How many miles for a used diesel truck?

shum02 wrote:

Colorado71 wrote:
I bought an 03' Ram 2500 LBQC with the 5.9 Cummins, 6 spd manual and 4x4. Basic work truck.

This was back in 2011 and in had 95K on the clock. Payed ~17K.

It now has 160K and in that time I've had to fix

Engine oil leak (crank case cover) ~$3K
New shocks
New U-joint
New front end / ball joints
New throttle position sensor
New handbrake ($1300!!!??)
New clutch

It also has an AC leak (have to remove dash so it's a VERY expensive fix)
The dash is also cracked. And there is rust under the doors and some rust here and there.

Overall it's a brute of a truck that just eats up the Rocky Mountains towing my small TT (5600 loaded) with a bed full of dirt bikes.

I really hope I'm done with any major repairs. If I get another 100K out of it without any major repairs I'll be happy. Right now I think it's had a lot go wrong considering it's supposed to be the "best" truck from that era.

Suspension/steering items are "wear items" - they are suppose to and do wear out, just like brakes, tires and clutches. Nothing really unusual in your list..........

1/2 the stuff on the list is not typical wear items.

Cranks case oil leak $3000
Throttle position sensor
Hand brake ($1300)
U-joint
Cracked dash
A/C compressor leak will cost over $1,000 to fix since they have to remove the entire dash

Just had to replace the passenger side visor since it broke.

BTW the front end on these truck is notorious for early wear. It shouldn't need $3K worth of work with only 96K on the clock.