Had a guy tell me yesterday that the low rpm sluggishness and poor fuel mileage I get with the '98 Dodge is because of a stuck wastegate. The truck is a complete gutless dog up to about 1450 rpm and then flattens you back in your seat like a top fueler. Are there other things I should check before replacing the turbo? And does anyone have experience with the cheap ($300 range) turbos you can buy on ebay? Are they any good? Or should I spend the extra $400 or so for a Holset? Thank you.

 

Your shouldn't have to replace the turbo because of a stuck wastegate...Over time this seize up...Mine did the same...Just give the wastegate lever and spring a good shot of WD-40...If that doesn't work...Take the turbo off and try un-seize the lever on the bench...They get stuck..just from rust...

 

100% of the stuck wastegates I've seen were stuck closed.
If anything it would increase performance.

 

Stock fueling they aren't rocketships down low running right. My 97 215 Hp verified stocker actually is a pooch at 1450, and my wastegate works.

I would try moving it by hand before I pulled anything, and add some fuel if you want it to run harder down low.

And no WAY I would trust the Chinese Ebay turbos, you have a pretty valuable 12 valve with that few miles.........