[twobigstacks]

Hello everyone.I am very very new to the 98.5 up trucks.I just found a 99 2500 that I am looking to buy.It runs awesome,but turns over like batteries are going dead.Guy took it to a shop(kragens)and they told him batteries are good.He said alt. is only like 2 or 3 mounths old.Could this be a starter problem or something more serious.I realy want the truck,but dont want to buy a major problem.Help quick please.:confused013:

 

[sgtlackey2008]

hey hoss had a similar problem on my 02 was just dirty battery connections try cleaning them, also check the ground on the frame it might have worked loose

 

[twobigstacks]

sounds like a good place to start.Man I have never poked around much on the 98.5+ forums.I am always looking at the 1st gen stuff.After reading all the stuff people are saying goes wrong I am alitle freaked out now...Is a 99 a pile of s**t?

 

[twobigstacks]

Well i am going to look at the truck again in like 4 hours(its about 7:40 here now) Any last words of addvise or things to look for.And am I making a big mistake moving up to a newer truck,or should I stay with the 1st gen dodge??Thanks again

 

[96ram1500]

just be wary of the injection pump. The vp 44 was a poor design. Not sure of the specifics but if you read about these you will find endless complaints about them. If its a good deal, and you get to drive it, at least check for codes.

 

[UrbanCummin]

Hello everyone.I am very very new to the 98.5 up trucks.I just found a 99 2500 that I am looking to buy.It runs awesome,but turns over like batteries are going dead.Guy took it to a shop(kragens)and they told him batteries are good.He said alt. is only like 2 or 3 mounths old.Could this be a starter problem or something more serious.I realy want the truck,but dont want to buy a major problem.Help quick please.:confused013:

When he told him the batteries were good, did he mention if they were discharged when the truck was brought in?, if the batteries had a good charge the alternator will have nothing to do with how the truck starts, could be a bad starter, would be nice if you could have a starter draw test done to see how many amps the starter is pulling.

Turning over slow will be a battery/starter/wiring issue. A weak injection pump, bad injectors, low compression etc, won't cause it to turn over slow.

If your serious about buying it, take it to a good shop for a detailed inspection.

 

[UrbanCummin]

just be wary of the injection pump. The vp 44 was a poor design. Not sure of the specifics but if you read about these you will find endless complaints about them. If its a good deal, and you get to drive it, at least check for codes.

While the VP44 might not be a great pump it is far from being a lemon of a pump, like the GM 6.5L DS pumps. Lots of VP44's are lasting the life of the truck, i'm at 180,000miles and still on the original. Plus a VP44 is significantly cheaper (and easier) to replace then a set of CR injectors. Of all the things I worry about failing on my truck the VP44 is far down the list.

 

[96ram1500]

Sure, its cheaper than a CR setup but $1200 isn't exactly pocket change. 180,000 is more than usual, from what I've heard on this forum, while still performing decently. I've got 200k (I assume its the original) on mine but I'll be replacing it next year due to lack of power. I'm wondering what you have on top of your list.

 

[UrbanCummin]

Sure, its cheaper than a CR setup but $1200 isn't exactly pocket change. 180,000 is more than usual, from what I've heard on this forum, while still performing decently. I've got 200k (I assume its the original) on mine but I'll be replacing it next year due to lack of power. I'm wondering what you have on top of your list.

You also have to remember that most of the trucks on this forum are bombed and work the factory lift pump harder then a stock truck. I work on these trucks a lot, some last a long long time, others don't.

1. Auto, built it but still worried about it falling apart every time I launch.
2. see #1
3. see #2
4. see #3 (when it happens it's a very expensive fix)
5. 53 block cracking

 

[twobigstacks]

I bought the truck last night.I just couldnt pass it up.Truck is in awesome shape other than the dash that is toast and the tuning over like it has bad batteries.In the last year it has had new injector pump,lift pump,injectors,tranny.He had had all the service records.All the power seats,window,all work great and the a/c will freeze you out.It also came with a 1100.watt sound system that kicks .Body is great with just the normal small dings and scratches(truck is black)The guy is realy hurting for money and tokk 4500.00.I drove the truck home on a 3 1/2 hour trip and it ran awesome.Just have to get the starting problem fixed.Later this week I will try and get into it.

 

[96ram1500]

I'd keep an eye out for the cops cause you stole that truck. I'll give you 4600 for it. Hell, I've probably got that in my truck after the sale price and its still pretty much stock. Urban is right though. If you want to go higher than stock, you won't want to keep the factory lift pump for long. That's the main reeason for the failure on the vp.

 

[96ram1500]

Sorry, just checked the dikshinary and reeason aint a word.

 

[twobigstacks]

Yeah.If my buddy wasnt with me no one I know would believe me on the price.The truck look and run awesome.Guy was just realy hurting for the cash.I was just in the right place at the right time.One of those one in a life time deals.

 

[twobigstacks]

I would post pics If I knew how,But I cant seem to figure that out.It cam with a lumber rack and alum.tool box that I am removing today.Like i said truck is long bed quad cab 4x4 slt.that is black,and all stock other than the sound system.

 

[twobigstacks]

Ok got it fixed.I took the starter out and ran it down to napa,where they tested it and told me it showed good on the bench test.I asked if there bench test puts a load on it or just free spins it.The guy told me it was just a free spin test.I then took it to a local shop that rebuilds starters and alt.He took it apart and showed me the brushes that where falling apart.I had him rebuild the starter and got it back put it on a I am back to starting like it should.Now If I can just fix the dash(lol)

 

[willys99dodge]

if it has a new NAPA starter that could be the root of your problem. i'm on the 3rd NAPA starter. but since i bought a new one its a lifetime warrenty no questions asked just make sure you have a receipt. My truck was doing the same thing, acted like the batterys were dead but it turned out to be the starter.

 

[twobigstacks]

Yes that was the problem.Mine was a stock Dodge starter,so i just had it rebuilt by a good shop.The guy does awesome work and it only cost me 100.00.

 

[SamIam]

Great deal on a great truck. arty018:Sweeeeeeet! Keep the fuel pressure at no less than 10psi or you'll...
:banghead:

 

[twobigstacks]

Thanks.How hard is it to put a fuel gauge or warning light on it?Anyone done that.

 

[SamIam]

Right now all I have is a light except when I put a test gauge on it (through door and into cab) I wish I had a gauge but the light will let me know if something is not working.

Not a big deal at all to install the light. I put it right next to my boost gauge on the pillar.