I recently got given a Dodge truck and I have no clue where to start, this is my first vehicle. It is a 1997 vin Z 4x4 laramie SLT model.
Many people have urged me to modify the engine and truck itself but i have no clue what should be done to it. It's in good condition mechanically with 214k miles. Any information about common problems you've had with this model of truck and advice on what should be done to it would be greatly appreciated!

 

See the sticky thread about the plenum gasket, which is a common problem. Also, see this section for other common things - https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...d-how-tos-143/

 

what are your goals in the next 10 years? do you plan to keep this truck forever? if not, i would skip the mods and save for what you really want. just continue maintaining this until you are in a position to buy what you want. don't fix it if it aint broke.

if you plan to keep it for a very long time and it is something you want to invest in then the following is what i would do... at 214k i wouldn't mod it. i would get another engine and rebuild it with whatever mods you want and replace the stock engine when it dies or is just too tired to enjoy anymore. as for mods... new heads, rockers, intake, 52mm throttlebody, headers, tuner, msd ignition... cold air induction, up to you, the stock air cleaner is fine with a good filter. throttle body spacer is a paperweight, take whatever you plan to spend on one and just flush it down the toilet.

once you've modded the engine and it's putting down some good power you will eventually need a new transmission. there are well built transmissions out there that will survive being beat on, the stock one however is fragile and will die eventually depending on how well you care for it. the fuse is lit and no one knows how long it is lol.

then theres lift kits, tire/wheel combos, stereos, tinting, graphics, body mods, lighting... how far down the financial rabbit hole do you want to go?

put it another way. do you want to spend $35k and all of your free time turning this truck into a new truck or would you rather just spend $35k on a new truck?

 

You should take care of the problems that plague these trucks. Plenum gasket i would say is #1 on the list. With over 200k it may have been before but the Hughes kit is the way to go. You live in the rust belt and the brake line next to the gas tanks rusts out and will burst. Check this NOW before the weather turns bad! You can get stainless steel lines that will replace the stock ones.

 

I plan on keeping this truck for a good while because it has great sentimental value to me I wouldn't mind dropping "new truck money" into the old girl, but I know when to step away.

Right now my goals are just to start with getting the engine, trans, and maybe the diff rebuilt then going forward from there. I don't have a lot of skill when it comes to working on vehicles myself, but in 4 - 5 months i'll be attending lincoln tech to get the skills I need. The plenum gasket may have to wait if it's not an easy fix.

 

It's all a matter of perspective. If you have never torn down an engine before, then yeah, you might consider it a 'big' job. But, in reality, it's just time consuming, not really difficult. Just gotta be careful, label everything so it goes back together correctly, and keep all your parts together, and organized.

Where at in Michigan?

 

Thanks for the advice, and I'm in Benton Harbor.

 

Bit of a cruise. I am significantly further south.

Guess it depends on which you have more of, time, or money. If you can afford to pay someone to do it, then go for it. If you can't.... well, then you get to learn the wrench-turnin' thing the same way I did. Out of necessity.

 

very good point. i've experienced a rusted line bursting... you will die. thankfully it happened in my driveway at maybe 2 mph.

 

I put on all new brake lines this morning, along with new pads and rotors, so I should be good. Right now the main things i'm looking at doing is getting new shocks, (one of them is bent slightly) and that plenum gasket.