Still love my 97, but am seriously looking at a used 2008 1 ton dually to add to the driveway. I'm confident checking out the truck in general, but not very familiar with the 6.7 (yet.) For example, I would check out the tamper screw on a 5.9 pump as a sign of whether or not the engine had been modified... Are there any specific areas to look at that will be tell tale signs of modifications on the 6.7? Or any areas to check out for problems in general? Truck looks to be a good deal, but don't want to get saddled with a problem if there is something I can check and avoid it.

Thanks for any input.

 

On the test drive use the exhaust brake. It should be heard clearly. If not it could be a sign of being gummed up. If that is gummed up then so is the rest of the intake tract. Look under the hood for authorized update labels from dealers where the ECM has been updated. This could be signs of many trips to the dealer. While it idles also check for the high idle feature. Turn on the cruise, then hit the set button. The engine should speed up to approx 1100 rpm. Also on the test drive engage the tow/haul mode and see if that along with the exhaust brake slow the truck to a crawl while downshifting.

 

Agree with ratl. High idle has to be enabled by dealer tech or Smarty so it may or may not have it. The exhaust brake wont kick on under 1k rpm so make sure youre spinning enough when you check that out.

 

Thanks for the ideas. I'll make sure to check those out. Appreciate the help.

 

I wouldn't worry about the high idle as much as I'd want to be sure the latest ECM updates were performed. High idle was basically used on the older diesels to maintain the engine temp. The fueling strategy and built in exhaust brake will be utilized by the ecm to keep the engine temp up. If the engine temp falls too far, the ecm will boot up the idle.

 

If I were going to be doing the deletes I wouldnt want them to flash anything. Mine has never been reflashed (by the dealer) and performs great. I think that latest Smarty flash might have something to do with that though.

 

X2 on the above. The latest flashes block the ECM with the "bootloader" software. So those out of warranty won't be able to do deltes and have their vehicle provide them hundreds of thousands of trouble free miles. Instead they will be prisoners of the dealers with no options. $$$$$$

 

X2 on the above... Also if i was you, if you buy this vehicle id be doing the deletes asap...No troubles here and extremely happy with the deletes.

 

I wouldn't buy a lease return or one from a private party that has been modified by a rookie. Good luck

 

What do you consider a rookie?

 

Thanks again for the ideas. Bought it today and will pick it up this afternoon. Its only got 18k miles on it. No mods that I could detect and doesn't look like any reflashes have been done. Will probably drive it as is for a couple months to understand it in the stock configuration better and then dive in an do the deletes. Lookin' forward to modifying my second one!!

 

If still in warranty you should be alright but if not make sure all the updates have been done. Turbo, O2 sensors and PCM updates are done. Also crankcase breather filter replaced and EGR valve and EGR cooler have been cleaned at 67500 Miles.

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES - DIESEL
CAUTION: Failure to perform the required maintenance items may result in damage to the vehicle.


At Each Stop for Fuel
Check the engine oil level about 30 minutes after a fully warmed engine is shut off. Checking the oil level while the vehicle is on level ground will improve the accuracy of the oil level reading. Add oil only when the level is at or below the ADD or MIN mark.
Once a Month
Inspect the batteries, and clean and tighten the terminals as required.
Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir, brake master cylinder, and transmission and transfer case (if equipped), add as needed.
At Each Oil Change
Change the engine oil filter.
Inspect the exhaust system.
Check the automatic transmission fluid level.
Check the manual transmission fluid level.
Check the coolant level, hoses, and clamps.
Lubricate outer tie rod ends.
Inspection and service should also be performed anytime a malfunction is observed or suspected. Retain all receipts.



Oil Change Indicator System
Your vehicle is equipped with an engine oil change indicator system. This system will alert you when it is time to change your engine oil by displaying the words “Oil Change Required” on your Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC). The engine oil change indicator system is duty cycle based, which means the engine oil change interval may fluctuate depending on your personal driving style. Driving styles such as frequent stop and go type driving can increase the frequency of the engine oil change. This is the result of more frequent regeneration of the exhaust aftertreatment system, which can decrease the life of the engine oil. Failure to change the engine oil per the maintenance schedule can result in internal engine damage.

For information on resetting the Oil Change Indicator message, refer to “Oil Change Required – If Equipped,” under “Personal Settings (Customer Programmable Features)'” in the “Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” Section of this manual.



OIL CHANGE INDICATOR - RESET
To reset the “Oil Change Required” indicator (after performing the scheduled maintenance) refer to the following procedure:

1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position (Do not start engine).
2. Fully depress the accelerator pedal slowly three times within 10 seconds.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF/LOCK position.


NOTE: If the indicator message illumination when you start the vehicle, the “Oil Change Required” indicator did not reset. If necessary repeat this procedure.


Perform Service Indicator
Your vehicle will require emissions maintenance at a set interval. To help remind you when this maintenance is due, the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) will display “Perform Service”. When the “Perform Service” message is displayed on the EVIC it is necessary to have the emissions maintenance performed. Emissions maintenance includes replacing the Closed Crankcase Ventilation (CCV) filter element, cleaning of the EGR Cooler, and cleaning of the EGR Valve. The procedure for clearing and resetting the "Perform Service" indicator message is located in the appropriate Service Information.



PERFORM SERVICE INDICATOR - RESET
The “Perform Service” message will display on the EVIC each time you turn the ignition switch to the ON/RUN position to indicate a emission maintenance is required. To reset the “Perform Service” indicator system (after performing the scheduled maintenance) refer to the following procedure:

1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position (Do not start engine).
2. Press and release the brake pedal two times.
3. Fully depress the accelerator pedal slowly two times within 10 seconds.
4. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF/LOCK position.


NOTE: If the indicator message illumination when you start the vehicle, the “Perform Service” indicator did not reset. If necessary repeat this procedure.


Required Maintenance Intervals
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules on the following pages for the required maintenance intervals.

Perform Maintenance Every Maintenance Items
(Where time and mileage are listed, follow the interval that occurs first.)
Miles Kilometers Months
7500 12000 6 When prompted by the Engine Oil Indicator System, the engine oil and filter must be changed. If not prompted by the Engine Oil Indicator System within 7,500 miles (12 000 km) or 6 months since the last oil and filter change, change the engine oil and engine oil filter. Under no circumstances should oil change intervals exceed 7,500 miles (12 000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Rotate tires.
Lubricate front drive shaft fitting (4x4).
Lubricate outer tie rod ends.

15000 24000 12 When prompted by the Engine Oil Indicator System, the engine oil and filter must be changed. If not prompted by the Engine Oil Indicator System within 7,500 miles (12 000 km) or 6 months since the last oil and filter change, change the engine oil and engine oil filter. Under no circumstances should oil change intervals exceed 7,500 miles (12 000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Rotate tires.
Lubricate front drive shaft fitting (4x4).
Lubricate outer tie rod ends.
Change front axle fluid (Ram Truck/Chassis Cab 4x4).
Change rear axle fluid (Ram Truck Only).
Replace fuel filter element.

22500 36000 18 When prompted by the Engine Oil Indicator System, the engine oil and filter must be changed. If not prompted by the Engine Oil Indicator System within 7,500 miles (12 000 km) or 6 months since the last oil and filter change, change the engine oil and engine oil filter. Under no circumstances should oil change intervals exceed 7,500 miles (12 000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Rotate tires.
Lubricate front drive shaft fitting (4x4).
Lubricate outer tie rod ends.
Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends, and boot seals, replace if necessary.
Inspect brake linings.
Inspect and adjust parking brake if necessary.
Inspect drive belt, replace if necessary.

30000 48000 24 When prompted by the Engine Oil Indicator System, the engine oil and filter must be changed. If not prompted by the Engine Oil Indicator System within 7,500 miles (12 000 km) or 6 months since the last oil and filter change, change the engine oil and engine oil filter. Under no circumstances should oil change intervals exceed 7,500 miles (12 000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Rotate tires.
Lubricate front drive shaft fitting (4x4).
Lubricate outer tie rod ends.
Change front axle fluid (Ram Truck/Chassis Cab 4x4).
Change rear axle fluid (Ram Truck Only).
Change automatic transmission fluid (Chassis Cab Only).
Replace fuel filter element.

37500 60000 30 When prompted by the Engine Oil Indicator System, the engine oil and filter must be changed. If not prompted by the Engine Oil Indicator System within 7,500 miles (12 000 km) or 6 months since the last oil and filter change, change the engine oil and engine oil filter. Under no circumstances should oil change intervals exceed 7,500 miles (12 000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Rotate tires.
Lubricate front drive shaft fitting (4x4).
Lubricate outer tie rod ends.

45000 72000 36 When prompted by the Engine Oil Indicator System, the engine oil and filter must be changed. If not prompted by the Engine Oil Indicator System within 7,500 miles (12 000 km) or 6 months since the last oil and filter change, change the engine oil and engine oil filter. Under no circumstances should oil change intervals exceed 7,500 miles (12 000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Rotate tires.
Lubricate front drive shaft fitting (4x4).
Lubricate outer tie rod ends.
Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends, and boot seals, replace if necessary.
Inspect brake linings.
Inspect and adjust parking brake if necessary.
Change front axle fluid (Ram Truck/Chassis Cab 4x4).
Change rear axle fluid (Ram Truck Only).
Inspect drive belt, replace as necessary.
Replace fuel filter element.

52500 84000 42 When prompted by the Engine Oil Indicator System, the engine oil and filter must be changed. If not prompted by the Engine Oil Indicator System within 7,500 miles (12 000 km) or 6 months since the last oil and filter change, change the engine oil and engine oil filter. Under no circumstances should oil change intervals exceed 7,500 miles (12 000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Rotate tires.
Lubricate front drive shaft fitting (4x4).
Lubricate outer tie rod ends.

60000 96000 48 When prompted by the Engine Oil Indicator System, the engine oil and filter must be changed. If not prompted by the Engine Oil Indicator System within 7,500 miles (12 000 km) or 6 months since the last oil and filter change, change the engine oil and engine oil filter. Under no circumstances should oil change intervals exceed 7,500 miles (12 000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Rotate tires.
Lubricate front drive shaft fitting (4x4).
Lubricate outer tie rod ends.
Change front axle fluid (Ram Truck/Chassis Cab 4x4).
Change rear axle fluid (Ram Truck/Chassis Cab).
Change automatic transmission fluid and sump filter (Chassis Cab Only).
Change automatic transmission fluid and filter if using your vehicle for any of the following: police, fleet, or frequent trailer towing (Ram Truck Only).
Inspect the manual transmission fluid, add if necessary.
Replace fuel filter element.

67500 108000 54 When prompted by the Engine Oil Indicator System, the engine oil and filter must be changed. If not prompted by the Engine Oil Indicator System within 7,500 miles (12 000 km) or 6 months since the last oil and filter change, change the engine oil and engine oil filter. Under no circumstances should oil change intervals exceed 7,500 miles (12 000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Rotate tires.
Lubricate front drive shaft fitting (4x4).
Lubricate outer tie rod ends.
Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends, and boot seals, replace if necessary.
Inspect brake linings.
Inspect and adjust parking brake if necessary.
Replace Crankcase Ventilation Filter (CCV).
Clean EGR Valve**.
Clean EGR Cooler**.

75000 120000 60 When prompted by the Engine Oil Indicator System, the engine oil and filter must be changed. If not prompted by the Engine Oil Indicator System within 7,500 miles (12 000 km) or 6 months since the last oil and filter change, change the engine oil and engine oil filter. Under no circumstances should oil change intervals exceed 7,500 miles (12 000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Rotate tires.
Lubricate front drive shaft fitting (4x4).
Lubricate outer tie rod ends.
Change front axle fluid (Ram Truck/Chassis Cab 4x4).
Change rear axle fluid (Ram Truck Only).
Flush and replace engine coolant at 60 months, if not replaced at 97,500 miles (157 000 km).
Inspect drive belt, replace as necessary.
Replace fuel filter element.

82500 132000 66 When prompted by the Engine Oil Indicator System, the engine oil and filter must be changed. If not prompted by the Engine Oil Indicator System within 7,500 miles (12 000 km) or 6 months since the last oil and filter change, change the engine oil and engine oil filter. Under no circumstances should oil change intervals exceed 7,500 miles (12 000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Rotate tires.
Lubricate front drive shaft fitting (4x4).
Lubricate outer tie rod ends.

90000 144000 72 When prompted by the Engine Oil Indicator System, the engine oil and filter must be changed. If not prompted by the Engine Oil Indicator System within 7,500 miles (12 000 km) or 6 months since the last oil and filter change, change the engine oil and engine oil filter. Under no circumstances should oil change intervals exceed 7,500 miles (12 000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Rotate tires.
Lubricate front drive shaft fitting (4x4).
Lubricate outer tie rod ends.
Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends, and boot seals, replace if necessary.
Inspect brake linings.
Inspect and adjust parking brake if necessary.
Change front axle fluid (Ram Truck/Chassis Cab 4x4).
Change rear axle fluid (Ram Truck Only).
Change automatic transmission fluid (Chassis Cab Only).
Inspect drive belt, replace as required.
Replace fuel filter element.

97500 156000 78 When prompted by the Engine Oil Indicator System, the engine oil and filter must be changed. If not prompted by the Engine Oil Indicator System within 7,500 miles (12 000 km) or 6 months since the last oil and filter change, change the engine oil and engine oil filter. Under no circumstances should oil change intervals exceed 7,500 miles (12 000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Rotate tires.
Lubricate front drive shaft fitting (4x4).
Lubricate outer tie rod ends.
Flush and replace engine coolant, if not replaced at 60 months.
Flush and replace power steering fluid (3500 Ram Truck Only).

105000 168000 84 When prompted by the Engine Oil Indicator System, the engine oil and filter must be changed. If not prompted by the Engine Oil Indicator System within 7,500 miles (12 000 km) or 6 months since the last oil and filter change, change the engine oil and engine oil filter. Under no circumstances should oil change intervals exceed 7,500 miles (12 000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Rotate tires.
Lubricate front drive shaft fitting (4x4).
Lubricate outer tie rod ends.
Flush and replace power steering fluid.
Change front axle fluid (Ram Truck/Chassis Cab 4x4).
Change rear axle fluid (Ram Truck Only).
Inspect drive belt, replace as required.
Replace fuel filter element.

112500 180000 90 When prompted by the Engine Oil Indicator System, the engine oil and filter must be changed. If not prompted by the Engine Oil Indicator System within 7,500 miles (12 000 km) or 6 months since the last oil and filter change, change the engine oil and engine oil filter. Under no circumstances should oil change intervals exceed 7,500 miles (12 000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Rotate tires.
Lubricate front drive shaft fitting (4x4).
Lubricate outer tie rod ends.
Inspect the front suspension, tie rod ends, and boot seals, replace if necessary.
Inspect brake linings.
Inspect and adjust parking brake if necessary.

 

If you’re unsure about the truck’s history, it’s a good idea to check for a vehicle inspection report. This can help you spot issues like accidents or major repairs. You can also search online auctions for similar trucks to compare prices and conditions, which might give you a better idea of the deal you’re getting.

For the 6.7, check the EGR system and look for any signs of tampering, like missing components or block-off plates. Also, inspect the turbo for excessive play and the DPF (diesel particulate filter) for any modifications or cracks.

Pay attention to fuel system maintenance. Ask if the filters were changed regularly and if the CP3 pump has been replaced or serviced. You might also want to scan for any error codes to check for hidden issues.

Good luck with the truck!