proudpapa97

Hello to all,

I am new to this group, and to the Dodge Diesels in general. I just purchased a 97 2500 standard cab 4x2, it has 182K miles on it. I did not have much to spend for a truck, and had lurked around a while and noticed that many people felt that high mileage was not always a negative thing.

The truck has a good body but the paint and interior are not in that great of shape as the previous owner used his truck as a truck, not a show piece etc.

I didn't have a chance to get it checked out prior to purchase, I just took it for a drive, and everything seemed to be functioning well.

Can anyone tell me the pro's/con's of the 12V vs the 24V? I noticed that many people on here seem to prefer the 12V, and feel that it is a pretty stout engine, if that is the case, it makes me even happier with my purchase. My main goal is reliability for towing a car trailer back and fourth from AZ to CA a couple of times a month, and daily driving etc.

If the truck is in pretty good mechanical order, and I continue to maintain it properly, what do you think would be a reasonable estimate as to the life of the engine ?? 300K miles ++ ??

Thank you to everyone for taking the time to read this, and I look forward to learning a lot more about my truck (as well as everyone else's).
Regards.

Diesel_Dan

I prefer 12s over 24s I think that they are more durable especially the fuel system and I have got 300K on mine, I am going to replace the engine because it has some internal issues now, but it did make 300K.

proudpapa97

Diesel Dan,

What type of internal problems are you having know?? Any idea as to what the cause of those problems are??? How long have you owned your truck, and what type of mileage did it have when you bought it??
Thanks,

wcbcruzer

You got one of the best engines made. The 96-98 models also have more horsepower than before (but you will soon see that it is very easy and safe to increase the power on these engines for very little money). The p7100 pump on that engine is also very solid and everything is mechanical. First thing you wanna do is get your KDP fixed. Little pin in the timing cover that may wiggle lose over time, leading to engine damage. You can either get a jig kit or take the timing cover completely off to fix it. And that's pretty much it as far as problems for these engines! Knock on wood...

If you have a 5 spd., the 5th gear nut may come off and you'll lose your 5th gear. Won't do any damage tho. To avoid this, just don't get on it too hard in 5th gear under 1700 rpm's.

I'd recommend getting a set of gauges as well. They're fun to watch and help monitor everything, especially if you're going to tow with power adders. Boost and pyrometer for sure. Might also want a trans. temp. or fuel pressure gauge as well.

Fill in your signature so we know exactly what you have. Check out www.dodgeram.org. Lots of useful info there, especially for newcomers. Finally, if you bought the truck in CA, you might have an EGR valve on there. No biggie, but something to check.

Diesel_Dan

I bought my truck with 282K on it 1yr ago in March, the previous owner did not do much maintence like changing the oil so I am sure that it lead to premature wear in the engine, the reason I replaced it was I had horrible piston rattle or slap, almost every gasket and seal leaked, I could have rebuilt it but it was easier to buy a complete drop-in with 100K on it. Truck has been rock solid ever since.

wcbcruzer

Yeah changing the oil is one of the best and simplest things you can do to preserving engine life. 300k is not much for these engines if you take care of it.

billv45

182K? almost time to do the break-in maint on that puppy...
I got my 96' at 181K and here's what I ran into:
Check the brakes I had to replace all the pads, rotors and drums. You'll save a mint if you do it yourself.
TPS tend to go bad and it'll start missing shifting into the next gear. If it starts to mis-shift check this before you take it to a trannie shop because they will rebuild it...
Rear speed sensor goes bad and again with the shifting problem.
ABS brake light light goes on, check for vacuum leaks and speed sensor.
Tires require a home refinance.
Install a turbo boost guage. It's fun!
Install a BHAF
don't back it up in your yard witht he tailgate up, you can't see stumps...
Enjoy, I love mine

JKM

As long as you care for it , I would never worry about having to rebuild the engine, I test drove a 94 with almost 500 000 kms on it , and it ran better than most other CTD's i have driven , but the body was in rough shape , it was used like a truck is supposed to be.

proudpapa97

Hello,
Thanks for the information. What is the KPD? My truck is an automatic. I will update my signature information. I appreciate you all being patient as I get up to speed with all of this. I know little to NOTHING about diesels.
Thanks,

proudpapa97

Sorry guys,
What is a BHAF, and TPS???

dieselfuelonly

KDP: Killer Dowel Pin - its a little pin that was put in the front of the motors and not retained for some reason.. it can fall into you're front gears and cause big and expensive problems. You can get some kits that will allow you to place a tab over the pin to prevent it from falling out... heres the one you will need:

http://www.tstproducts.com/index.asp...PROD&ProdID=64

You can also use a jig, but if you hit the pin, then you'll have to buy a tab anyway, so just do the extra work first and do the tab method.

BHAF -- Big Honkin' Air Filter -- its exactly that... a really big air filter that will last for a LONGGG time, and you'll get better airflow and best of all you can hear the turbo spool up better .

TPS -- I've heard of it, and I'm sure I know what is is... but ATM I can't remember... sorry.

ratat98

I've got a 24 Valve and I pretty much constantly have to wonder when my injector pump is going to give out and leave me stranded and when i'm going to have to change out my lift pump (fuel pump) again so that my injection pump has less of a chance of going out. I dream someday of getting an old 12V engine and replacing my 24V...and when (not if) my injection pump goes, I'm getting a p-pump off a 12 valve and replacing it so I don't have to worry about all the electronic crap. that's just my 02cents

jungle cat

i have had three of these trucks.one with 500 plus k,i have just installed a afe air filter and 4 inch exhaust i am hoping fo better milage.performance improvement was significant

JKM

TPS = Throttle Position Sensor, It tells the PCM how much throttle your giving the engine , so it knows what to do with the transmission.

proudpapa97

Thank you all for the info, you guys are awesome!! Do I have to do any modifications for the BHAF?? Or is there a place online where I can just get one that will fit the stock set up??

Does anyone know a very good shop that works on these trucks in the Phoenix, Tempe, Mesa, Glendale, or Scottsdale area of Arizona???

I will be diggin into this forum a little deeper this weekend hopefully if I get soem more time to sit down and read.

Have a good Friday everyone.
Regards,
Steve