Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Need opinions, Buying a used Cummins~

[MCummings]

Hey guys,



I'm looknig at purchasing a "new-to-me" truck.

I'm looking at a '99 2500 QC LB 4x4 Auto with 94K on the clock.



The truck is FULLY Optioned, with a "cap" (I call 'em campers, it's a fibergalss shell, painted to match) auxillary fueltank/toolbox that's never been used. and a locking Tailgate that works with the door locks/key fob.



The truck is being described as mint condition, he will be sending me pictures sometime today.



Asking price is $18,750.



Exterior : Amythest

Interior : Leather, (dark Blue?)

One scratch on pass. side bed

Fiberglass "cap"

Auxillary 100+Gallon fuel tank

No power adders (at any time)

No gauges

Truck went 85K on original tires

truck has been under 100K bumper-to-bumper warrenty, all service performed @ Dodge

Two new batteries, new power steering pump, front rotors replaced.

Truck was checked for LP problems, none found @ dealer (not sure I believe that. . )



What do yall think??



I need some honest opinions.



I will refrain from my opinions at this moment.



Thanks In Advance... .



Merrick Cummings Jr

 

[TPCDrafting]

I bought used, guess I always have. The questions running through my head:



Which transmission?

What's it been towing? ( I'd shy away from one that's spent it's life dragging a big 5'er down the road over one that hasn't towed much)

Check nadaguides.com for retail/trade-in value)

carfax.com can be $20 well spent

 

[MCummings]

47RE stock transmission.



No towing (except light utility trailer once/twice)





KBB says worth $17,855

 

[dshawhan]

I'd say buy it if when you see it the truck is what he says it is. Is it a private seller or a dealer? Normally a private seller is more honest about what you are buying. I bought my 99 used and think from now on when am finished bombing this one and pay it off I will go new. I have had some small trouble with things that are not normal problems. But this is only my experience. If this was six months prior to now and it was my choice from the way it sounds I'd buy it. And think you are only 6k from all the bobming you can do without hurting your warranty!

 

[Silver]

I've been looking for a low mileage 2nd gen for my brother also. These are the things we've looked for:



1. Check the hitch to see if the pin hole is bored out. If it is, and the truck has an auto- I wouldn't touch it. The hole should be perfectly round if it wasn't abused.



2. Check to see if the pump wire is tapped



3. Drive it on the freeway



4. Do the ignition key trick to check for codes



We've only looked at 4 trucks so far, but none of them passed our test.



PS. forgot to mention to get a carfax report

 

[Idaho CTD]

I'm just wondering why your selling yours and getting a newer one? for 4x4?



As a side note I've heard the 98's and 99's had the most problems with the vp-44. I think if you can afford it I would go for a '01. 5 or newer for the rear disk brakes. The '99 I had had it's share of brake related problems.



If your getting a loan for it you might check to see what the interest rates are on a '99 vs. a newer model too. Sometimes a newer model that doesn't cost much more will have the same payments due to lower interest rates.



Just my '02

Nathan

 

[LSMITH]

If it had a 5 speed it would be just what I am looking for. I would not touch an auto with a 10 foot pole, but I have been there and done that and you have not. The price sounds good, and the truck sounds like it is a really nice rig. If you want it all systems GO I say... ...

 

[TowPro]

Ledgend has it that if your 98 or 99 pump was going to go bad, it did it before 80K miles. Also remember that the 98 and 99 was the first generations with the lift pump. By the time we figured out all these lift pumps were going out, it was already to late and lots of VP-44's also went bad. IMHO



But yes the rear disk is 10X's better if you can find one!



I agree about the interest rates as well

Originally posted by Idaho CTD





As a side note I've heard the 98's and 99's had the most problems with the vp-44. I think if you can afford it I would go for a '01. 5 or newer for the rear disk brakes. The '99 I had had it's share of brake related problems.



If your getting a loan for it you might check to see what the interest rates are on a '99 vs. a newer model too. Sometimes a newer model that doesn't cost much more will have the same payments due to lower interest rates.



Just my '02

Nathan

 

[Hohn]

Originally posted by Silver

I've been looking for a low mileage 2nd gen for my brother also. These are the things we've looked for:



1. Check the hitch to see if the pin hole is bored out. If it is, and the truck has an auto- I wouldn't touch it. The hole should be perfectly round if it wasn't abused.



2. Check to see if the pump wire is tapped



3. Drive it on the freeway



4. Do the ignition key trick to check for codes



We've only looked at 4 trucks so far, but none of them passed our test.



PS. forgot to mention to get a carfax report

This is all good stuff, and I would also check things like smell the transmission fluid-- that will tell you what kind of heat the trans sees/ has seen. Check out all the interior controls, HVAC adjustments, etc. Get the fuel pressure checked PRONTO. Also, you will want to check for leaks (oil pan, trans, pinion seal, etc. . ). Driving it on the freeway will let you get a feel for the front end (track bar probs).



All said, I would have to agree that a 2k1 or later would be preferable if you can swing it. When you add up the LP, VP44, 53 block, and all the other woes of the early 24V models, it might be better in the long run to get a later model, even if it's a little more up front...



Hohn

 

[Pit Bull]

Originally posted by Hohn



When you add up the LP, VP44, 53 block, and all the other woes of the early 24V models, it might be better in the long run to get a later model, even if it's a little more up front...



Hohn

I agree, get a 2001 1/2 or 2002, HO 6 speed. Should be able to fine one for $24 - 28K with low miles. You can finance longer at a lower interest rate. The more miles you put on it the more you know how it was treated. Also get the carfax report. Found out after I bought my 2000 that it was in a wreak and I could not tell it. I still would of bought it but it would of been nice to know and I could of used that information for negotiating a better price. Also Carfax has a deal where they let you get unlimited reports for a set amount of time for a set price (perfect for guys looking at buying a used truck). Good luck.

 

[DPKetchum]

Don't be so sure about lift pumps going bad before 80k. I know of several of these trucks out there that have gone 180plus k before a lift pump problem. One of these the pump went 190k and the vp44 went another 15k then bit the dust.

 

[DPKetchum]

I know the auto trans in these are considered weak but I also know of some of these going 150k160k etc pulling fivers all over including one with a Banks Stage 3 kit pulling a fiver with super slide all over Alaska and lower 48 states that at 160k was ok until a trans line rubbed through and took trans out. Now it had axel seals,mainly front every 10k everthing was filled with white chaulk like dust from Alaska. It even had a k&n air filter!

 

[MCummings]

Wow, Thanks for the replies guys.



I'm not worried about LP's or VP44, I have a dual pump kit from ADT from the current truck that is going to go on the ""new"" truck, and I have a spare VP44 sitting in the garage as I type this (that only has 20K!).



The Auto transmission doesn't concern me either,, personally I wish I could find a Dodge with a blown transmission,, within a month of purchasing this truck the transmission will be re-done with a full DTT treatment, 93% TC, and Manual VB.



The brakes are not a bigy either, a Full EGR upgrade is in the plans.



This truck will be my "show" truck for my business, it will show products I offer, and attract potential customers.



I will be receiving pictures of the interior today.



I will post pictures of the outside in a few. .



Thanks guys,, Keep 'em comin'



Merrick Cummings Jr



edit: The 53 block does concern me, especially the truck being built in US, at the St. Louis Plant... .

 

[rashwor]

FYI... I drive a '99 5 spd

Bought mine new. The ignition key trick does not work on trucks prior to the 2000 model year.



I have 132K, 1 lift pump replaced at 84K, one MAP sensor, no mods prior to 130K, no VP problems yet, but my fingers are crossed.



I would not touch an auto... but then I have never liked them... first thing I ever drove was a manual.

 

[Chipstien]

Go for it Merrick. Once that transmission is done you will wish you had gotten a auto on the first truck. Sounds great except I wasn't aware of dark blue leather. Is it agate?

 

[MikeR]

AMETHYST I absolutely love that color! My old '99 was amethyst, and I was stupid for trading that color in. If you've never seen amethyst, it's that same dark purple color used on the Durangos.



It sounds like the seller is describing Agate interior. It's not dark blue, it a blackish/charcoal color. My '99 was like that too.

 

[MCummings]

You guys are !



Amythest/Purple. I wasn't too sure, but I like Dark colors, black isn't my favorite, but dark colors are awesome,,, not the best for South Texas In summertime it's always over 100* even in the shade, Lets hope the A/C works good



The current owner sent me ALOT of pictures of the truck, it looks CHERRY, even though the truckk has 94K on it, the inside looks like it has about 10K (Except drivers seat is slightly more worn), I could swear by looking at the pictures the truck only has 25-30K on it. It's clean.



It's gonna be hard to put stacks on this thing... It's got a camper, and a 110-120 Gallon Aux. Fuel tank/Tool box in the bed.



The loan value is $16. 7K on it, MSRP is $22, trade is $20, Private party is around $17. 7



Insurance is going to be nearly twice as much on this truck compared to my current one



If I can talk the guy down ATLEAST $500 I will probably go for it,, Lord Willin'



Thanks Guys,

Merrick Cummings Jr

 

[MCummings]

Here's how it stands guys. Monday is the day things could start hoppin'.



I'm going to call TDR Members Barry and DodgeSales monday and ask of their opinion on the matter.



I carfaxed the truck, and learned that he JUST paid it off on 2/20/03 (with 92K on the clock), it was bought on 10/31/98.



One owner, private registered, no accidents (just like he said)



Thanks for the info guys, really appreciate,it, This is MY first BIG purchase,, so I'm nervous, and excited,, I don't want to go in debt, but I think I want the truck more than staying debt free





BTW, I have carfax unlimited for 1 month, if anybody is in the market and needs a VIN run, PM me...

 

[MCummings]

One more post...

Here's a few pictures,, there's more , Here



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Thanks,

Merrick Cummings Jr

 

[Pit Bull]

Check and see if it is a 53 block or a Mexican block. If it is a 53 block after driving it check and make sure you don't have any wetness on the passenger side of the block.