new to me 97 Dodge 2500 V10

[jeffsw6]

I finally bought myself a "new" work truck. I decided I wasn't going to find what I really wanted within my immediate budget, so I just got a 97 Dodge 2500 V10 2WD regular cab for $2450. In that year the 2500 was basically the 1-ton SRW so the tow rating is something silly, diamondpilot says somewhere around 13K depending on the gears. It needs a TBC and maybe a tougher hitch receiver since the label is long gone from the factory one.

It doesn't like to idle until you stomp on the gas once, and it misses a bit, so I am guessing the fuel injectors need to be cleaned or replaced. Feels like one brake caliper sticks a little also. Drives straight and shifts well though, so I think a little investment in maintenance will fix it right up. I dropped it off at my friend's shop and am hoping to start using it in a couple weeks.

 

[DutchHenryBrown]

I finally bought myself a "new" work truck. I decided I wasn't going to find what I really wanted within my immediate budget, so I just got a 97 Dodge 2500 V10 2WD regular cab for $2450. In that year the 2500 was basically the 1-ton SRW so the tow rating is something silly, diamondpilot says somewhere around 13K depending on the gears. It needs a TBC and maybe a tougher hitch receiver since the label is long gone from the factory one.

It doesn't like to idle until you stomp on the gas once, and it misses a bit, so I am guessing the fuel injectors need to be cleaned or replaced. Feels like one brake caliper sticks a little also. Drives straight and shifts well though, so I think a little investment in maintenance will fix it right up. I dropped it off at my friend's shop and am hoping to start using it in a couple weeks.

I have had my 99 Dodge since new with almost 180K on her and other than regular maintenance she has done me well. Good luck with your NEW truck and I hope you get many GREAT miles out of her.:thumbsup:

 

[Diamondpilot]

You did good. As I said when we spoke its got a good tow rating and should do you just fine. Figure out if the gears are the 3.54 or 4.09 & that will tell me more.

Chris

 

[dodge man]

Nice truck, I like it. I think during those years they put a sticker in the middle of the underside of the hood, towards the front, and it will give the gear ratio.

 

[jeffsw6]

I'll look for that sticker next time I'm down my friend's shop. Might be a little while as the number of hail-damaged cars from the tornadoes they still have to work on is amazing. Every bay has a car in it with fist-sized dents in the body panels and there's even more in the lot outside, over a month after the tornadoes hit.

 

[tcartwri]

Stuck Idle Air control valve or EGR valve will cause the rough idle. If it has been sitting, I would go for the air valve first.

 

[jeffsw6]

I was hoping it would not be a vacuum issue since I don't really understand how that stuff works, but I guess a new PCV would be cheaper than fuel injectors. Probably the shop guys will figure it out before I get a chance anyway.

 

[Dmace]

Good looking truck!
That V10 is fun with a good load, I swear it gets better with weight.

 

[jeffsw6]

Figure out if the gears are the 3.54 or 4.09 & that will tell me more.

I could not find the sticker so I emailed my VIN to Dodge/Chrysler and they sent me the factory build information. It only took a few hours for them to respond, that's what I call good service.

Apparently I have the Dana 70 3.55 listed with build codes:
DMDP 3.55 rear axle ratio
DREP Dana M70/267MM rear axle
DSC anti-spin differential rear axle

 

[Diamondpilot]

I could not find the sticker so I emailed my VIN to Dodge/Chrysler and they sent me the factory build information. It only took a few hours for them to respond, that's what I call good service.

Apparently I have the Dana 70 3.55 listed with build codes:
DMDP 3.55 rear axle ratio
DREP Dana M70/267MM rear axle
DSC anti-spin differential rear axle

That stinks that its a 3.55, the 4.10 sure would be nice.

Chris