Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Looking at 2001 2500 2WD....

[SHermreck]

I sold my Powerstroke and have been looking at some trucks for the last few months. The local dealer traded for a 2001 2500 extra cab 2WD 6spd truck. It's pretty straight... . interior is dirty but the truck runs and drives well... . has a straight pipe, no 5th wheel hitch etc. Trying to contact the previous owner has been a dead end... ... what do I look for on this year and model..... I'm sure there are some quirks. I have no maintenance records on it to prove any service.

 

[YOOPERVIC]

I just sold a CTD similiar to the one you may be getting. Good truck. If it is a 2001, it will have drum rear brakes. The 2001. 5 has disc brakes on the rear.

Beware of the infamous "lift-pump" problem. If you're going to use it for some

heavy towing, be sure it has the trailer-tow package. The ball-joints may present a problem. They're known to wear out early.



I enjoyed mine for almost 4 years and would do it again.

 

[SHermreck]

I was able to contact the original owner a little while ago..... he changed oil every 5K, fuel filter every 20K, K&N put in at around 20K and I quizzed him and he knew how to clean it the right way. He never changed the antifreeze, has original front tires that are about shot, never replaced the lift pump, never wrecked and most mileage was to and from work... . 50 miles one way. He worked construction and said the reason the inside was dirty is because when he got off work he was always a mess. Towing was minimal..... biggest was a 18' enclosed with some 4 wheeler's in it. I don't know if it has a "53" block yet but it does have rear disk brakes. Prob's he had..... said it was hard to get into reverse in the morning, rear caliper might be dragging, and maybe something wrong with the heater control's... . said the heater stuck on one time and then the next morning it was OK. It has never been modded either except for straight pipe and the K&N. He said it never used any oil and never had to ad coolant... ... do these have prob's with cavitation?

 

[AKAMAC]

If the price is right it sounds like it still has alot of service left. The slides may need to be lubed on the calipers or you may need to rebuild it. The heater control is a crap shoot, could be a leaking vacuum line or a bad switch. No, there is not a cavitation problem. You would have a rare engine if a 2001. 5 had the 53 block. If you bring a fuel pressure gauge an schrader hose with you you can check the FP. Good luck on your shopping spree. Mike

 

[truckstom]

sounds good. Have the dealer check the lift pump pressure/volume. How many miles on the truck? Shouldn;t have a 53 block, being a 2001. Let us know. Good luck.

 

[SHermreck]

It was bugging me so I drove back down to the F%$D dealership where this thing is and got underneath... ... didn't see a "53" on the block. What I did see is some oil on the pan that traces back to the left front of the motor..... I've been reading so maybe it's the vacuum pump or? He ever changed the rearend lube, transmission lube or coolant... . should I worry? Oh yeah it has around 85000 miles on it.

 

[wicked6]

That's probably build up from the crankcase vent tube. . (3/4" rubber tube that hangs down near the steering box. . )

 

[jandtjil]

Not to worry SHermreck, the oil leak you describe is most likely the breather bottle.

If not emptied regulalry it weeps oil onto the underside of the engine, and if you leave it long enough the fan blades. Lots of cheap easy fixes for this, give it a look if you stop back down tothe dealership. Good advise to check the lift pump, at 47K my is still holding on but can regularly be pulled down to 5psi (with right foot). Someone more familiar with rearend, trans and coolant flushes may comment on that. Good luck



JJ

 

[johncameron]

Mine is a early 2001 2500 2wd 6er too! I've got 98000miles on mine and I've had to replace all 4 ball joints in the front. If they'd never been done plan on it in the next 12 months. Lift pump, I changed mine last year when I installed my FP guage... dead... . 0PSI. VP-44 still going strong even though I had 0PSI for however long it was dead. The truck rides awesome and handles good. It tows like a dream especially after my bombs. Go for it!!!!

John