I have a 97 2WDR 94,000 miles and have decided its time to make a decision wheather to trade it in for a 2004 while it has a faily good resale value or get it checked out and if nothing is wrong to keep it.

I live by Parker, Arizona and I want to get the engine completely checked over. I mean really checked good, valves, injection pump, turbo, complete fuel system and everything else.

I have heard too many horror stories to take it to the local dealer and I am looking for a recommendation for a diesel shop that someone has had dealings with and they are completely satisfied with the service.
Has anyone had a dealings with Earnharts, in Chandler,AZ. Thats where I bought it, but don't know any thing about their service. Would rather deal with a shop that deals strickly with Dodge Diesels.

Would consider anywhere within say 200 miles from Parker,AZ

Finally, does anyone have DRDonnelly's email. I'd bet he knows a shop in Henderson, NV

 

Are you having any problems with it???

Rick

 

If I had a truck like yours, I would keep it forever. The 12 valve is very reliable, with none of the fuel system problems that the newer trucks have. The 12 valves also get better mileage than the newer trucks. Living in AZ, you don't have to worry about rust, you could run the truck for 20 years at the rate you're going. I can't see a reason to get rid of it unless you're really jonesin' for a new 600.

 

With that numer of miles, that truck doesn't even need to have the engine checked unless someone has been awfully mean to it.

Save your "checking" money for tranny/clutch work. Just drive the truck unlessyou hate it.

 

my 97 has 237k on it and is running better than ever. i did loose the right front wheel bearing at 234k. if you want more power than a new one just drop in a #10 plate, a set of gauges and have some fun with the new one's. and get the dowel pin fixed one way or the other if you have not done this yet. it is hard to beat the 94 to 98 12 vales for reliability. they are some of the best rigs ever built. mike

 

To answer your question, I just changed my mind from buying a '04 and bought a '94. Not only are the payments cheaper, but the 12V's are easy to work on yourself. You don't have all of the electronics to mess with, plus in my opinion they are more reliable. This is the best decision I think I have ever made.


JD


P.S. If you do keep your 12V, make sure you have the Dowl Pin fixed and keep on truckin'. I have 210,000 miles on my '94 and it doesn't scare me a bit.