Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Looking at 99 truck, need advice from the experts

[TWilkening]

Looking at a truck from local Dodge dealer. It's a 99 Quad Cab, short bed CTD, auto SLT with 180,000 on it. I drove it home for the night and found a few things that need attention. First off, it will need new front brakes and probably rotors. Make a horrible screeching noise when backing up, and pads are worn pretty good. Second, Right quad cab door will not open. I've tried both latches and it will not open. Third, the cup holder keeps coming undone when I hit a bump with a bottle of soda in it. Fourth, you have to hit the side latch on the right hand side to open the tailgate. It has a K&N sticker on it, but it has a new Mopar filter on it.



I tried to check it for any codes but could not get it to show up. How long do I leave the key on each time. Also, where do I have to look to see if it is a 53 block.



Dealer is asking 12,500. Do I try and get all of this fixed, or do I walk away. I am not 100% sold on the short box, or the automatic. Any advice from you guys is greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

[DavidC]

You need a scanner to check codes for a 99. Crawl under the drivers side front and look behind the VP 44, is there a big 53 on the side of the block?.



Dave

 

[Cummins724]

I would definately check for the 53 block. It is stamped on the block on the drivers side by the oil pan in the front corner. Lay down & check it, but being a 99 It probably is a 53. They were very common that year. Being an automatic, if you want to bomb it... Plan on a transmission upgrade. With 180k on it I would wonder if the vp44 has been replaced? Ask for vehicle history report & try to get a warranty out of them at the least. I'm just trying to be helpful, because I bought my 99 with 80k on it & sure enough the vp44 went at 100k. If I could do it over again... I would put a lift pump on it the day I bought it. Although its been a great truck after these problems have been addressed. Just my $. 02

 

[TWilkening]

I did not see a 53 on the block. I will look again in the morning when I can see better. Pertaining to the quad cab door, I was finally able to get it open by holding the latch and moving the door until it came loose. It was hard to do from the outside, about impossible when sitting in the seat. While I won't have to sit there, I want the door to open. Any other opinions or advice? Thanks

 

[TWilkening]

I decided to look for something else. While it was a nice truck, the short bed just ain't gonna work, and I still prefer the manual. So the hunt continues...