Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Does any one know of people who haven't had problems?

[sean3073]

I own an 02 24V with 69K on her. I am starting to have Tons of problems. I read, and read and read, on this sight about every ones problems. Would some of you fine people please renew my faith, and tell some good stories, your own, or some one you do know of who have had really good trucks.

Sean

 

[DHayden]

I havent had any complaints with mine. I drove it to death last year and it always came through. It has never left me stranded and the only thing I have ever had to do is replace a fuse for the dash lights.

 

[WestTN]

My truck has 87,500 miles on it and the only thing that has been replaced is the serpentine belt. And that didn't fail, it just squeaked on shut down until i got tired of listening to it. The tires will need replacing soon, but I haven't even needed a light bulb. Oh yeh, the windshield has been replaced, but that was caused by a gravel truck.

 

[blacksheepdiesel]

sean3073,



It is human nature to complain when things don't go right and to not praise when things do go right.



That said, my '01 has 376,000 miles, 137,000 miles which were put on by me since buying BlackSheepDiesel last June. Items replaced so far (exluding normal maintainence items):



1. APPS (accelerator pedal position sensor)

2. throttle cable

3. right front wheel bearing assembly

4. air conditioning compressor (pulley failed, not serviceable seperately)

5. Air Dog to replace gradually failing lift pump

6. plastic connector between heater temp motor and door

7. There's a headlight switch in back seat 'cause the current one is weak



I consider that pretty good when thinking about how much I use this truck. Is it perfect? Absolutely not! But I knew if I wanted to put a million miles on a pick-up there was only one worth considering.



Hang in there! Work the bugs out! She'll be fine with a good maintenance schedule and little abuse.



Trent

 

[GMincher]

You didn't say what kind of problems you're having. Are these nit-picky little problems or major mechanical failures? Depending on how your truck is used it's at the stage were you can expect to have to repay it a little. If I had to guess your truck is suffering from... lift pump weakness, ball joint looseness, trackbar movement, brake pad thiness and possibly tire replacement. Oh, and the batteries are pushing it. I'm not picking on you at all, this is from experience. Does this make you feel less alone? I know I'm not helping but did I get even a little grin. See ya, Greg

 

[stownsend]

67,000 and still going strong with no problems. My truck hasn't even had a fuel pump change yet (knock on wood). One note is that I am right on top of regular maintenance; if the maintenance schedule calls for it, I do it. I drive it a lot too. Every day commute + towing a 3000 lb boat in the summer months + 600 to 1000 trips every couple of months.



Steve

 

[master1578]

Here's my post from last month. I'm too lazy to re-type it... :-laf



https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?t=129002

 

[DieselMinded]

Mine was fine till The BOMBs starting rolling into it then it PUKED



Leave it alone it should last ya' as long as you get a Fuel Pressure gauge and catch the LP before it kills your VP .



Good Luck



43,000 miles on mine has left me stranded 2 times



Has out ran countless PSD and Rice Burners THO and will give ya' white knuckels when you want it to... .....



What a Rush !!!!!



LOL



DM

 

[DwayneKelch]

sean3073,



I have over 81K miles on my 2001. 5 and have experienced the usual problems you can expect to see on 24v 2nd gen trucks... ball joints, lift pump, track bar, clutch master cylinder.



Everything else I replaced as a result of inspection/routine maintenance (like stownsend) and are considered wear items... serpentine belt, thermostat, radiator hoses, brake pads, lubes, etc.



I work my truck regularly, and have towed an average of 7K pounds for over half the miles on my truck. I always make sure my truck is ready for the road, to include my upcoming trip to Alaska. I'm going to tow my boat from Oklahoma to Alaksa to sell it.



Regardless of the troubles you've experienced, you can be assured you are driving a light-duty truck with the best diesel engine available. Now if Dodge would only put a better automatic in their trucks... my knees are getting bad and I sure could use a break.





Dwayne

 

[patcarman]

mine only had 27700 on it but nothing yet except the clearance lights on roof started leaking.

 

[Rdunkin]

My truck has 256,000 mi. and still has ORIGINAL rear brake pads on it. Other than the lift pump and heater blower motor its as it came off the transport truck. Well, wiper blades, batteries, front pads and filters and fluids.

IF you take care of them they will last.

IF you dont ... ... pack some tennis shoes.

Richard

 

[AKAMAC]

Post your problems they should be easy fixes.

That said, 96000 miles and I have replaced 1 LP.

My transmission is weak because of previous abuse.

My stock ECM is somewhere in America doing a favor.

My stock injectors are riding in the truck with Boiso (SP?) tips. Didn't install, will wait for Mach 1. ? 2. ? after transmission upgrade this month.

Stock turbo is back in, will call Doug to fix that.

Ball joints, track bar, hubs are great.

On my second set of front brake pads.

Drivers side seat belt plastic thingy at top of seat is bad. Now seat belt is starting to fray.

Tires, oil, transmission fluid, diff fluid. The front hasn't been changed.

Need a windshield.

OH, windshield wiper blades.

 

[TRAMPLINEMAN]

I've got 97000 on the truck. The only thing I've had to change is the sending unit(twice). Maybe I've been lucky, but even with the upgrades, no problems.

 

[John - K5AWO]

No much on mine either

I bought my 98. 5 well used back in November of '03 with 87,000 on it. I've changed the oil a couple of times and the radiator fluid once. The brakes pulled to the left in a hard stop so I changed the calipers and pads. I put a fuel pressure guage on it so far with the real goodies still in the box they came in. A full set of guages and too lazy to get it done. shish!



Oh, I did replace the front tires at 117,000 with Big O dual grooves. I just love 'em. Fantastic control and hydroplane avoidance (within limits).



The transmission takes some getting used to, but I have learned to drive around its' quirks. I lucked onto a Dodge High Performance ECM a while back that added about 60 hp (very precise butt feel measurement) and am very pleased with its' all around performance.



I could use some of that 21 mpg that I hear some boast of, but I do get 16 mpg fairly consistantly empty below 70 mph with 4. 10s so I can't complain.



So, some of us do just drive 'em without any unusual problems.



John

 

[TboneMan]

125,000 on my 2001. 5.

1 Lift pump

1 set of brake pads

1 front axle U JOint

1 clutch master/slave cylinder

1 set of steering stabilizer link bolts



Life time average fuel economy: 17. 4mpg (about 8,000 miles towing)



I do need a paid job as I'm starting to get some rust through (gotta love the salt they use on the roads in the winter)

 

[Graphic man]

120,000 on my 01

1 L/P

1 track bar



other mods because i wanted to not because i had too :-laf



i think thats pretty good!!!

 

[LRotter]

Coming up on 65k on my 02 and no problems yet. I can tell my lift pump is getting a little weak, judging by the fuel pressure gauge but it's okay for now. Once that goes, I'll be putting on a different setup so I don't have to worry about that. Other than that, no problems at all.

 

[RustyJC]

Mine has never been back to the dealer even though it spends over 90% of its life towing a HEAVY 5th wheel. No oil consumption, still on original lift pump, brake pads, etc.



Oh, I do need to replace the back-up light switch in the NV5600 if I can ever remember to pick one up.



Rusty

 

[mjendrejcak]

hit 71k today



on second set of front pads

on orignal rears

everything else is original

went to dealer once for a trannie shudder. They found a losse conection and truck has been flawless since.





for comparision I had a 99 1500 chebby that I trade in at 53k for the 02 CTD



had 5 rear windows put in. Each one had the weatherstripping crack and the glass fell out.



had 2 rear ends replaced. According to the dealer I was overloading the rear axle. I did not realize a yamaha warrior in the bed was that much over the limit.



Had all the sterring gear replaced, the steering wheel had four inches of freeplay. dealer said it was normal, until I told them to use it as a parts truck one day.



Had power locks and windows, every time it rained the winodws would roll down and the alarm would go off. dealer replaced window seals and pulled the alrm at my request.



more to list but don't want to hijack the thread to much.

 

[DanWilson]

51,000 miles and no problems. Replaced the original LP as a precaution and got a lifetime guaranteed one from O'Reilly. The original is a backup. She is stock 'cept for the air intake. Thinkin' about one of those steering stabilizer units as the next precautionary addition. Thanks to all the postings here, I try to anticipate what may go haywire and prioritize the use of my pesos.