OK, so this monday im going in to put an offer on this dodge. It's a dodge 2500 4x4 automatic with 172,XXX miles on it. Im offering around $10k. I mainly have two questions:

1) What should I look for in this truck last minute to make sure its the right buy?

2) If i do buy, what are some mods that are free or under $1,000 i should get done early on? This truck looks purely stock so im starting from scratch.

Also brand new to diesel engines. Turning 16 and this will be my first truck, so go easy on the slang terms and other abbreviations!

Thanks for the help and I can't wait to get into the forums

 

Welcome to our site.


I hate to tell you this and your not going to like hearing it - but a Cummins isnt really a truck for a 16 year old. When things go wrong and they do - they can be very $$ to fix if you cant do it yourself.

Do not jump into this too quickly. Make sure you take your time and do research on this (and other) sites.

On a 24V like the 01 the most critical things is to scan it for codes, and have the fuel pressure checked if it doesnt already have a fuel pressure guage. You need to see 10 psi at wide open throttle. Otherwise, tell the seller he has to come down $600 to buy a good lift pump. Many guys try to (and do) sell trucks to unsuspecting people that have a dead injector pump (VP-44). Its ~$1500+ to have it replaced - so make sure you get that checked out.

Also, note the kind of oil filter on the truck (I would be learly of a truck that has a Fram filter on it), and ask about maintenance especially oil change intervals. Try to get documentation / receipts for oil changes etc.

Now, the transmission - with those miles if it hasnt been rebuilt or replaced, its probably on its last legs. Replacements range from about $2500-$10k+ (yes, $10K) depending on what you want and need.

There are no "free" mods on a 24V truck as its computer controlled.

$1000 will get you a good lift pump, and the necessary guages (Pyrometer, boost, transmission temp, and fuel pressure guage), you should have enough $ left over for a BHAF (Big Honkin Air Filter). Then you need about $300 for a 4' exhaust. After that you can count on transmission mods, and a fuel box and maybe injectors.

 

Good lift pump!!!!
Also you will most likely find that these trucks steer like crap.
Third gen track bar, steering brace, HD steering setup and Upgraded Steering box All help.

 

yup I can say yes to wandering truck steering problem, the only thing I aded was a steering brace and it really helps alot. The dealer replaced the gear box already since they said it was leaking. I have not encounter the death wobble will not yet anyway like my 97CTD did. I got lucky with this purchase, its already have airdog lift pump probably new vp44. ONE last teed bits OIL LEAK OIL LEAK. Darn rear main seal........

 

I completly agree with Dr. E, Ive had my 01 2500 for 3 years now, Im 2nd owner and got it with 85k miles on it and Ive already replaced the lift pump and VP44. dosent take much to kill it, not cheap either. But a good cheap upgrade is the BHAF, dont worry about the expensive cold air intakes