Need Opinions- 2002 Dodge Ram 2500 CTD

Hey all.

Went to look at a truck last weekend and wanted to get some input here, since I know you're all Mopar nuts and a fair few of you have owned a mighty Cummins pickup.

The truck is a White 2002 Dodge Ram 2500 4x4 with the 5.9L Diesel and an automatic transmission. I confirmed that he has the "55" block, not the dreaded "53" block that cracks and leaks coolant everywhere. It's a quad cab with a 6' bed, dual 6" stacks (ick, being removed if purchased), and it only has 87,000 miles. It also has the SLT Laramie Package, so it's got all the bells and whistles like heated leather seats and a CD Player.

My issue is he's asking $19,000.

I know of the following issues with these trucks: Auto transmissions start to slip when abused, fuel delivery system is terrible in stock form, track bars are junk, and they rust. I checked out the rockers, cab corners, the frame, and all wheel openings. Rust is just beginning to form at the lower edge of the driver's and passenger side doors, as expected. Otherwise, I couldn't see any rot anywhere.

The fuel system was inspected last year when he bought the truck and he claims the fuel pressure is strong, but he has no gauge. So I'm anticipating at least a new lift pump to save the stock VP44 injection pump.

The transmission seemed a little sluggish, but the truck bed was full of snow and ice, the tires are a bit bigger than stock (285 series all terrain tires), and I've never driven a 4x4 automatic, so I'm not sure what to expect. I know my dad's 2003 Dodge ram cummins 4x2 with an automatic shifts a lot better than this, and it's got ~200k miles on it.

Lastly, when I was taking it for a drive (without the owner), I made sure to corner a lot to test the steering/suspension. The front end seemed a bit wobbly and if I hit a bump the steering wheel would want to turn and I'd need to correct it a lot driving down a mildly bumpy road. I'm guessing the ball joints and track bar are in need of replacement.

So that's about all I have on it. I am thinking that $19,000 is way too high, but I'd like to get some input regarding what this truck may be worth and if I'm overlooking anything.

Thanks all!
-Mike