hey guys, im goin to look at a 97 12 valve with 233,000 on it, itll be my first diesel, is there some basic stuff i need to watch out for??

thanks alot

 

Killer Dowl Pin (KDP) That should be the first thing on the list for sure...

 

x2 the usual..auto check tranny for sure.

 

ya the kdp job sounds manageable, its got the 5 speed manual in it witch i hear can handle more power than the auto is this true? is there diffrent stock transmissions other than the automatic 5 speed and the manual 5 speed. is there anywere else on the truck other than the engine that is giving people trouble or anymore helpfull hints ?

thanks alot

 

just the auto and the 5 speed manual which is an nv4500, the manual will hold together and be reliable while the automatic will be a constant problem. only downside to the nv4500 is the 5th gear nut can come loose, when it does you loose 5th gear, just make sure you have a functioning 5th gear. also check the turbo, make sure theres no excessive play, check out all your front end parts, ball joints, ect. one thing that i worry about that most people dont is the fluid in the transmission, the nv4500 requires a special oil, if someone changed the oil in their trans and put regular gear oil in it will eat up the syncros really fast. you can tell if the fill plug has been off since alot of times it will have been opened with a pair of vise grips rather then the alen key, it should also have a plastic tag on it that has the part number for the oil, if the tags still, there it probably hasn't been touched.

 

get u a 3/8 inch drive wrench take the plug out of the rearend and front end and transfer case and see how much metal is stuck to the plug. check the front end grab ahold of the steering compenets any movement and ull need to get bushings. feel the rotors, check ball joints, antifreeze, look for any oil leaks, if ur wantin to go all out

 

i got a 97 and the at is the most i would watch for

 

ive run into wiring issues on 96 and 97 dodges. i wouldnt be afraid to check the computer on it for electrical problems. everyone else has covered what you should look for good luck

 

Check the drive shafts for play also had front axle u joint come apart it messed up alot. Other then checking for things that are wrong these are really good trucks with the potential to make alot of power. good luck