
Air Conditioning
CD Player
Center Arm Rest
Cloth Upholstery
Compass/Temp Guage
Coolant Temp. Gauge
Cruise Control
Cup Holders
Digital Clock
Digital Instruments
Front Bucket Seats
Inside Hood Release
Interval Wipers
Map Light
Power Drivers Seat
Power Mirrors
Power Steering
Power Windows
Reclining Bucket Seats
Tachometer
Tilt Steering Column
Tinted Glass
Trip Odometer
Vanity Mirror (s)
Exterior
Alloy Wheels
Body Side Moldings
Cargo Lamp
Chrome Bumper
Dual Power Mirrors
Heated Mirrors
Metallic Paint
Quad Cab
Radial tires
Running Boards
Short Bed
Towing Package
Safety
3 Point Rear Seat Belts
Anti-Lock Brakes
Break Resistant Glass
Drivers Side Airbag
Halogen Headlamps
Passenger Side Airbags
Power Brakes
Receiver Tow
Third Brake Light
Drivetrain
3:55 Axle Ratio
6 Speed Manual
Rear Wheel Drive
Turbo Diesel Engine
Other
Inline Style Engine
Turbo charged