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Posted by Eric B. on Monday, June 16, 2008 at 11:33:33 :
In Reply to: Advice on buying a 2001 Ram Diesel 5-speed? posted by Howard in Newcastle on Monday, June 16, 2008 at 11:14:50 :
The 5 speed is the NV4500, and they are very prone to losing the 5th gear nut, which allows the 5th gear to fall off. Everyone I know who has a NV4500 and tows heavy loads with it for a lot of miles (sometimes not a lot of miles) loses the 5th gear nut.
I have been in two trucks when they lost it, a friends 1999 3500, and my 1997 3500. Both trucks just revved up, and slowed down. One was towing an empty 40 foot trailer, mine was just the truck by itself at the time. Both trucks had towed very heavy loads for a lot of miles prior to that. Shifting into 4th allowed both trucks to keep moving, and then repairs were made later.
I have heard stories of the gear screwing things up when it comes off and making it so the truck could not be driven, but I have never seen it.
Also the 2001s are near the end of the lift pump/injection pump problems.
I would have the truck checked out to make sure the injection pump is ok. The Injection pump gets damaged when the lift pump goes bad (a common problem in the 1998 1/2-2001 or so 24 valves).
If the injection pump is ok, and the lift pump is ok, then I would put a gauge on the lift pump, or buy the very best upgraded lift pump you can.
Other then those two problems I am not aware of issues with 2001s that are not generic, body condition, suspension condition, etc.
There is a lot more info at places like the TDR page.
Good luck,
Eric
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