I have a '97 also wthi high mileage. I knew when I got the truck the stock trans wasn't going to take the pulling I do nor would it take my childish driving habits. Get a good transmission built and a good billet multi disk coverter. You won't have to worry about any transmission problems after that. My truck and trailer tip the scales a 20k lbs loaded up. I pull from Colorado to the southeast, through the hills with no transmission problems. Just watch your EGT's and other temps and you'll be fine. Besides, it's fun to hear your transmission shift while you're still spinning the wheels!

Oh yea, like the other guys said, gear it for what you'll use it for. I swapped in 4.10's for all the pulling I do, but I miss the fuel mileage the 3.54's gave me! I went from about 20 to about 18 mpg, about 10%.

 

2500, careful its a slippery slope!!!

I know....I already slid down ...

 

Hey 2500,
I'll trade you.
Of course i would want all my mods.

 

I was in the same boat a week ago. I sold the 95 in my sig for the 94 in my sig solely for the 5 spd tranny. The auto was ok, but it was getting weak and it was either a built goerend tranny for over $3k or sell that truck and get one with a 5 spd. Once I build this truck up a little more (3k gsk, #100 plate, 16* timing, boost elbow) I know I will be a happy camper. Even with a built auto I may have wished I had a 5 spd. There is just something about the cummins rowing through the gears. I am not into racing of any sort so the manual it is for me. It will be nice when hauling hay and seed as well. Good luck to you, do what you think is right. I may have just confused you more than helped you. Sorry.

 

If I had it to do over again, I would have found a truck with an automatic. The five speed sucks until you put in some power and governor springs due to the gap between 3rd & 4th, and then 5th gear problems (been there, done that), then a heavy duty clutch to hold the power, then a short shifter kit so my knuckles dont change the radio station when shifting. Oh yeah, five speeds are so great!

 

You have a very low-miles 10 year old truck. At least when you buy an auto trans you will get your money's worth. the only sort of 12v that seems not to be worth too much $$ is one with a stock auto and 100k or more. Thus you will get too little for your current truck and the market overcharges for the 5 speeds--when you can find 'em. Even if you have to spend $several thou to get the trans right, once you have done that you know you have a bulletproof deal. all those things that are right with your current truck could be not-so-right with a different truck.

As the man said, TC and valve body and don't look back.

 

if ur adding power though, u'll want a full rebuild on the auto, not just a tc and VB, because thats just a bandaid if ur trans isn't in good condition.

 

Keep your truck, like has been said it is hard to find a low milage 12 valve anymore, I looked for a good while before I fond this, one but it shure wa worth the wte. keep it you won't regret.