Hi DTR, long time guest, ust registered today, first time threader.
I am purchasing a 97 12V Laramie SLT 4x4 once the holiday is over. I have been a Dodge fan for a long time, but this will be my first diesel. I have a long commute and want the CTB for the longevity combined with the milage and still have a truck.

I know there are a lot of chips and mods for the diesel, but can't find too many for the 12v. I need the better milage vs the power, but will still pull a trailer for farm work every now and then. What options do I have that are still inexpensive that I can buy. What should I start with first. As far as I can tell, everything is stock except for the K&N air filter.

 

I forgot to ask a few questions in my first post. I know there are a lot of additives out there as well and would like to know what works well in keeping the engine in top shape. This is my main mode of transportation, so I don't want to get stranded with it. Most of my commute is 55mph hwy legel, but easy to average 60-63mph most of the way. Thanks a bunch.

 

Welcome to the crowd! I would start with at least a pyrometer, then go ahead with fueling modifications. There are no boxes for the 12v's, just plates and such; its all mechanical. The 97 is a good year truck to buy. For better fuel mileage, you could probably start with having the timing bumped up to about 16.5* and a set of good injectors. This will also give you a bit more power. Good luck and have fun!

EDIT: For free power, you can play with the starwheel and/or move the plate forward. Try www.dodgeram.org ; it will give you a TON of good information about your truck.

 

Welcome to DTR. and i run lucus fuel additive in my diesel.

 

mbmrang:

Welcome. You'll find a ton of info here just keep looking. Can you fill in your signature and let us know more about your truck - manual vs AT, gear ratio, etc. Before any mods you should really become familiar with your truck and know that all fluids/filters are new. I'd go through everything and start fresh, this way you'll know for sure what it starts out with and what to stay with. Use a Cummins truck parts place rather than a Dodge dealer for better prices. Hopefully you can access the service records for your truck and see if all recalls have been dealt with.

This link will give you an excellent place to start Tech Facts . If you do the work yourself, you'll save plenty. Even if you aren't going to do any mods you should strongly consider taking care of the dreaded Killer Dowel Pin (KDP). There are several threads on this and not dealing with it can spell disaster. After all of this you will also discover any idiosyncrasies with the truck so you'll know if you've messed something up with a mod or made it better. After all of that, the skies the limits as far as mods. From mild to wild. Just keep reading the posts and you'll catch up fast. Good luck and any questions just post away.

Paul

 

Welcome to DTR new friend!

These guys are right on everything that they have told you, Get that KDP out of the way first and you will sleep better at night knowing that there is no way that lil bugger can harm you anymore, Its not a hard procedure, just time consuming, and lots of simple wrenching. Plan on a day for it, even though it took me bout 3 hours start to finish...

make sure you get ur sweet ride in your sig as well. As far as answering the fuel additive question. STANADYNE IT, and forget it. I alternate between lubricity formula one tank (purple) then on the next fillup I use the diesel fuel conditioner.

Best thing about the 12V cummins, no electronic gizmos on it ( other than the PCM) and all it takes is messing with the fuel plates, injector pump timing, and playing with the starwheel to get some more power, and some smoke as well.

Before you play though, pay for a good set of gauges first, Pyrometer is the mandatory one, then you can get trans temp if you have an auto, boost comes next and fuel pressure is totally optional.. (in my plans tho for mine)

Hope the new ride treats you well!

Best of luck!

Tx

 

Do a little research on the K&N in turbo diesels... Many of us on here would not run them.

There was a similar feeling on a PSD board I used to frequent. I had dust creep past the K&N on my PSD, so I'm not just repeating what I have heard, I have had chipped turbo vanes.

 

Thank you all for the great info. I plan on starting with changing all the fluids and starting fresh. Haven't seen much on the down side of a K&N, but will check into that. Maybe over the next month or so I can take a look at the KDP as well. For now, just the basics, then get into the good stuff.

Thanks all.