Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) I'm looking at a '97, please bring me up tp speed.

[Wayne M.]

I am caught in the dilemma of either pouring a ton of $$ into my '92 to make it what I want, or buying what I want in a newer truck.

The criteria in my search is this; ext. cab, 5 speed, 215 Hp engine, 3. 54 gear, and prefer 2WD but will take 4WD if the deal is good. So far I have found locally a '97 4WD Ext. cab 5 speed 47K miles for $19000. Here are some concerns;



> I am up to speed on the KDP, and I can handle the Job.

> Are the right side Airbags able to be disarmed?

> are there any issues with the front suspension?

> What is the typical life expectancy of a clutch?

> Are there any other known items of concern while shopping?



I have been driving a 1st Gen truck since 1988 and I'm a creature of habit, but I really miss shifting and I need the extra cab. If i do step up, I think it will be a shock to myself and all who know me since I said I would be buried in the one I have now. I am basically unfamilliar with the body and chassis of these trucks, and sincerely appreciate any advice.

If a new truck does happen I do have a potential buyer for my rig, but will advertise it here as a backup.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

> I am up to speed on the KDP, and I can handle the Job.

good, and a necessary thing. I recommend pulling the steel cover and loctiting the bolts that hold it to the block as well. You can totate the engine and cam gear windows will allow access to two more bolts, and to check the bolts on the cam retainer. Two other bolts holding the aluminum case can be accessed directly--one near the pin and one above the oil pump. Check the oil pump bolts too for tightness. The ones holding the gear case should be removed, cleaned with solvent, the threaded holes sprayed and blown dry, then use blue Loctite.



> Are the right side Airbags able to be disarmed?

aren't any. Only the one in the steering wheel. There is a two wire harness with yellow connector running down the column that powers this air bag.



> are there any issues with the front suspension?

On 4wd a few folks have trouble with the track bar wearing out, but I don't know if they are using lift kits. My front suspension, wheel barings, rotors etc. are all original at 130,000. I do grease all fittings (there aren't many) every 15,000.



> What is the typical life expectancy of a clutch?

depends on how much it was used. The first thing to go is usually the pilot bearing. I think I'd plan on a good clutch and replacing the bearing with a bushing.



> Are there any other known items of concern while shopping?

Check if oil and transfer case fluid were changed. The case fluid gets brown and nasty if never changed. Change the 5 speed fluid too. As with all years, plan to get the Std. Trans. mainshaft/5th gear kit. Here in Vegas a heavy line guy does both clutch and 5th/mainshaft installations for 400. Either separately is 275.



You will want more power sometime. This has been argued and thrashed many times. Feel free to contact me offline if you wish.



My 97 is the best truck I have ever owned.

 

[JKing]

passenger air bag

> Are the right side Airbags able to be disarmed?

I have a '98 reg cab. It has a passenger air bag and it can be disabled by a switch on the dash. Don't know if the ext cabs are the same... .....

 

[Wayne M.]

Joe, you made me realize that there's much updating to be done! More so than what was needed on the '92. I think I'm up to it.

I will be occasionally towing a trailer (approx 7000#) and I will be doing some fancy backing with it and may need 4lo. What is the overview of the front axle coupler lnhibitor,aka mystery switch? I guess the RH airbag came in '98. My Durango has one and there's no shutoff.

 

[RichR]

Wayne M:

I had a '98 Quad and yes the passenger air bag has a keyed switch to turn it off.

Rich R

 

[CumminsPower98]

The passenger side airbag was added in '98...

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

I have always been a little suspicious of the axle disconnect system instead of real manual hubs. However, it is very convenient and has never failed me, so I guess I'm just getting old The disconnect switch (or you can use vacuum tubing and a manual valve like you use on an air compressor) works fine. I use 2 wheel low that way once in a while moving a trailer around. 2WD trucks are really missing a nice feature in that regard.

 

[Deezul1]

I love my 97, at 160,000 its like new inside and doesnt use oil. Everything works and it drives like a dream. You wont be sorry to be in a 97.

 

[Cummins Cowboy]

I am a first genner in somewhat of the same boat. I have a '93 and what i am facing if i continue to keep the truck is a ve pump replacement and prolly the getrag will go out soon as well. so with that being about 4k that will need to be spent to keep in going within the next couple of years i think it is only smart to get rid of the truck now. That 97 you found i would snap up like a hot cake although i would try to get him down to more like 17. 5 to 18k for the truck. good 12 valves are hard to find with less than 200k on them.

 

[Wayne M.]

Hey Cowboy, I have realized that you Guys out west really drive the heck out of your vehicles. I guess there's not that much space in the Northeast!. For me a 200 Mi. round trip is a biggie, let alone 200K on the odo. A CTD is viewed by most as just another noisy truck that gets great mileage. I consider myself one of a very few around here who really knows whats going on!

I am supposed to go tommorrow night to look this truck over. I also stopped by the dealer where I bought my Durango and asked Him to keep an eye out for a 2wd. He said it won't be an easy find.



Joeseph, I'm trying to set tasks in priority. I know the KDP is #1, but what is the sign of 5th gear failure? Is there impending disaster in the case, or does it just spin? What tools do I need to check diff and Xfer case fluids? (I suspect a 3/8 ratchet for the rears)

 

[Wayne M.]

IT'S NOT GONNA HAPPEN RIGHT NOW!

I gotta thank you guys for all the help and advice. I've just been shot down in flames by Mr. Insurance man. There's no way I can pull it off right now. I was able to get it straight after I got the VIN tonight. I guess I'll be moping along at the present speed. However I have this thread printed out for future reference- Just in case things pan out differently.

If anyone wants to know where this truck is, just Email me. I was supposed to drive it tommorrow night, and looked like a keeper on paper.

 

[Forrest]

On top of all that Wayne, you have more hp/torque bandwidth with that model than most. The 215hp 5 speed plus $300 in a TST plate & you can toast your clutch.



Just go get the #11 & you'll be screaming compared to stock. Don't forget the guages.

 

[QRTRHRS]

Sorry to hear your "shot down".

Maybe when the timing is better you can find a 98 12V Quad Cab. Don't get me wrong, I like my 97' extended overall. It's rare for me to haul people in the back seat. Mostly it is either the dogs or bulky objects. There is not much room with the seat forward for accessing either one.