Trucks Thoughts on a Dodge 2500 Quad cab Cummins 4WD

Griz3752

Griz3752

Retired, practising Curmudgeon
Found one with under 190000 miles 5.9, 24 V, A/C/T/full power except seats, clean CarFax
(3 owners from new all within 500 miles of each other)
Seems to have avoided being Bubbafied.

Dealer priced at $21K plus the usual; a lot for an 01 but I have major faith in the 5.9.

Anything to watch out for?
 
tech

tech

Veteran Member
Since it's a 4x4 make sure the u-joints at the wheel ends are not binding during turns. You'll have to lift the front end, turn left and right and turn the wheels while feeling for excessive resistance. If it's bad you'll feel it in turns. It'll be a good time to check for play in the hub bearings and ball joints as well. Not a terrible job, but for the asking price repairs should not be required.
If a northern or coastal vehicle, check for rust...
Ideally, see how it starts cold. Listen carefully for any sign of uneven cranking (indicating low compression in a cylinder.) It should also start readily. Extended cranking time could mean potentially expensive repairs.
After starting make sure there is not a delayed engagement of the transmission - forward or reverse. Don't overlook the proper function of the 4 wd system.
Have someone check for worn tie rod ends, excessive lateral play in the steering box or movement of the track bar (the bar that connects from the frame to the front axle housing.)
Those are the more common issues I've come across...Good Luck!
 
chumly2071

chumly2071

Contributing Member
Track bar, ball joints, and front wheel bearings, and steering boxes are known for wear issues. Dodge A/C known to have leak issues, and look for evidence of heavy towing/hitches for the life of the automatic trans. I had a '97 mechanical 12 valve, and loved it, except the A/C, and currently have an '05 short bed 4 door 4x4 that I bought new. Has ~~235,xxx on it. Have done wheel bearings, ujoints, steering components, and track bar, and had to rebuild the transmission at 228,xxx because it lost second gear. It could use a steering box rebuild.
Light, infrequent towing of my car trailer with my jeep on it. Only engine related things I have done outside of regular maintenance is one crank position sensor, a couple valve adjustments, and and a preventative replacement of a turbo oil line.
My A/C currently doesn't work, I think I have a ground issue with my wiper control module, and being in IL road salt has taken a toll. LOVE the truck. would still be driving it every day, but needed something smaller and more comfortable for my commute.
 
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