Difference between '96 + '97
 

What would be the differences between the '96 and '97 model years?

Major diff is uses diff fuel filter style and the braking power assist went from Vacuum to Hydroboost.

Thanks. So that's basically it huh?

That's about it except '97 was the first year for OBD II code reading.
'97 is my favorite year CTD Ram.

My favorite also!! [laugh]

My choice would first be a '98 with the 12 valve, then the '97, but there is an extremely clean '96 available with very low mileage I am considering.

Maybe if I had a 97/98 I would consider them the best, but I like my 96. The condition is great bought it from a friend so I knew it had been taken care of.

Floyd

I recently purchased a very clean, rust free 96 CC 4x4 5 speed. This truck has only 145K miles and No Rust wahtsoever. Would I have held out for a 97 or 98? NO WAY! This was a 1 owner truck and is almost like new! I have been searching for a truck like this for over a year, I was not afraid of miles, but a 145K mile truch that;s been well cared for is probabloy worth more than a 345K mile truck, even with a similar ammount of care. If I HAD to have a quad cab, I would have held out for a 98. However, the differences between a 96 & 97 seem alomost irrelevant. To find a truck this old that is low miles, not abused, and the body is in good shape is definately getting harder to find. I had to go half way across the country to find mine. I wasn't able to pick my favorite colr, and my truck also is not an SLT Laramie, which I would have preferred. But that didn't meen as much to me as a straight, clean, low miled truck did. I think any 12 valve is worth something, and in the future, they will continue to hold their valus. Heck even a 94 or 95 with the lower rated horsepower engines aren't bad. I would have sonsidered on of them also. Again, they're getting harder to find too.

How did the 97 have an OBD-II system when the engine is all mechanical??? *** was it controlling???

Mainly non-essential to it get down the road things like gauges, warning lights, charging system, A/C, cruise control and auto tranny shifts.

Ohhhhh ok, did the 97 have the all electronic auto then also??