Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) need info, 2001

[DFontaine]

Hello every one, I found a 2001 4x2, 6speed dually, 1 owner with 86,000 miles

He wants $15,000, IT is set up to tow, and has a exaust brake[ jake], my question is what things should I look for? is this year a dependible one? I will put a up graded fuel pump and guages when or if I get it. How bout this killer dowel? does this need to be addressed on this year, does it have a dana 80 rear end? what lubes do I put in the transmission[nv5600?] Thanks guys for the help.

 

[aviatorman]

Sounds like you discovered a diamond in the rough. The jake brake alone is worth 1800. 00. The 2001 engine does not have the "killer dowl pin", so no worries there. The NV5600 trani is a good one and it loves synthenthic oil. I use amsoil 5-30 gear/trani oil in mine and it has 108K miles on it, 50K of those miles towing a 13 thousand pound RV/5th wheel. For the money, I think you've found a good deal. My truck is an 02/HO with 4. 10 gears and the 6 speed. I get 22 mpg in town and 13mpg towing and the only thing that slows me down in the mountains is Fords and Chevy's.

 

[RHestand]

Don't for about checking for the #53 block.

It can be very $ costly to replace, after it cracks.

Of course not all #53 blocks crack, but it's something to think about.

 

[DFerverda]

Not all are safe from the KDP, They have been found in some up to 2002, that have been reported on this site... ... .....
I would check the fuel pressure, just to be sure the vp has not been starved. Sounds like a nice truck.

 

[icman95]

I'll second the suggestion to have the fuel pressure from the lift pump checked. Mine is an 01 with 89k on it and on a whim I had the dealer check the lift pump while it was in for some other service around 60k. He thought I was nuts, but sure enough, it was putting out only 1/2 pressure and 1/2 volume of factory specs and they changed it. My being cautious quite possibly saved my VP44. I now have an aftermarket pump on to make those worries go away. Other than that, it should be a solid truck. I replaced my fluids with Amsoil synthethic so I can heavy tow and be kinder to the gears, etc. Also, check to make sure the a/c works. I had the evaporator (the part under the dash) go twice. The repair shop said it is very common in these trucks. Matter of fact, we're about to do it in my wife's 99 Durango, too. Other than that, very dependable truck. Love mine and wouldn't give it up for any price.

 

[DFontaine]

thanks guy"s for the info, how do I check for the 53 block? does the truck have a test port to check fuel pressure? and as far as after market fuel pumps which one?, seen a mechanical pump on glacier diesels site

 

[DFerverda]

The block will be stamped with pretty big # on the drivers side, front under the vacuum pump. There is a wire harness, i think bolted right where you can see part of it. You need to look at the passenger side right below the head, for water stains (usually kinda white lookin). Here is a link with some good info and pictures of what we discussed.
53 Block FAQ and Information
Dirk

 

[Beast2B]

there is a fuel pressure test port (schrader valve) on the feed line going into the back of the vp44 injection pump. follow the fuel line from the stock lift pump to the back of the vp44 and you'll see it.

 

[WILLD420]

Climb under it and look around. I was looking at an 06 the other day and climbed underneath. That's when I noticed the big dent in the heat shield near the carrier bearing and the new yoke and u-joint.

Then I found the glue where the aftermarket controller was mounted under the hood, and some other "clues" that it had been abused pretty hard. I said, thanks, but no thanks, even though it was a pretty decent deal.

Overall they are pretty good trucks. I like my 02, but it's going to have to go away in the next couple years sometime.

 

[Jeff Knight]

Check to see if there are any codes stored... Jeff