Thoughts on buying a 99 cummins?

E

ed1

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Sep 21, 2010
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I may be going to look at a 99 2500 cummins with 231000 miles and was wondering what specific areas i should look at and what i should look for before buying.
 
If you want to make some power with it eventually, be sure its not a '53' block. Do a search for 53 block and read up on it.
 
As a former supporter of the dreaded 53 block...I simply advise beibg prepared for a new block if you plan to make serious power it. But for mild usage, a 53 might be fine.
 
Ok, so check for 53 block and what else do yall recommend to check for?
 
lift pump, weak injection pump, dash lights,53 block,air conditioning, front end, steering box... list goes on
 
On the 99 I bought with 210k it needed:
a rear pinion seal (leaking)
new ball joints up front (wandering steering)
new track bar (same)
new lift pump (didn't know until I put a gauge on it)
3rd gear syncro (grinding)
abs sensor (brake light on and speedo didn't work until 25mph)

I don't have a 53 block, but from what I understand it is a coolant passage. It seems that the only thing that increases/decreases stress in that area would be the water pump and temperatures both outside and the coolant temps, right??? If that's true, mods *shouldn't* contribute to failure. A failed tstat would be much more dangerous. Also there seem to be far fewer failures on higher mile engines--don't forget that lots of 53 blocks never fail. Obviously the safe route is to avoid them altogether.

all of the above besides the tranny (double clutch does fine) are fixed along with a freespin kit, chip with gauges, and fass fuel pump are on for under $2000. Absolutely love the truck. It's a 99 as well.
 
My 99 auto is at 228k miles, all original, never modified or turned up.
Problem areas with mine:
On the 2nd injection pump and 3rd lift pump
front end is trashed
heater core went out last month
apps
engine speed sensor (cps)

Overall its a good truck and never left me stranded but I much prefer 12 valves and 3rd gens.
 
The engine in my car is out of a 99 but its not a53 block. Has 253k on it. Check the oil and just make sure it was maintained well. It will go a lot longer if it was taken care of
 
Ok.
I have found one with 260K on it and do yall think that is could be a good buy or are the miles just too much?
 
I have not looked at it yet (plan to soon) but i believe it is all stock. The Craigslist posting says the tranny was rebuilt 2500 miles ago. they are asking $7600 for the truck
 
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