Hey Guys new to the site and and new to diesels. I'm considering buying a 1996 Ram 2500 Cummins 5.9l automatic 4x4 with 300000km (184000 miles). I have been told it has new breaks, water pump, transmission, u joints and front axle. It looks like it has been taken care of next to no rust but I do have a few questions regarding the truck.

Is it worth purchasing this truck because its already 17 years old?
What tends to go at this mileage?
What are some things to look out for or beware of ( I have heard of the 'dreaded 53' block)
Things to lookout for during a test drive?
Anything negative to say about the truck?

I will have the truck inspected by a diesel performance store just to be sure but I would also like to know before hand as I want this to be a project of mine.

I'm a 24 year old male who will be using it for getting to work, camping, hunting etc..
Any input is greatly appreciated! And I'm sorry if this is in the wrong spot.

 

1)yes
2)some things that can go around this milage,lift pump,but it really depends on how the truck was taken care of.
3)This block is not the dreaded 53 block, that is the early 24valves
4)on a test drive, if the truck has an auto tranny, keep an eye out for how the tranny shifts. You can take the oil fill cap off while the motor is running to see if there is blow by.
And don't let them warm up the motor before you get their. Sometimes you can tell if the motor has issues after you start it up when it's cold.
5)As for the negatives, you just gotta know with that many miles there are things that will start to fail here and there.
I have a 97 dodge with the 12valve and I love mine. plenty of power, great fuel ecomamy, ect.
(oh and one more thing, you need to ask if the (kdp) Killer Dowel Pin has been dealt with) This is one of the major issues with a 12valve.

Oh and you put this in the right spot
and welcome to dieselbombers

 

yes sounds like a perfect truck that truck can last at least 400,000 miles no problem great truck i would not let this pass if i had the money myself

 

Thanks for the quick replies and I will ask about the kdp. I remember that from my research and what is the mpg roughly?

 

the milege for the truck i would guess 16 to 20

 

id second the 16-20mpg on an automatic truck. FWIW, my '98 12 valve had a 53 block. I never knew it until I pulled it out with 300k miles on it. It still ran great when pulled, no issue with the 53 casting.