New to diesels!
 

Hi all, just picked up a 97 3500 dually from my neighbor original owner with 35,000 miles. He was a diesel bus mechanic and the truck is in perfect shape. This is my first dually and first diesel and I just wanted to see if some things were normal.

It's an auto and it seems like the first shift doesn't come until around 40 mph. Am I just missing shifts before that? It does shift smoothly. Also it tachs alittle over 2,000 at around 60-65 mph. Is that normal? I feel like I want it to shift.

Diesels are a whole new world. New noises, different feel, but i like it already.

Thanks!

Watch your tach- you can tell when it shifts. With that low of mileage, and being well taken care of, the transmission is probably buttery smooth.
A 97 with 35,000 miles- someone needs to call Mythbusters. That is amazing! Congrats, and welcome to DTR!

Thanks for the reply. I got lucky, knew the truck since new since it was a neighbors. He worked less than a mile away, and towed a 5 wheel camper once or twice a year.

I'll watch the tach for shifts. I think I'll take it in and get the tranny fluid changed with filter anyway just so I know it's been done.

Thanks again

the truck is totally worn out,but i have all the parts to make it right....so i'll take it off your hands for a good price[laugh][laugh]

Hahaha hey money talks! Come up to NY with green cash!

As if a 97 cummins with 35,000 miles wasn't enough, the guy threw in his 30 ft 5th wheel terry travel trailer for free. That's the type of neighbor everyone wishes they had!

I'll try and post some pics soon after I wash the truck up, with a shot of the odometer too for any doubters.

No doubters, just envious...

Welcome to DTR:) Where in NY are you?

Definitely not accusing anyone, especially not you Hodge. I'd have a hard time believing it was legit myself.

I'm on Eastern Long Island NY G1625S, you upstate? I have a sister near Albany.

Thanks for the welcome guys!

just have it checked over 35k or not its still 10+ years old you may have a bad gov. pressure sensor in the trans and you could be starting in 2nd gear, have them plug it in. just an idea

Getting it checked anyway is good advice, although I now can detect the shifts after driving it for a couple of days. I'm surprised how smooth it does shift. Thanks all

You say smooth, most of us call it sloppy........ The factory did us no favors with that thing they call a Torque Converter [laugh]

It does sort of protect the trans from the mighty Cummins though.

how about those pics?

Just finishing up some debadging and polishing, will post some before and after pics either tonight or tomorrow.