I have found a '97 Dodge 2500, extended cab, 4x4, 12 valve. She is all stock and just turned 200k. This would be my first diesel and from all my research, I've decided to go with the 12 valve. I have torn this site apart reading 100's of threads and absorbing as much as I can for my very soon 'BOMBING' project.

But to get things started, I need a truck. There seem like plenty of veterans in here that I would like an opinion from during my virgin quest.

As stated earlier: 97 Dodge Laramie SLT 2500 4x4, ext. cab w/ long bed, 12valve - auto, 6"skjackerlift, aftmkt mag. rims and tires, under bumper tow hitch, 5th wheel, 3 gauges on drivers post (mods?). Previous owner used for "work", truck is excellent cond., 1 problem exists: torq. conv. is slipping ocassionally in OD on highway. $7500 (I can bring it home for 7k cash)

Can someone please advise on good deal vs. keep looking?

This is my first thread, and I am looking foward to many more. -

Any pics of it? -

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Jason

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don`t know if its a good deal or not but i know a few of the 12v guys will let ya know
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no, its local here in indiana. It's beautiful though.

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I appreciate your help. -

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Thanks! I've read alot of your replies' helping gentlemen out. I look foward to talking with you in the future. If you know anyone who can give me some advice on my thread- good deal or not... I would appreciate it. -

oh ya..... a good converter will run you ~800-1200 bux. DO NOT get a factory replacement. if the converter is slipping more than likely the fluid is already almost toast and the direct drive clutches will be the next things to go. putting in a good converter will make them say bye bye faster. getting a whole new tranny will run you from 2800-5500 depending on what all parts you get put in it from a dependable trans builder, ie, Goerend, suncoast, HTT etc. this isn't something i would let Joe Blow down the street that can build a TH350 and make it bark 2nd gear build. get good parts and get it built by someone with a good reputation in the diesel community. you always want to do a transmission only once. so do it right the first time and forget about it. -

I am definitely planning on getting a new trans. first. I've read enough on here that I believe it will be wise for the future to do it now even though its only slipping in OD. All that being said is she worth $7-7.5k? or keep looking?

I really like the truck, shes' a beaut. But I need some expert opinion on this due to me extreme lack of knowledge on Diesels.

Any advice will sufice. -

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When the torq. conv. starts slipping does that always mean the fluid is shot and if a person just puts a replacement torq. conv. will it make the direct drive clutches go out also? If so, I can talk to the seller about this to help him come down. -

all you are doing is putting a bandaid on the situation putting in a new converter. i'd hate to see someone replace the converter and then 6 months down the road something grenade in the tranny and shoot metal through the brand new converter and ruin it.


with that said i don't think 7K is too bad.... if you look at the blue book value, factor in the cost of the tranny as being your initial investment and see if you are gonna be ahead any..... but it being an extended cab 4x4 is a big pro..... also check over the track bar, balljoints and hubs as they are all known to fail a miserable death on these trucks.

if any of that is bad use it as bargaining power... -

Welcome Good Luck w/your first one. -

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