hey all im about to go look at a 2000 dodge 2500 with the cummins and a auto tranny. anything i should look for? o new tranny, rear end driveshaft etc. o and has 150000 on it what are common problems on these things? thanks tim

 

Check the fuel pressure, scan for codes Front ends (4x4) hope the best on the trani
I like the VP's

 

Is it 4wd or 2wd? The front end usually wears out. The drum brakes in the rear are a pain so make sure the truck stops well and the e-brake works. You can look at the VP44 wires to see if the wire was ever tapped for a programmer. Oil and power steering leaks, blowby, dash cracking and poor stock fueling (lift pump) are a few more I can think of at the moment. Take it for a ride and make sure the throttle is smooth and you do not have a deal pedal. Warm it up and see what all is leaking. Check all the fluids because the seller may run them low to reduce the leaks.

 

X2 on all that, I have had a 99 for 8 years. best truck ive owned hands down, its a 5spd and i had to replace that at 250k. if you plan on keeping it a while you WILL have tranny issues with the auto.
Also slip it into 4x4 while on your test drive and make sure it stays in, if the 4x4 light in the dash flickers then you have vaccuum issues and will lead to stipping the splines on the front axle shaft cuz it dont engage the CAD all the way. (you may want someone to watch it as you drive) another way to check the vaccuum pump is to make sure it stays on floor heat or vent and not go to defrost at an idle.

 

so how do ya check fuel pressure in this i dont have a test guage. also this is the first truck i am lookin at that hass a turbo how do you test blow by? what is blow by? also with the front end ya just mean lock it in 4x4 and gas it make sure all 4 tires spin? and can ya explain that vacume pump test again with the heat and defroster?

 

Dodge track bars are notorious for going out. when testing if the 4wd works put it in 4low or 4 hi and turn tightly in a circle...you should feel the truck rock/ shake and not wanting to turn.

 

Don't forget the 53 block issue.

 

block issues? so overall it looks like theres a lot to go wrong with these trucks... is it worth it?

 

if there is a casted 53 on the drivers side of the block under the injection pump it is probably going to crack were the water jacket is due to lack of nickel when it was manufactured and check out the VP44 real good other then that they are nice trucks how much is he asking

 

I bought a 01 4x4 2500 with 150,00 on it,i have replaced the tranny,whole front end,ball joints track bar,hubs,tie rod's,and put a steering box stabalizer on it,also new steering stabalizer.If u can make sure u roll down a road a highway or something around 70 75mph and hit some bumps!!!! I test drove mine b4 i bought it and had no idea it had the dreaded death wobble!!!! I only got up to like 55mph on the test drive didnt know anything was wrong when i drove it. About crapped my pants the first time it did it!! other than that i luv it now!!!! drives like a caddy!