Hello and thanks in advance for any help.
I just purchased a 99 with 200k miles, 5 speed, original owner with all receipts, never been chipped or any performance mods, non 53. It has a new injector pump with 6k miles and new lift pump at the same time thanks to the previous owner running out of fuel. It is at CN Diesel in Post Falls, ID right now getting the essentials done, Raptor lift pump, KDP fixed, new water and PS pump while they are there. Is there any other big items one should be aware of or look for drive train wise, for instance, how does one know if injectors are working properly?
I know bad injectors on a common rail will wash a hole out which equals big repairs, but what about the older ones?
Any other suggestions will be great.

 

There is no KDP on these trucks, just the 12 valve.

You can have your injectors bench tested. But welcome bud, I have the same truck. But with 80k less miles than yours haha. It's good that it ain't the 53 block, let the building begin.

 

From what I've read and what my mechanic is saying, it's a crap shoot in '99 as to whether or not it will have the improved "stepped" timing cover that holds the kdp in, some do and some don't. And also that there have been incidents of kdp failures as late as 2002. Not true?

This is where I read it.

https://www.dieselbombers.com/dodge-...pin-years.html

 

They had issues, with the KDP in 94-98 12 valve motors. 98.5-02 24v Cummins introduced a step gear case that supposedly fixes that problem. 12 valves rattle, an shake too much that's why the pin would fall out. Could be, could not be true. I've honestly never heard of a KDP in the 24v, I've actually never heard any issues with any of the 24v having that problem.

 

at 200k miles I would look at replacing some injectors. yours are tired, but will continue to work. A new set will atomize better and its not that expensive. Performance injectors are about as much as stock. a full set can be under $350