2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Good buy on a 1999 2500?

[silverram03]

My Dad and I have been looking at a 1999 2500 4x4 that a guy in the neighborhood has had for sale for literally two days(asking $19,000). Any way I just wanted to see what your guys thoughts were, so heres a little low down on the truck.



1999 Dodge Ram 2500 SLT 4x4 42,000 Miles Drift wood & Mist Gray Interior

Infamous #53 Block (no visible leaks) I looked all over the place! Could it crack? maybe but I haven't seen any more than a few documented isolated incidents. Do any of you have a #53 with no problems?



47RE Auto

3. 54 gears

4" Turbo back Exhaust

AFE Intake (Loud

Banks Exhaust Brake and Trans Lock Controller

Edge EZ

295 BFG's

16" Centerline Wheels

Running Boards

Soft Tekstyle Tonneau

Spray In Liner

Auxiliary Piaa Fog's Plus factory Fogs

5th Wheel Set up

Tekonsha Voyager Controller

Upgraded steering system

Meticulous Service Record

No guages,But I can Fix that

This truck was garaged and only used for vacations with his family.

It's a great looking truck. I would buy it if I weren't looking for a house.

 

[Joe Mc]

I paid 18k for mine in 01 w/75k miles and it was stock - from a dealer. Granted there are some bombs on the one you are speaking of but no gauges? I'd keep looking, the low miles are also a plus - but it seems like alot are towing - shouldn't really matter. NADA & KBB would be of some help but, the truck has a great deal of enhancments that can't be captured on NADA & KBB. It's a crap shoot. MHO on 19k for a 6-7 year old truck - should be able to get it for alot less or get newer "still under warranty" for the same money.

 

[jgallentine]

It might be a little high but probably not for your market. My 99 with a 53 is currently being Locknstitched as it just cracked at 109,XXX miles. I personally would not buy another one with a 53, particularly one with mods as this seems to enhance the cracking possibilities.



The price estimates for repair ranged from $14,500 for a new engine from Dodge, $8,500 to replace the block from Cummins, $6,500 to replace the block at Cummins with an independent shop doing the R&I to somewhere around $1,000 for the Locknstitch.



Others will tell of 53s with 200,000 plus and no cracks. I suppose it's a crap shoot but is very unpleasant to lose.



Jeff



PS: I have not tapped the pump wire so my Comp box is working just like an EZ.

 

[DBrickel]

Wheres the guy live, I might want it. Just kidding. With the bombs that are already on it and if its as good as you say it should be worth it. You will want guages. Pyro fuel and boost. should also have a trans temp guage. Of course you always offer a lower price

 

[silverram03]

Keep em coming guys.

 

[Regcabguy]

This sounds like a well maintained rig but in light of the tow history, 3. 54 gears, and 295's you're looking at a transmission upgrade which isn't cheap. Exhaust brakes aren't easy on stock autos.

 

[AHughes]

I Have A #53 Block In My 98. 5 3/4 Ton And Injectors Afe Intake, Edm Injectors Edge Comp And No Problems With 100k On The Clock. The Only Thing I'd Do Is (unless It's Already Done) Get A New Torque Converter As With The Mods It's Going To Be The Weak Link. Just My . 02 Cents