2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Looking at 2nd Gen.-Advice needed

[Jdonoghue]

This friday I fly out to Houston, TX for work-related stuff. I'm going to look for a truck to buy and drive back home to Michigan while I'm there. I'll be looking at 2001-2002 trucks with the 5 or 6 speed transmission. Is there anything in particular I need to watch out for? This 24-valve stuff is new to me (there's not much electronics on a 1st gen. !)

 

[TrqMonster]

2G Truck

I have a 12v but my friend recently bought a 2001. I know that the lift pump goes bad which ruins the Fuel Pump. We installed a FASS on my friends which I think is the best way to fix that, he now gets 15 PSI even at WOT. I'm sure others with the 24v would be more helpful but thats what I know. Maybe would be best to buy one with a fuel pressure gauge already or install before your drive all the way back to Michigan?

Like I said, others could help you out more than me. BTW, is your truck still for sale?

 

[Jdonoghue]

BTW, is your truck still for sale?

Yes it is. We're moving out of state, leaving Nov. 15th, so I have to sell it.

 

[TrqMonster]

Any additional info/price/pictures on the truck? You could just email it to me if you would like.

 

[Horsepuller]

CTDs in Texas

Texas is a good place to look as they have a lot of Dodge/Cummins available. I almost flew there to pick up my new used truck. Shop on-line first so that you get a good idea of what their going for. Yahoo is my favorite. I found all three of my present vehicles this way.

2001-2002 is a good model year, last year before the body change. I love mine. Still have the original lift pump after 70k. No problems.



Bring a fuel pressure gauge with you so you can check the fuel pressure of the truck you are interested in. On the 2002, there is a male shrader valve NPT before the VP that makes checking the pressure a snap. Make sure the FP gauge you check will work with diesel fuel. At idle, pressure should be between 10-15lbs, the closer to 15 the better. My pressure is 14-15lbs at idle. If you don't have one, have one of their tech's do it for you while you watch. It's literally a 1 minute deal, so don't let them give you any grief over the request.



Get the service records for the truck also. Find out when all the fluids were last changed. I just changed all the drive fluids when I got mine home. Make sure you print out a KBB value and do a Carfax VIN number check too.



Good luck.

 

[Jdonoghue]

Bring a fuel pressure gauge with you so you can check the fuel pressure of the truck you are interested in. On the 2002, there is a male shrader valve NPT before the VP that makes checking the pressure a snap. Make sure the FP gauge you check will work with diesel fuel. At idle, pressure should be between 10-15lbs, the closer to 15 the better. My pressure is 14-15lbs at idle. If you don't have one, have one of their tech's do it for you while you watch. It's literally a 1 minute deal, so don't let them give you any grief over the request.

Any suggestions where I can get a gauge like this? Any special adaptor needed? It sounds like a good investment, and I always like spending money on tools

 

[Horsepuller]

I'dl like to tell you any auto parts store, but I am usually so disappointed in the big name stores (crappy cheap tools, very limited selection) I can't recommend any. And when I did find a gauge, they all stated on the back "not for use with diesel fuel". I just had the Dodge techs check for me until I installed my own gauge. I believe it is a 1/8 NPT fitting, pretty standard.

 

[DPelletier]

This friday I fly out to Houston, TX for work-related stuff. I'm going to look for a truck to buy and drive back home to Michigan while I'm there. I'll be looking at 2001-2002 trucks with the 5 or 6 speed transmission. Is there anything in particular I need to watch out for? This 24-valve stuff is new to me (there's not much electronics on a 1st gen. !)

The others have covered the fuel pressure issue for you. the 2001. 5's and 2002's have rear disk brakes, which are nicer and the 6spd is stronger and more valuable than the 5spd. HO trucks (245/505) are 6spd only.



Happy shopping,

Dave

 

[Mundgyver]

Got with the six speed as you will get the heavier Dana 80 axle. I have not had any problems with my truck and now have over 132,000 turnes on it.

 

[the whale dog]

I only have on thing to mention I have seen two quad cabs that the bottom latch on the driver side back door did not latch properly and this created stress on the drivers door latch which caused the door to crack around the latch cost me around 500 bucks to get it fixed stick with the 6 speed if you can

 

[duaneparks]

Yes it is. We're moving out of state, leaving Nov. 15th, so I have to sell it.

I have a friend who just might be interested in your truck as well. Please pm me with specs/info/price. He is in the Houston area...



Also, the advice you've gotten so far is great. Fuel Pressure is the number one concern on these trucks, but there are permanent fixes for it. Just make sure the one you want has good FP that way you don't have a problem on the way home.



Also, the usual steering/tires/slop in drivetrain/leaks/brakes stuff that you would look at on any used vehicle carry similar importance on the 2nd Gens.



While you're down here, look some of us up... there may be a few LSTDR folks who wouldn't mind getting together for a cold beverage of any sort. We've never met someone who drives a CTD who's a stranger.



Duane

 

[Jdonoghue]

While you're down here, look some of us up... there may be a few LSTDR folks who wouldn't mind getting together for a cold beverage of any sort. We've never met someone who drives a CTD who's a stranger.



Duane

I'll have to do that, if I have time. I'm going to be busy with business, looking at houses, and buying a truck. I'm hoping to leave to drive back to Michigan Monday or Tuesday. If not then, perhaps when the move is completed. We're moving to an area NW of Houston (77065 zip code), is that Cypress? I don't know what that area is called.



Jim

 

[JFitzgerald]

Just bought mine a week and a half ago. I sure was impressed with all the improvements over the 1st gens. They're good, tough trucks, but they ride that way too.



I would go for the 6 speed if possible. I drove both when looking, and like it better. Got 20 mpg on the first tank too! This was based on real figures, not the fuel computer, which showed 22. 5.

 

[rowilson]

schutz2, can you expand on the problem with the quad cab doors. I was looking at mine and wondering what to check to see if they are alright.

 

[ChrisOlson]

I just came back from houston 2 days ago I always look at the dodges while there



I found a whole lot of them for what you are looking for I humbly suggest stoping at



the first convience store and buying a TRUCK TRADER publication about $1. 25 and it



will help you find who is selling the used dodges in that year I have a couple from my



trip, if you need it I will list some of the dealers for you. I made a test gauge from a



schrader valve that screws into the plug on the out side of the filter housing that



works well for testing fuel pressure. Because my 99 is on my 4th pump now at



57000 miles. good luck and if you have any questions please PM me



Chris