I just bought a 97 2500. It is a farm truck, used for checking cattle and the once in a while hay haul(24ft. gooseneck/5 ton of hay). Most of my time is spent idling or driving through fields/country roads usually never running above 1700 rpms. The timing is set around 16* and i have little low rpm torque, lots of black smoke, and poor fuel economy. The truck runs great ounce you rev it up, but it's hard to do in pasture land . Should i time it back to stock or what do you think would be the best timing for this driving?
Thanks in advance

 

I am guessing the problem is not your timing, unless it is not 16*. Do you know for sure? Is there an aftermarket fuel plate in there? Where is the plate set? You could try different settings.
Next, is your air filter clogged?
Last, is it an automatic transmission? The TC could be so loose that you get very little torque to the tires under 2000 RPM.

 

Talked to the guy that rebuilt the motor today, and he said he set at 16*, but i he is going to check it as soon as i can get it in. No fuel plate and brand new AFE Stage 1. 5 speed tranny. He thinks the timing has slipped or was set wrong. What is the stock setting for this truck?

 

Stock should be around 13.5*.

 

Timing could've slipped. If anything, you should get improved fuel economy at 16* at 1700 rpms.