Im looking at 2000 3/4ton auto 4x4 with 139k. Body is in decent shape with new injection pump and power steering pump. Im going to drive it tomorrow and see what I think. Other than front end issues what should I look for or any advice. When everyone is talking about a 53 block where do I look to find this??? The local dealer that has it said he took it in on a trade and has drove it for 520 miles thats when he found the issue with injection pump and power steering pump. Any advice would be helpful THANKS

 

Drivers side towards front of the block, shine a flashlight up there from underneath, any number other than 53 is fine. I'm assuming he knows nothing about the lift pump or fuel system in these trucks so if you get it expect to do that immediately. What's the asking price?

 

I'd check the rest of the steering and suspension. Especially the Ball Joints.

 

He's askin $10900, what should I be looking price wise to upgrade?

 

If the steering is wandering a little its probably the standard Dodge wander. They sell a brace for the front steering that stabalizes the pitman to stop the steering box from flexing.
But still make sure all the other parts are good. The fact that the pump is new is a bonus! They are expensive!

What do you mean upgrade? For performance? That depends on what your goals are and where you want to end up power wise.

Any rust? If so how bad?

I paid 10k for my 99 in 2009 with 130k too. It had zero rust... Sounds like you found a good deal.

 

One thing I would ask them to do is check lift pump pressure if they can. If not I would look into doing a fuel pressure gauge as soon as possible. Also like said above id check the control arm bushings, u joints, ball joints and so on.

 

Steering was good and tight no play, everything underneath looked good. No rust or leaks and its not the 53 block. Tranny seemed fine and truck ran great overall. My only concern was it had a 5th wheel mount in the bed, so it had been used to pull. Honestly looked like someone older had it like a elderly couple to pull a camper. I think Im gonna go for it if he'll come down so I can go ahead and get ready to build the tranny.

 

If you get it, first thing, guages and a good aftermarket lift pump. such as airdog, fass or the like. There is alot of info on here for those items.

 

I would be surprised if it was NOT used to pull. Most people don't buy 3/4 and 1 ton trucks to daily drive. I wouldn't be worried about pulling because these trucks were made for it!
If trans seems crisp and doesn't slip under throttle if you dog it (accelerate hard as possible at lowest rpm possible without forcing a shift) then its good to go until you get mod fever and break it like me!

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X2 Gauge and lift pump first.