? about an 01 Dodge CTD

HaPtOAD

HaPtOAD

CRKR
Joined
Dec 30, 2007
Location
Salisbury, NC
I have found a 01 dodge 2500 24v CTD with an auto. What are things to look for. The truck has 118,000 miles and is bone stock. If was up to me I'd still be looking for a 5 speed but the wife has to be able to drive it also.
 
What I've learned about the year you're looking at:
- Beware of the 53 block
- Lift pump problems (most everyone replaces it)
- make sure the injection pump hasn't been messed with (Fuel pressure gauge is a good sign it has been.)
- Interior is shit, falls apart..but who cares?
- 118k miles ain't shit on that engine
- Maintenance done properly/on time?

Other than that, you need to be ready for the maintenance required in owning a diesel. It ain't cheap.

The manual transmission has its fair share of problems too. I wanted a manual tranny as well, but I am more than happy I chose the automatic. When I think about the amount of time I'll be spending in the seat when towing the XJ behind me, I'd rather have the auto.
 
What kind of psi should the gauge read. I've heard of the 53 blocks cracking. I know a lot of people who have them and my cousin is the only one I know who has had trouble. His problems were the computer on his 98.5. My grandpaw has a 12v 98 with 40000 some miles. It just sits there. I'm not new to a diesel. I've worked on PSDs but never messed with a cummins.
 
HaPtOAD said:
What kind of psi should the gauge read. I've heard of the 53 blocks cracking. I know a lot of people who have them and my cousin is the only one I know who has had trouble. His problems were the computer on his 98.5. My grandpaw has a 12v 98 with 40000 some miles. It just sits there. I'm not new to a diesel. I've worked on PSDs but never messed with a cummins.
Click to expand...

You'll probably get different responses on the fuel pressure question. I have read some folks saying 5 psi is minimum and some saying 10 psi is minimum. I run an Airtex replacement lift pump in mine and I idle around 20 psi and tow around 15 psi, depending on the terrain of course. I have to hammer on it pretty hard to get the gauge below 10 psi. My IP is stock, I have the fuel pressure gauge to keep an eye on the health of a lift pump.
 
The Injection pump and transmission are the biggest things I would look into. The next big wear items on them seem to be the hub bearings and ball joints if its four wheel drive.
 
My buddy called me and told me it was no longer for sale because a tree centered it. A big pine fell on it. I ain't went and looked at it but the way he talked the bed, cab, hood, pass doors and fender are fubar so I'm guessing it's an insurance thing.
 
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