ok...so im fairly new to this forum....if i missed the neebies faq...please point me there....now to the point...im considering buying a dodge cummins....parents own a 24v....nice truck....reliable...so im gonna sell the car and buy a cummins...now......just how bad are the autos in these pickups?whats it take/cost to make them nice and reliable?any common problems with this engine?powerstroke has bad injectors cam sensor and crank sensor.....is there common thing such as that on the 12v cummins?anything i should look at when im shopping for cummins?is there year spacific problems?last but not least....i want something i can average at least 18-20mpg on the highway with to much trouble...unloaded.....thanx for all the help....and again...im new....so if i missed the newbies section...sorry....point me there ;D look foward to getting more involved<br><br>Joey

 

Welcome spdfrek to the board. <br><br>I bought my 97 CTD about 3 months ago. I get 20 to 23 on the highway. Plug her in during the winter if it is below 32 for 2 hours before you start her and once started let her idle in nuetral for a couple of minutes to get the tranny fluid moving.<br><br>Suggestions:<br>1. Get mainenance records.<br>2. Auto would not be a problem with #1 otherwise ask if the tranny was done.<br>3. KDP - See if the Killer Dowl Pin was fixed.<br>4. Front end fixes and look for looseness. Very common.<br>5. Tranny temp gauge install.<br>6. Check for load range E tire otherwise you will need to replace them.<br><br>Good luck and keep posting if you have more info on the truck your looking at. <br> 8)

 

One other thing is to check out the Tech Facts section of this board.<br><br>https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...0a23e802f3c331<br><br>This has good info on our trucks.

 

it had recent engine work and the tranny redone....new torque converter...heavy duty rear springs....hes got all the receipts for the recent work.....bf off road tires....american racing rims...i asked if any body work had been done or anything else major...still waiting for a reply...has every option but clearence lights...tan leather.....premium sound...all the fun stuff.....i am curious though....did they have a quad cab in 97?this one is advertised as being one......but i cant tell from the one pic ive seen so far...hopefully get more of those too.....gotta get my car sold first though....ill copy and paste his add below...thanx again for the help <br><br>Joey<br><br><br>Ext. cab SLT leather with all options except for clearance lights. American Racing Atlas mheels with 295/75 BFG A/Ts. Accents are chrome. Heavy Duty Springs in back are new this spring Springs are 8000# rated heavier than one ton at rear axle. Truck will not squat. Brand new torque converter and recent engine service with many new parts, have all receipts. Truck runs and drives well

 

Good looking truck.<br><br>Seems like it has had some good work on it. What is the mileage?<br><br>Here is a pic of my truck... ;D

 

164k...its about 500 miles from where i live....worth the drive if its in good shape though

 

Srigs....just noticed your in the twin cities....that truck is in minneapolis

 

Not trying to add confusion, but wasn't '97 one of the years with the questionable Brazilian made blocks? Number &quot;53&quot; or something like that cast into the driver's side to ID?<br> Remember something about this from when I was looking, but not sure I got it right. Sorry if this is a red herring, please correct/clarify for me, those who may know.<br><br>Rob