hello to you all, first i think this site is awsome. second, i joined to find out more about dodge and deisel power. i will admit i have been a chevy guy for years. i own a 88 chev 1 ton 4x4 silerado ext cab long box with a 454. the gas in my area is killing me. i love power and torque. i have a 10ft camper, 23ft trailer, 18ft boat, so you see i have a pull toy. my truck is dying and i need a new one.
i have found a 97 dodge 2500 deisel turbo 12 valve 4x4 ext cad long box, just what i need. its a sweet truck but i am researching on how good these trucks are. i hear the deisels are great but some trucks have issues with steering and speedos and overdrive problems.
Q: is a 12 valve a 6 cylinder? and a good engine?
Q: are these problems with all 97s and fixable?
Q:what kind of millage would i exspect?
Q:are these truck exspensive to work on?
thank you.

 

Welcome to DTR, I am sure you will find everything you could ever want to know on here.

 

First of all, welcome to DTR. Now to answer your questions:

Yes, a 12 valve is a 6 cylinder. All Cummins diesel engines in Dodge trucks (5.9L, 6.7L) are inline 6 cylinders. In my opinion (and I'm sure most people on here would agree), the 12 vlave Cummins is the most reliable engine money can buy. Also, with some very simple tweaks of the injection pump using basic hand tools, you can substatially increase the power on a 12 Valve.

Not sure about the steering and speedo issues because I own a newer model. Somebody with a truck similar to the one you're looking at will chime in on this.

Mileage varies on these trucks. My guess would be around 20mpg would be pretty normal empty. Loaded (of course it depends on the load) you can expect anywhere from 14-16.

Parts for these trucks can get expensive. In general, you'll pay more for parts than you would for a gasoline. However, I don't think they're quite as expensive as parts for a Duramax. The upside to this is: you will be buying very few parts unless, of course, you don't keep up on maintenance and like to abuse the truck but these engines can take a LOT of abuse.

Should you decide to purchase this truck, I think you will be more than happy with the torque, fuel economy, and reliability of the Cummins. If it's an automatic, you may expect to spend some money on the tansmission. If it's a 5 speed manual shift, the transmission is incredibly strong and reliable. There is an isse with a nut on 5th gear coming loose, but it's easily fixed.

 

for me at least the wanting was allways greater then the having, diesel is addictive so watchout u will become hooked and broke at the same time.A gas truck doesn't hold a candle to a diesel but u will pay 3x more for parts with a diesel, and all the shopping around for the cheaper parts suppliers will drive u crazy....if u do alot of driving/towing get it and dont think twice, if not then stick with a gasser. although a 97 is a good buy and it will run on anything with no prob.

 

Welcome to the DTR!

A 12V Cummins will blow the doors off that 454 you got, well getting double the fuel mileage, especially if you are hauling trailers.

Granted, diesel is more expensive than gas, but if you tow a lot, it won't take you long to see the benefits of an oil burner.

As long as you find a Cummins that has been well maintained, you will have to worry about the body falling off before the motor goes anywhere.

Good luck, and happy searching.

 

thanck you guys for your responces, its just what i want to hear. i am 99% sold on this truck, now to inspect the truck a little more before purchasing. i will keep you posted and you all have a good day and thanks again.

 

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Welcome to the website steelbull!

The Members here have given you some great advice. I would add that I have owned four (4) Dodge CTD Pickups and my old 96' 12 valve is by far the best of all of them. The 12 valve engines are much simpler than many of the newer engines with alot less electronics. The P-7100 Fuel Pumps are fully mechanical and IMO are the toughest of all the fuel pumps put on any of the Dodge CTD Pickups. My 96' is highly modified now (see my signature) but if I take it easy, I can still see 16 MPG in town and about 18-18.5 on the highway and that is with over 800 H.P. When the truck was more "stock", it would get 18 MPG in town and around 20 MPG on the highway. The one area you do have to address though is the transmissions. The stock units just don't hold up very well and the stock torque converters are not "matched" to the engine RPM very well. There is alot of options on that though.

Good luck to you Sir!

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John_P