Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) looking to buy

[grass hopper]

i am looking to buy a 1999 5sp 3500 4x4. it has 162,000. miles on it. i own a 1996 auto 3500 4x2 with 304,523. and the motor runs like a top the trany has gone out in it two times now. this is why i am looking at the '99 what can ya'll tell me to look out for with the 24v ? any help would be nice.

 

[cumminspwr01]

I would say the main thing is to check and see if the three good gauges are in there (fuel psi, egt, boost). If the gauges are in there the owner at least cares enough about the truck to monitor the engine. The biggest problem with the 24v engine is the fuel pump situation. The lift pump goes bad if the wind isn't right and that in turn will take out the VP-44. So if the fuel psi gauge is in there take the truck for a ride and see what kinda pressure you got. If there isn't a gauge then who knows. Some people have claimed to get 150-200,000 miles out of there lift pump, others are dead right off the shelf. VPs last longer than the lift pumps but cost 9-10 times as much. That is why a lot of people run an aftermarket lift pump configuration to save the VP. HTH

 

[grass hopper]

how much are lift pumps and vp's. and what are the other way's of fixing these?

 

[SpicyJam]

One other thing to look at before buying, the '99 had the all famous 53 block in it. Do a search on here and see what complaints there has been on these blocks. Also if you are buying the 5spd have the fifth gear fixed. Over all not a bad truck but has some issues. We have one in the shop now just as you described, only it has spun number 3 bearing. Owner lack of use of oil.



The lift pump can be solved by using a couple of different styles of pumps, I myself am going to use the FASS system, but I have known guys just to install a pusher by the fuel tank. The VP44, well keep her lubed with fuel. Other than that they are easy to maintain, and well adaptable to mods... ... .....

 

[grass hopper]

cool i am going to the bank today to see if they will loan me the money for this rig. thank's guy's