What to look for in used truck?

[sdaves]

Forgive the length... first post. I need some help from dodge/ cummins experts. Please read.



As you can see in my sig I am not a dodge owner yet but hopefully soon.



I am looking at 1999+ 25004wd with cummins. I would like a 2001 for the 6 speed, plus to 2000+ aluminum wheels are awesome looking.



I will be buying a towing a New Holland LS-170 or 180 weighing between 5700# (170) and 7200#(180). Plus trailer (around 1500#), tracks (2000#) and trencher (1500#) for a total of around 11,000 to 12,000#. I know a 3500 would work better, but I think a 2500 will work ok right? My credit union will not loan on a 1 ton.



Anyway... can y'all tell me what to look for as far as engine (wanting to stay with 24 valve), transmission's (auto, 5 speed and 6 speed), and any others areas I need to pay close attention to?



I will be coming to y'all for help again, and hopefully will be part of your crowd soon.



Thanks

 

[sdaves]

bump up

anyone?

 

[me4osu]

I bought my truck used after lurking on the TDR website for info. I would definately get a manual transmission; the only trouble with the manuals that I know about is the fifth gear nut backing out on the five speeds.

I've seen people tow about twice as much as you plan to with a 2500. The dually provides a higher tounge weight and adds more stability while towing. I tow livestock occasionally, which is a shifting load; thats why I bought a dually.

I personally like the 3. 54:1 axle ratio. I think that ratio with a five speed is a very good combo; it allows me to run around 73 MPH at 2000 RPM (the efficient spot for a 24V). A six speed may allow you to go with the higher axle ratio.

Try Wells Fargo for financing, they beat my credit union. I was able to get 5. 9% APR for 48 mo. which (at the time) was outstanding for a used vehicle.



I looked for about three months before I found my truck. Also, don't forget to run a carfax report before you buy.



Good Luck!

 

[sdaves]

Thanks me4osu

I appreciate the reply. Is there any reason to be leary of "high" mileage trucks? I am looking at a 1999 2500 4wd cummins AUTO tomorrow. It has 80k miles and they are asking 19,900. I dont want an auto but gonna look at it. How does this sound for a price... generally?

 

[JJW_ND]

High Mileage???

I would not consider anything under 200K high mileage. Anything under 100K should be mechanically sound.



I to would recomend a manual and 3. 54. If you feel you need more power a EZ box will give you allot more then 4:10 gears would. We run total stock 6sp and 5sp for work. All 3. 54 geared. Pull gooseneck trailers that groose 12K. No problems with 3. 54 and we are in a rush all the time. These trucks out pull our old 454 Chevy, V10 Dodges.



Don't worry about 5sp and 5th gear... . it very good fix exist that makes it every bit as strong as anything out their. I have a 96 5sp and a 2001 6sp. I like things about both. When you have lots of power (96) you dont need many gears. Neither truck has be downshifted once crusieing.



Starting in 2000 (1/00 they started calling them 2001's) you get an improved front end. Rear disk brakes in 7/00.



The more maintence information you can get on a used truck probably indicates someone to care of it.



Miles don't hurt these trucks at all if not abused and mostly highway.



jjw

ND

 

[me4osu]

Mine had 63,000 mi on it when I bought it and I paid about 62% of new price. The engine warranty lasts to 100,000 mi. If I were you, I would hold out until a manual shows up for sale. Check www.traderonline.com. You can do a search for a truck within a specified radius from your zip code. If nothing else, it lets you see what other trucks are going for.

 

[sdaves]

Well, I drove one today. It is a 1999 2500 4wd Cummins. Only thing I didnt like about it was that it was an auto... wanting manual. It had 85,000 miles, interior was in great condition, exterior had some scratches. Tires in so-so condition. Front end has a shimmy, feels like out of balance tires. It is an individual car lot and they are asking $19,900 for it. When I turned to leave he said... "but I have some room to give. " Still left, but may go back Tuesday. I need to sell my F-150 first, but may see what they offer for trade.



How does this price sound?

 

[Snow man]

I was looking at your original post,and i honestly think you've underestimated your load. I believe the weight listed is dry weight on the LS New holland,add at least 200 lbs for flyids,and fuel,I think you've underestimated the trailer weight by at least 1000 lbs. I have a 9900GVWR starlight ,that has no options,and an open rails,it weighs 2200 lbs,it is a 6 1/2 ft x 18 ft long. You need a 6 ton minimum trailer,with 8 lug axles,and this will weigh at the minimum 2500 lbs,closer to 3K is more likey,by the time you add stuff to it. The 6 ton trailer will be overloaded,too,a 7-9 ton will add even more towing weight,and lots of tongue weight,all of which the 2500 isnt good with dealing with. Lets do the math again 7200+2500 lb trailer+tracks,and trencher 3500. I get 13,200 total weight,this is a lot for a a 2500 IMO. My 2500 tows 10K fine,but i wouldnt want to tow 13K,especially if i couldnt get the tongue weight just right,it would wag and wallow all over. The 3500 is what you want,believe me,you will drive without white knuckles,the 2500 wil pull it,but the 3500 will pull it safely,and without sagging and wallowing. If you are using a bumpr pull trailer,with the 13K+ weight,i wouldnt even think of the 2500,the 2500 would tow much safer with a 7-9 ton gooseneck,but this adds another 500-1000 lbs to the trailer. In NY you need a CDL A to tow this rig legally,since the trailer GVWR and weight is over 10000 lbs,and its a commercial trailer. Goodl uck,and do no t but to little truck,the 3500 is the bare minimum here,IMO,not the 2500. The preffered is a cabover,or F450/550+ of 15K GVWR and up. that what the contractors use here,and they are the right match for 13-14k trailers. 2500's are used for pulling 2 ZTR's on an open trailer,total trailer weight about 5-6K tops.

 

[stevek]

I have a 99 2500 CC 4x4 auto that I bought 2months ago with 28K miles on the odo. I was looking very hard at new trucks but really didn't want to pay 30K plus and come across this truck at a dealer. They had it for 2-3months and were really willing to deal. I got mx records, got to talk to the previous owner, and they even let me put her on a lift in the shop. Never had a gooseneck, interior was spotless, and they gave me a 1yr 12K mile warranty. I was out the door for less than 23K.

 

[GBerry]

just my 2cents but i wouldnt get a auto for what you are going to use the truck for but if you do dont get one with the 3:54's they are much too tall geared for for that load 4:10's IMO area a must!!!!!!

I would not consider an auto anyway for what you are planing on using it for 5 or 6 speed only ..... wish that was what i had gotten and wish i had waited for the disc in the rear!

good luck with your hunt!!

GB

 

[sdaves]

stevek:

Thanks... that gives me hope. I plan on looking for a few more weeks unless I find a steel.



Snow man:





Thanks for your reply. The LS 170 is 5500-5600# with fluids full and operator (175# worth) per specs. Tracks are a little under 2000#, trencher is 1500# and trailer is right at 1500#. A firefighter I work with has the exact setup as this and he has weighed his. He pulls his with a 1990 Chevy Z71 with 350 and 5 speed. I have rode with him once, but never again. Talk about hard on a truck.



Again... thanks everyone for the replys, keep them coming.

 

[Blackcloud]

I don't know how much of a factor distance is for you,but I will be selling my 2001. 5 in the very near future. It is a regular cab 5 speed ,4x4. rhino liner,cap,etc. And to top it all off,i have a New Holland LS665 and trailer you could hook up to to test drive the combo(skid and trailer not for sale... well maybe). I have not determined what I want for the truck,the thing only has 13,500 miles,medium bronze color,cab length diamond plate boards. Contact me if interested. Truck is mostly stock.



Glenn

 

[sdaves]

Thanks Blackcloud, but looking for club or quad cab... sorry.