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 value their opinion 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, drives great in the city though. $7500 (I can bring it home for 7k cash) and she's as pretty as a firehydrant on a hot summer day with a prostate the size of a watermelon.

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

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

 

It drive down the highway good? By that I mean, does it want to wander all over the road? If not, I'd ****** it up before someone else does.

 

As long as it all looks clean and you dont hear any funny noises o and you plan on spending a little money on the tq converter , sounds like you have a solid buy.

 

Yeah, If you had a trans. upgrades in mind, TQ conv, Valvebody or full billet, then this truck would be a good one to ****** up.

 

She doesn't wander at all, even being lifted 6". Runs solid, just the trq cv that is the problem. On my newbie first thread a gentleman said that when the conv. starts slipping that means the fluid is probably shot in turn the direct drive disc's could vulnerable to going out. And he said just putting a new conv. on will ruin the d.d.discs faster. What is your opinion on that? I'd like to make the seller aware of how major of a repair it is-not just a torq. conv.

Any advice would be great. I'm going to look at it again today.

 

Check the fluid and see if it smells burnt, or is black/any particles in it. That would be a major indication of the trans. condition. That will be a huge bargaining point, as even a standard rebuild (minus converter) can run $1k. Tack on at least $500 more for a stock converter.

Also, what tire size and gears does it have? If it's got a 6", I'd imagine at least 35's. With a 3.55 rearend and 35's, I can see the converter slipping easily. May want to think about swapping the gears out to 4.10's at least, if it doesn't have them already. Larger tires and a numerically lower gear will burn through a transmission pretty quick.

Also, welcome aboard.

 

Any idea of what the maintenance has been like? Things like what kind of oil did it see? How often was it changed? What kind of oil filters etc?

Sounds like a very good deal, even with a pooched trans. 200K is still relatively low milage and these old 12Vs are getting harder and harder to find. Also, dont bother with a stock tranny rebuild - youve got to build it better - the stock trannys are pretty much junk.

As already said, if the fluid is burnt, use that as a bargaining tool to get some more $ off.

 

Yeah sounds like a winner. The trans might be OK yet. If it's modded and you undo a couple of them (backing the fuel plate off a bit) you might get by for a bit.

Either way I'd grab it. Find out if the KPD has been done and if not get it done ASAP.

 

Unfortunately the truck sold before I could get to it Sunday. I am planning of modifying quite alot on my future truck although I want to start with the right template, ya know? Since Sunday I have found a 24valve that has a killer price and seems like a steal. Could someone give me their advice?

Here's the link: eBay Motors: Dodge : Ram 2500 (item 160305166732 end time Dec-20-08 14:47:06 PST)

Thanks!!

 

That's a 12 valve....


Looks like a good deal tho!!