2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission stock or not

[PaulGray]

I happen to find a 97 2500 4x4 with only 90,731mi for a really good price. Truck is in really really good shape and all stock minus a snow plow and a gooseneck hitch..Came from a guy that used it very lightly, only plowed his small driveway and hauled a horse trailer for a couple of years locally. It has been garaged kept and professionaly serviced, with all of the reciepts i can go back and see anything that was ever done(including the professional detailing twice a year).

I intend to use this truck to do a little plowing on the side and haul some fire wood. Truck runs great. It does need some attention to the front suspension, so I will be addressing those this spring and summer...However I would like to hear some feed back on weather to tinker with some upgrades to the powertrain or not...

This is the first place I thought I would get some feedback because this is the responsible site to start. I am not into smoke, stacks or really big tires. I would just like to hear from some guys that either wish they would have left their 12valves alone or are happy with a LITTLE extra hp... All feed back is welcomed---thanks

 

[JR]

Did the previous owner do any upgrades to the transmission? If not and the trans is still original, I'd do a good freshen up before adding any power. A good valve body and torque convertor would be a good start depending on your budget. A little intervention now will save you a lot of head aches down the road.

 

[GrantP]

I think with those 4.10 gears you'd really appreciate a 3k governor spring kit on the highway (these can be tricky with some emissions tests though as the governor will no longer stop the engine at the 3k "redline"). I did the mods to my 97 in my sig and never felt like I needed more power, more air maybe for long pulls, but I had more than enough power. In fact it was quite a bit more "sporty" than my stock 06 which is rated at nearly double the hp of the stock 97. I would make the same mods again in a heartbeat (except for the K&N).

 

[PaulGray]

Yes the trans is all stock..I do think that the trans will get upgraded, almost a givin on any diesel with an auto. lol If I do decide to do some upgrades I was looking at the 3k governor spring kit, #6 or #8 plate. I also was curious about the stock turbo upgrade that Scott did in issue 74, I think,("cherry bomb"). I am going to put on gauges no matter what, I think they are valuable even on a stock truck. I have the CTS on my 07 so looking at analog gauges will take a little bit to get use to. KDP is going to get done here in the next month or 2. Also want to do something about that stock exhaust. Was also think about the dynatrac locking hubs.

Part of me is hesitant about the upgrades because it is getting harder to find a 12v that hasn't been touched, and if I had to sell it I think it would bring a bit more in stock form.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Best and first mod you should do is a set of Bosch 215 injectors. Same as what came in the Cummins 5.9 with the 5 speed behind it.

More power and at least 1mpg better mileage. Try that first then decide.