My new (to me) Cummins

[USAF88-12]

Greetings all
I've finally become the proud owner of my first Cummins. It's a 1999 2500 Quad cab 4x4. So is it new? I guess not. However, (pause for emphasis) it is new to me! Also it’s the truck I've wanted for quite a while now. A minor accident brought about this change. I hydroplaned my '88 S-10, only did $900 in damage BUT insurance said car was only worth $1000. You can figure out how that ended...with me owning a Cummins!

I'm current living in Columbia SC (any advice for mechanics?). I'm retired military. I did 24 years USAF serving in the combat communications career field all across the globe. Columbia is an Army town (Ft Jackson) so I get teased a bit about being "chair"-force until I pull them aside and explain that the primary duty weapon I carried was the M-60 medium duty machine gun. That does garner me a little bit more tolerance, but not much. It's great to belong to such a fraternity, and the good natured ribbing that goes with it.

I'm looking forward to making my truck an overland / expedition rig, any photos or suggestions would be appreciated. Also any warnings of what to watch out for (pitfalls, plagues or problems) inherent to this year model would be greatly appreciated.

I've got tons of questions; I'll try posting them in the correct areas

Looking forward to the camaraderie
God bless
-Lester

 

[VolsFan]

Good deal. What transmission? Can you put up pictures? I had a 99 with a built auto and liked it but didn't like the single piston front calipers and rear drums and got tired of the boring automatic. I do like the 2nd gens so got and keeping my 01 6spd. Hopefully your 99 was cared for and all the usual issues taken care of by now

 

[USAF88-12]

Right now it's a boring looking silver quad cab and a bit beat up. but you're right I should post "before" photos so as I change it around I can enjoy watching, and sharing, the progression. It's a 4x4 with a nv4500hd 5 speed. It was built in Mexico, originally sold in New Mexico, The dealer I got it from got it in Amarillo Texas, I live in Columbia SC and had to go the dealer northern Pennsylvania to pick it up. Luckily for me I still have family in the central part of PA so it was a chance to visit.

 

[jgillott]

Greetings all

Also any warnings of what to watch out for (pitfalls, plagues or problems) inherent to this year model would be greatly appreciated.

Welcome. Become familiar with the terms, lift pump, VP-44, and 53 Block.

 

[Michaelsloft]

Congratulations for your first Cummins powered Dodge. And the 1999 2500 with a nv4500 is a good choice. I've been driving my 1999 2500 since April of 1999 and have enjoyed driving every one of the 252,000+ miles currently on the clock and looking forward to many more. Thanks to the many informed TDR members you will find knowledgeable information and helpful tips that will help you with the project along the way. I'm still learning new things about my truck and the Dodge/Ram Cummins powered trucks virtually every time I log on the site.
Post updates and some pics when you can.

 

[USAF88-12]

The first term I had to learn was "grid heater" and it cost me $60 to learn about it. I thought there was a charging issue because the volts gauge would cycle low for the first few minutes after start up in very cold weather.