Chris, E-Bay has a white, reg. cab 97, 5spd, high mileage truck in Monroe La. that's currently at $4,500. Looks like a goverment truck, not real pretty, but being a fleet truck, likely got adaquate maintenance. My guess is it won't take a lot to buy it.
These early 2nd gens are droping in price. I passed on a 95, 2whl. dr. auto ext cab, 2500 a couple of weeks ago for 4950. It was forrest green. A used car dealer bought it at aucion from a Toyota dealer. Then while detailing it out, couldn't get it to start. Like a dummy, I did the trouble shooting (bad fuel shut-off relay) and the price went to 5900. Went back two days later and it was gone.
In Arkansas, I've seen several 94 up trucks for less than 10grand. Not cherrys, but not bad. Most just need a little TLC.
Check under Dodge Cummins or Dodge diesel on E-Bay.
RR