Should I purchase a 2002 Ram CTD?

[LeoC4]

I'm considering the purchase of a 2001-2002 RAM CTD (I've always wanted one and this will probably be my final truck). I've been trying to figure out if the VP44 fuel pump problems (which I struggle to understand) are more headache than I need. At 20+ years old, I figure if the pump in a candidate truck is still working, it should last another 15 years if I use good quality diesel and mix in a quality additive (e.g. XPD) to help with the low Sulphur fuel.

Thoughts?

 

[MikeT]

That would a 2nd generation truck. We live in Arizona and we see allot of gen 2's running around here. If the price isn't insane for it, I'd say give it a go.

Mike

 

[tjfdesmo]

The VP44 "problem" is really a lift pump problem, in most cases. The VP relies on a good lift pump for supply and cooling. The lift pumps were failure prone, and low feed pressure would cause them to fail. In general, install a fuel pressure gauge and monitor it to be sure the lift pump is up to snuff.

 

[max2bob]

the first thing i did when i purchased my 2000 cummins was took the lift pump off and replaced it with a quality lift pump along with a gauge to monitor it. i sold that truck with 249,000 miles and never had to touch the vp44 . i also added a bit of lube every fuel up just for peace of mind .