I just got a 1997 3500 ex-cab dully 4x4 with 104k on it. It was a up grade from my 1992 f250 with a 7.3. seeing that i am new to the dodge seen i have all kinds of questions about this, but i am sure that i will find them in time. I just have a few general questions. how is the fuel milage, the 4 wheel drive drivetrain and just general info would be fine. Thanks for your input

 

First of all, congratulations on finding a '97 with only 104,000 miles. You will never regret going to the Dodge Cummins, it'll last you forever.

The mileage will greatly depend on what rear end you have. Since you have a 3500 Dually I'd guess it's got 4:10's so you won't get the top mileage but you should get around 13-14. If you have 3:55's with a 5 spd you can get around 17-18.

The drivetrain is rock solid. One of our trucks is a '94 3500 Dually with 420,000 miles. We've only put the basic repairs in, clutch, a few U-joints, etc., the drivetrain has had very little major repair. If the truck has had care it will last almost forever. With 104,000 on yours it should be in great shape.

 

Ahh welcome to DTR newcomer

i too am an older ford idi convert, trust me you wont even think of goin back to it.. Fuel mileage is great, and i do know that some duallies did come with the 3.55 rear, my buddies did, and so did Mike shannon's far as i know.

Fuel mileage is great on these things, with their additives and a light right foot, u can easily get mileage in the 15-16 range im guessin, mine gets that when i hot foot it around, but for the most part im at 18-20 on average combined and 22 strictly highway.

The 4wd is great minus the vaccum actuator, and vaccum system in my opinon, BUT if all of your vac lines are in perfect order, hooked up and zip tied and it currently works, then it should be good for a while. Im not against it, just spoiled by a cable lock 4wd system

Drivetrain is pretty stout actually, if you have the dana 80 rear end, (tag on the diff should say so, or ur build sheet) It will be good to you. I havent had any drive train problems, but i have had track bar and front end alignment issues, with my huge bumper in front i dont think anyones to blame but me..

First this is first, You need to tab that KDP, and do it soon, Dont even take a chance, I know ur gonna ask whats a KDP, its a little pin that was put in these engines for some alignment purpose underneat the timing cover that has a potential to fall out and cause some serious damage, its not a hard fix, heres some readin on how to fix it below...

https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...repair+TST+Kit

Second of all, dont deny it, ur gonna hang around here long enough, ur gonna start modifying, so get ahead of the game and get at least a pyrometer and boost gauge in ur truck, so u can be prepared to have some fun... BUT BE WARNED.. once u start its contagious, i remember wantin 350/700 only, now look what happened to me..

Finally put your truck in ur sig so that other members and myself can better assist you when u have a need...

Best of luck and congrats on the find

Rick

 

well i brought the new girl home today, and i am in Love with the new power that i have under my foot.lol. thanks for the info about the KDP. thats the frist thing to get done. here is a link to the dealer site that has the truck in it. once agen thaks for the info....i know i have Lots of reading to do.

 

Welcome to the site!

Sounds like a great truck and with only 104K it will last forever if you take care of it.

Look up under the hood by the release lever and you will find a tag that will tell you what rear end and gearing you have as well as what type of transfer case, etc.

I would go through all fluids and filters so you know that they are all clean. Particularly fuel and air filter. There is also a preheater filter that usually never gets cleaned. Do a search here and you can find the details. You'll get some opinions about parts but the concensus usually agrees stay away from Fram and Napa filters, use the cummins fleetguard and buy from a cummins shop not Dodge. Do a search on the starter contacts as that can be a costly fix later and the Killer Dowel Pin has already been mentioned. Heed the warnings on this, it can be ugly.

Get to know your truck and it will treat you well. If you ever get the bug take a ride in a BOMB'ed truck and you may get hooked. Keeping her stock isn't bad either and you'll get to keep you $$ for fuel.

Good luck with the truck and ask lots of questions. There are some pretty amazing guys on this site that can help you with about anything and save you some bucks.