Just made our way south from WA state to AZ (pulling 30 TT at 9,000 pounds) and meet a couple at a rest stop that has a 1999 with 340,000 miles on it. They are on 3rd trans.
Look for what has been done with the common problems those years have. I would spend some time checking out
http://www.turbodieselregister.com/ and other forums. Find some common problems and see if maybe truck you are looking at has been upgraded. Like steering was never strong in those but a better support bracket has been made, easy to install and solves problem. If what your looking at has one maybe last owner upgraded and would be a clue to me.
Just made our way south from WA state to AZ (pulling 30 TT at 9,000 pounds) and bumped into couple at a rest stop that has a 1999 with 340,000 miles on it. On 3rd trans. Here is what we agreed on. A/C system stinks, steering stinks, change air filter once a year regardless of what gauge says, don't push pyro over 12 for any length of time, keep all fluids clean and fresh. When something goes out, upgrade to best available. It hard to find one that hasn't been beat up. When something goes out, upgrade to best available at the time. It hard to find one that hasn,t beat up.
I got mine after working at a place that we used "yard goats" to move around 50 and 60 K trailers. Different gearing but the 5.9 keeps on going and going.
Our old TT was 4,500 pounds and I never once felt I needed an exhaust brake. With newest TT at about double the weight (9,000 pounds) I got one and feel that I made the wrong decision for getting one. But don't feel that way going down steep downgrades. Lots of 6 or 7 percent downgrades don't even have to use brakes.
Some people have to buy new every couple of years. Some by choice wanting new gadgets but many others have to buy because they blew up their old one, maybe only 3 or 4 years old. Others take care of them and get many years of service out of them.
Some say beware of high mileage because they are worn out. If that's the case why buy new glasses at age 85?
