97 12v General info help

mkwelds · 10-26-2011, 03:07 AM

Im looking very seriously into selling the truck in my sig to get outa debt and then buying a 97 12v 4x4 ext cab dually automatic from a member on here. Here are the questions first of the truck has 203000 miles and next to no blow by. I checked it out cold then got it good and warm and still nothing normal haze out the oil fill but nothing out the breather so very impressed by that. No leaks out of the normal the p pump has been touched judging by the break away bolt has been replaced by a standard bolt. Not worried about that tho. My main questions are what do i need to look at with this engine thats out of the ordinary. I know 24vs and Common rails like the back of my hand just curious if there is anything else to watch for on the 12vs. Also its a California vehicle so it has the EGR crap pipe on it. You dont have to say it they thing is coming off. My worry is how much crap has that egr system got onto the valves after 200k miles. Im tempted to pull the head to clean the valves just cause of the EGR. Is this necessary or am i thinking a little over board with it?? Also the air bag light is on tho neither air bag has ever gone off. Any insight to that? All in all amazing truck strong well shifting tranny. The entire steering system will be replaced it obviously hasnt been touched over the lask 200k its very sllopy. No DW which surprised me i even tryed to throw it into one and nothing so very happy about that. Looking for suggestions on any good steering upgrades. Im leaning towards a red head box (if thats the right company

) and then putting a box stabilizer with that and a thurden linkage with the hiem joints. Also will eventually be going to ford steering knuckles and hubs. Any ideas for simple upgrades the KDP will be adressed as i re seal all the little leaks this has haha and would like some info on grinding the fuel plate and how much fuel the HX35 turbo can handle before it needs and upgrade. oh yea Also cheap 4 inch turbo back system Who makes them who has them which do ya guys like. One more thing i have a 24v exhaust manifold. Can i put it on here?? I assume so but i also assume some one here has tried it and would know for sure. Thanks very much guys and if any one is interested in the truck in my sig shoot me a PM.

kayden101 · 10-26-2011, 05:57 AM

Well sounds like you know what your doing. You pretty much covered all and there is plenty of info on mods already on the forums. Red head makes good boxes. But must people go with the borgeson shaft and box. That's what I have and love it. Be easy on the truck before you upgrade your tranny

mkwelds · 10-26-2011, 10:19 AM

The tranny supposedly only has around 30,000 so im hoping to use it as a mileage tuned cruiser till that trans gives out

Now I once heard that you can't run a box stabilizer with the borgeson and this goes for all gens of dodges. Can any one confirm or deny that specifically for these 2nd gens? Oh and just yo further me drooling over this truck it is a dually and rides WAY smoother empty than my 04. I was completely shocked and excited by that haha.

kayden101 · 10-26-2011, 02:11 PM

Nice. My dually rides rough. But I do gotta change the shocks. Also I have never heard that on boregeson units. If I'm not mistaken some people have that unit and the brace on this site. And I was fixing to order it next month LOL. I'll have to double check now.

kayden101 · 10-26-2011, 02:28 PM

I just did a quick search and yes there are braces that will fit.

this is from site: Dodge Off Road • Dodge Off Road - Borgeson Steering Box and Shaft

This fits all 4x4 models (1500, 2500, and 3500) from 1994 to 2001 (and 2002 2500 and 3500 models). Your current pitman arm will bolt right up, however most steering braces will not fit because the sector shaft sits 3/8" more towards the center of the truck. The Dodge Off Road steering brace (coming soon) is specifically designed to fit both styles of steering boxes. Installation of the Borgeson box takes about 20 minutes in most cases. The only special tool you need is a pitman arm puller. This box has a 3-year, unlimited mile warranty.

also re can reuse any regular brace if you dont have a right one. here is what was posted in another forum on: BORGESON STEERING BOXES

One last question about the Borgeson box:

Is the placement of the output shaft significantly different than the stock saginaw type? I have a steering brace and want to be sure I can re-use it.

answer: It's 3/8" to the passenger side. You can reuse your steering brace by simply elongating the holes in the frame mounts (on the brace) to allow it to shift to the side a bit. A Dremel works great for this.

mkwelds · 10-26-2011, 02:57 PM

Ok thanks for the info I heard a rumor that it wouldn't work when I was looking into a borgeson box for my 01 3 or 4 years ago wasent sure if it was the same on the 12v but they are the same frame and body as the 24s. Thanks man

automotiveadam · 10-26-2011, 07:55 PM

I would defiantly pull the valves, clean them, and adjust them properly. It probably could use an adjustment anyway. Another free mod you can do is timing, there are so many posts about it; just search it.

For the airbag light, it could be the clock spring (allows electrical connection when you turn the steering wheel). Make sure the horn is strong and the cruise works. If they don't work, you can get one at a junkyard for like $5 and it seems to work great for people. My junkyard clockspring has been working great so far. BTW if the airbag light is on, that means the system is shut off and will NOT deploy.

The one thing you should look for when buying a 12 valve is maintenance. Make sure the seller cared for the truck and seems knowledgeable.
Good choice on a 4'' exhaust, mine came with a hillbilly straight pipe and I hate it.
Surprisingly the best mod I've made is leather seats.

mkwelds · 10-27-2011, 12:16 AM

Plan to adjust the valves its just that egr that I don't like haha. Im leaning towards pulling the head (my wife is gonna scream when she hears that haha) Already gonna do timing when I take care of the KDP figure while the cover is off why not have a party while I can see them instead of worring about dropping something behind the cover and into the pan. How many people run 16* how many run 17* and which is more preferred?

amtrack · 10-27-2011, 01:51 AM

No need to pull the head now, it will let you know when the head needs pulling later!

mkwelds · 10-27-2011, 02:13 AM

Oh im sure it will im just curious if any one has had issues basically with crap on the intake valves and side from the egr. I know mainly its just soot but still soot don't belong in the intake. I do plan to pull and deck the head an rebuild it when I do studs just up in the air if I want to take that on now or more towards april. I just need to cruise till then come may im pulling the 5er and a bumper pull to Ohio from California so I want it bilt up some and ready for that but until then id rather just do clean up and paint. Mess with big mechanics with a tax return haha. Thanks for the input im still up in the air. Haha I don't even own the truck yet and im getting tools and parts already haha. Im really looking forward to getting away from this electronic mess and back to a good ole mechanical engine.