2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Looking to Purchase a 2001 3500, what do you think

[ChrisOlson]

HELLO

Long time member here. I have a 99 2500 CTD 4X4. It now lives in FLA with my 30 ft toy hauler. I do not need a 4X4 in FLA. and the height of the 99 2500 CTD 4X4 makes shopping for a newer Toy hauler because of the bed height. I have been thinking about a 2WD 3500 that would live in FLA this would open options for a newer toy hauler that would suite my needs better. I have stumbled upon a 20013500 CTD 2 WD it looks to be in flawless shape it has 52000 miles on the ODO. no rust that I can see interior is flawless as well. 2wd drive trucks in Alaska are not very popular and they are asking 13000 for this truck. I have not driven it yet. other than the obvious VP44 and the lift pumps for the 2 gen is there anything that I need to look for in a 2001 truck??



Any comments or suggestions are welcome.



Thank you in advance.



Chris

 

[JLandry]

Chris,



Sounds like a great value!



Take a look at the TDR Buyer's Guide. Lots of good detailed info in there on what to look for when shopping for a used truck.



Be sure and check out the article about the "53" engine block cracking problem then check the truck for it.



Best regards,



John L.

 

[HHhuntitall]

It's basically the same as your 99, less the rotating hardware under the seat. Check the ball joints, A arm bushings, maybe the hitch if installed and how it's installed..... Pretty much basic stuff.

 

[ChrisOlson]

Thanks for the input. I am still looking at it.

will let you know. do the 3500 come with steeper gears than the 3. 52 that came with my 2500??.

Chris

 

[tuffs93]

Chris, If you like the truck and everything checks out, buy it... . My 01 has been my favorite truck since I bought it. It kinda geared for running on the highway (3. 07 ) but I love it and have pulled a lot of trailers including my 34' toy trailer. Got to live in 4th and 5th a lot in the mountians , but 1800 rpm at 70 is nice on the flats. Also, I don't know what I do different but it has the original VP pump on it at 225 K and I replaced the lift with a FASS DDRP from Geno's at 190K. It got a clutch at 175K (throw out brg. went bad) , but other than that it has been a great truck. Its one of our daily drivers since my commute is 105 round trip and the wifes is 55 round trip.
My opinion only, Mike

 

[Cosmo]

Look at the option sticker in the glove box - it should tell you what ratio was installed at the factory and if it's a limited slip.

Is it an early 01 or late? Early will have drum brakes out back, late will have discs.

I don't know how much weight you're towing, but with 3. 55's my only issue towing 10-15k was with stop and go traffic causing trans temps to climb.

 

[VolsFan]

I like my 01 a lot. The 4 wheel disc, two piston calipers are a huge improvement over the single piston/ rear drum brakes. Mine is 4. 10, so not much going over 65, but its a pulling machine. with that low of miles, sounds like a deal, even for a 2wd

 

[Sticks]

The most important question... Auto or Manual trans?

Any and all of the usual 2nd gen quirks can be fixed relatively easy and inexpensive, but getting an auto set up properly for towing, even in the flat-lands gets expensive, and trans replacement/rebuild can really hurt the wallet.