1997 Dodge 5.9 Cummins
 

Loss of power up slightest hill. Puffs black smoke. I pull trailers with this truck. Need to get going again

Gonna need a few more details. How bad is the smoke and how much power did you lose? If it is all the sudden blacking out the whole road and absolutely no power Id say its a turbo issue. If not, its somethin else

Loss of power when towing up hill and leaves black soot on trailer

need a few more details check your turbo boots if thats not it pull your intake off and shake the wheel in the turbo if its hard to turn or rubs real bad then thats your prob but i still need more details ive owened 4 12v's so i know a thing or two about them i need to know how many miles what work is done with motor is the turbo louder

Yup what he said ^^ - check your intercooler boots. You may have a loose clamp, blown a boot, or even have a cut:

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If you had a boost guage, this would be easier to troubleshoot.

Are there any performance mods or is it in stock form?

x2 on intercooler boots, also intake gaskets and bolts