Ok Guys im new here and im in the market for a 2nd Gen Dodge, but i know nothing really about them i want a 24 valve, i was wondering if you could tell me the main problems with this engine, from the smallest ticks to the big things, Also lets say i wanna run a chip, intake, exhaust, and some injectors. what kind of engine upgrades am i looking at? new studs?

And Finally whats the average life for a well mentained Cummins, and as they get old whats the most common thing to go?

Thanks Alot Guys,
Matt

 

let me reccomend you take some time to surf through this forum, youll learn everything you need to know. theres numerous engine upgrades, all depends on the power you want to reach, as for a well maintained cummins life span one of the local guys here has 645000 + on his making over 600hp and 1200 ft lbs of torque, he sleds pulls, off-roads it, and daily drives it, motor runs great, his main problem is trannsmissions, he burns up even billet ones quickly.

 

stock auto transmissions=JUNK
stock lift pumps=JUNK (first mod get a FASS or Airdog lift pump)
front end components=JUNK nothing you can do but replace them when they go bad with better aftermarket components

get guages, especially a fuel pressure guage very important

 

Cummins engine=runs great
everything else connected to it =will need fixing

Matt first look at the mileage on the truck,and at least check all the ball joints and tie rod ends. If they look good , check the hub assemly the piece the wheel bolt to. If any of these are bad, have them fixed by the seller or dont buy it. just replacing these parts are costly . Take your time in picking your truck and good luck . Welcome to the site

 

Fuel system is very important. Definently get a fass or airdog lift pump along with a fp guage. If you dont, your vp44 will crap out on you when the stock lift pump caves in. Auto trannys are weak. First thing to do is upgrade the torque converter and then depending on hp levels upgrade the valve body or go to a full billet ($4000+). Manual tranny will require a upgraded clutch at some point depending on hp levels. The front end goes quite often, there are some fixes around for them though which help them last longer. (lukeslink.com) I've heard of some going every 10,000Km. But other than that they are an awsome truck p.s. Regular maintenace goes a long way.

 

i agree on the fuel system, let me say this, my 99 has 235k miles on the orginal injection pump, been running a FASS lift pump on it since 40k and im making 450 plus on the dyno, my borthers stock 98.5 has burnt through injection pumps 3 times in its 126k life using the stock pumps. at 1100 to 1400 bucks a pop, injection pumps suck

 

Well from what i have read its deff the lift pump that i have to do first. I really want to buy a truck it just sucks waiting to find the perfect one. But thanks guys for the help.

Matt

 

X-2! Ditch the stock lift pump and check out the front ball joints. These are the two main problems I have had. Oh and I did destroy a stock clutch being stupid a few years ago. Other than that? Love my Dodge, except that dern passenger window just wont roll up once it's down...

 

It will need:
A new lift pump,don't bother replacing it with the stock LP,Get a fass airdog or mitusa pump. Like $400-800 there.
If it seems weaker than it should be then you'll have to replaced the dang VP44 Injection pump,that's $1050 (DIY) or like $2500 if you have it done.
My drivers side balljoints are OEM at over 470k but I've replaced the passenger side,mine is a all on highway truck though.

If it's got many miles on it just figure soon you'll have to replace the front wheelbearings,balljoints,and track bar,along with the Ujoints at the axle ends.

For the money I'd say you want to put some RV 275 injectors in there,they add a kick in the pants and don't really cause any trouble.

And of course it can't be emphasized enough...PUT A FUEL PRESSURE GAUGE ON IT!!