New here, just bought a 1998...now what? And how much is it worth?

[M.G.]

Hi
I'm new here and I just bought a 1998 Dodge 2500 with the extra-cab with suicide doors, a Cummins diesel, 4x4, 5-speed stick shift, with 150,000. It has a removable gooseneck installed. Everythings works great. I have two questions....

1) What should I be aware of? Any known issues or recommendations (outside of the typically predictable stuff)?

2) How much is it worth? It's a California truck with zero rust. A/C and everything else works. Injector pump was rebuilt 50,000 miles ago. 150k total on the truck and motor.

Thanks guys!!! I appreciate any advice that you could provide?

 

[EDankievitch]

Mechanical injection pump or the Vp44? If it has the vp44 then a fuel pressure gauge is a must. I would also have the Killer dowel pin checked. I know that some say these engines do not have that issue but the 2002 that I owned did have it and it came out.
Go through the whole truck I would change all fluids unless you can prove that they were just done. I really liked my 02, always thought the cab was one of Dodge’s best designs. Steering linkage should also be given a once over. Track bar all joint is known for not lasting. LUK’s link makes a good service kit for it. All in all welcome to the Diesel Dodge world. If you can’t find a cure for what ills your truck here it does not exist.

 

[M.G.]

Thanks EDankievitch!
I appreciate the advice. The good news is that I am able to verify that all of the fluids and PM was done. I'll be sure to check out the other items too. What would you guess mine is worth with 150k miles and a straight body?

 

[R_Walter]

Its worth what you paid for it. Simple.

 

[R_Walter]

Now is it a 12 valve or 24 valve?

 

[M.G.]

24 Valve

 

[M.G.]

Its worth what you paid for it. Simple.

Then it's worth nothing. Because I didn't pay anything for it.
Anyone else have an estimate of price?

 

[DavidC]

Usually it is whatever you can get for it. Hard to give any estimate without full pictures

 

[SnoKing]

Then it's worth nothing. Because I didn't pay anything for it.
Anyone else have an estimate of price?

"I'm new here and I just BOUGHT" ??????

 

[mfurrh55]

Welcome to the TDR website!

 

[M.G.]

"I'm new here and I just BOUGHT" ??????

Ok, just relax buddy. I used the wrong word, you are correct. I shouldn't have used the word "bought" when I didn't have to pay money for it. But that said, if you weren't going to give a number, then why bother responding?
A very good friend gave it to me as a way of thanking me for all of the things that I did to help him when he was in a time of need. Although I did a great deal to help him, I never considered it a sacrifice. It's just what friends do to help each other when they are in need. He didn't use the truck much (hence the low mileage).

 

[M.G.]

Welcome to the TDR website!

Thanks, hopefully it's a friendly forum.

 

[BigPapa]

Welcome to TDR, M.G.
Sounds like you have a good friend. No need for explanations.

Ok, just relax buddy.

Good luck with that. SnoKing don't relax for NOBODY.......

.

 

[Timd32]

Welcome to the TDR.

I think it's worth $9,500 if clean and not alot of rust.

Electrically there are some known issues with the grounding internal to the harnesses, effects Autos more then Manuals but I'm sure they are all the same.

Good luck with your new ride.

 

[M.G.]

Usually it is whatever you can get for it. Hard to give any estimate without full pictures

Good point David. I should take some pics. It actually looks really great. Paint looks awesome, the engine and undercarriage are clean. No leaks anywhere. The interior looks great too.
Overall, I'm very, very happy with it.
The tires are brand new Michelins. I spoke to the mechanic who maintained it. He said it's nearly perfect and all PM has been kept up to date. My friend bought it brand new.
He is a really great and meticulous guy.

 

[DavidC]

Enjoy it and quit worrying what it's worth except to yourself. Mine is priceless to me.

 

[HPSimpson]

You have arrive at TDR vast knowledge of Cummins and Ram trucks who like to share there knowledge how to maintain and fix your truck.

 

[EDankievitch]

You’ve got a manual truck I think you said. That is a real keeper. Ballpark price between $8-10k . Condition plays huge. Best of luck with it. And again welcome to the family.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Excellent condition NWWA you could get 13 easily.

I paid 15 for a one owner Sport with 123k two Summers ago.

 

[mwilson]

Welcome to the TDR!!

To reference the above post regarding the fuel pressure gauge there are several kits with a simple red light if you don't want to add a gauge, pod, etc...But regardless put something on there to warn you if the fuel pressure drops. The lift pump that supplies the VP44 will stop doing it's job but you won't know it because the truck keeps on running.

Without some measure of warning you find out about the lift pump failure one of two ways...

(1) Truck will not prime itself after a fuel filter change (Cheap way out)..it happened to me and I considered myself extremely lucky. Bought a lottery ticket and a warning kit with a red light the very next day along with a new lift pump.

(2) The truck starts to miss, stall and otherwise misbehave which finally results in a no start, no run, tow the truck somewhere scenario. (Expensive way out).
The VP44 will not pull it's own fuel easily with a dead lift pump and it will overheat itself and die. Solid fact.

Sold a lot of VP44 pumps over the years for many vehicles from a Ram pickup to a Class 6-7 truck and the cause was a dead lift pump.
Cummins will not officially admit it but my statement is true and applies to any "B" series with a VP44 regardless of application.

If your truck had a VP44 failure at 100,000 miles I would want some proof that the lift pump was tested. If nobody checked it and it's weak it's only a matter of time for the rebuilt VP44. Check it now.

I gave my son this same advice when he purchased his first VP44 Cummins Ram, he said he would when he had time......Well he had time when it ralphed the VP44. A couple of thousand dollars made a believer out of him....