2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Buying Dodge 2002 CTD 3/4 ton what are some things to check out before buying it

[guyhaz]

Made a deal for a 2002 dodge CTD with 112k miles. It is a 2500 with 4 wheel drive and the SLT package and club cab. Buying from the original owner. This will be my 4th Dodge CTD, but first 2nd generation. What are some things I should check out before pulling the trigger. Has original lift pump and injector pump. Has automatic transmission that has not been rebuilt. Was wondering if one of you gurus out there might have some advice for me when I go check it out tomorrow night. Thanks... .

 

[seafish]

Here @ TDR, there is only ONE ting you need to check before you buy any CTD...



Check the TDR CTD Buyers Guide, right here...



Turbo Diesel Buyers Guide



2nd Gen trucks start on page 8... Oo.

 

[wcjp]

Hvac, track bar

 

[Nyoest]

Cycle the key there times And check codes. Then ride and drive.

 

[HHhuntitall]

My suggestions would have to be:



Check to make sure the lift pump is working. Bump the key and listen for it. If it's quit, it may have taken the VP with it.

Look for oil leaks on the engine, rears, transmission.

Look to see if the owner has hacked on the wire loom anywhere. I hate having to fix rat nests!!

Broken dash, seat covers, trailer hitches, etc. Any welded on hitches or accessories, check the welds/attaching plates for cracks/bends/signs of damage.

Look at the overloads, if equipped. They'll tell you if he's been hauling heavy with it if the pads are worn or polished from being loaded heavy.



The list goes on... ... . One big thing I look for are signs of a programmer, like velcro strips on the fuse box cover, wire taps on the injection pump wires, guages, mystery switches and wires, etc. I'd also suggest looking under it at the skid plate and under body panels to see if it's been driven over any rocks, brush, trees, small boulders, large animals, or small to midsized foreign cars. Also ask if he has any service logs... if he has a record of every oil change, tire rotation and light bulb change, chances are he took good care of it, and it's a good buy. Good luck!!

 

[guyhaz]

thanks for the replies guys... spent about an hour last night reading over the buyers guide on here. Lots of good info. I also forgot to mention that this truck has an after market chip ("the Edge") with the juice attitude controller. I figure the first thing I will do if I buy it is upgrade/replace the lift pump so it doesn't take out the VP44 pump. I got the price down to about 3 grand under book and the vehicle seems like this guy has taken care of it, but I will see it tonight with my own eyes.

What about checking the engine for blow by?

Dash is cracked like most of them here in Arizona and the A/C blows out all the vents.

 

[SnoKing]

See if it still has the HY-35 turbo. Pictures



4:10 are better for towing with the 2nd gen auto. Has the transmission been beefed up?

Chris

 

[guyhaz]

I will check the turbo... looks like the HX is better is certain conditions. transmission is stock and original.

 

[Silver_Ram]

Take the truck on a short test drive & get it warm... . With the truck idling, remove the oil fill cap & see how much white smoke comes out. It it has been taken care of the should little, if any white smoke. If it has a lot of white smoke, put the oil cap back on and run like hell!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Then look elsewhere for a truck.



People are holding on to older trucks, but I also come across alot of trucks that have been severely neglected. The only reason some people do any repairs, is because of safety/emissions programs in their area or they drive them until law enforcement tows the vehicle for expired tags.

 

[guyhaz]

Ended up buying it... good tip on rotating key on 3 times... found no codes... it was the camper special laramie edition... . the guy delayed some maintenance on it but overall in decent shape. Got the radiator out of it now and relocating the crankcase vent tube. Steering damper shot but having one hell of a time getting the bolt out of the drag link. Been spending a lot of time on the this forum looking at all some of the issues with the 2nd gens. Thanks again for the all the replies... u guys are great.