Two problems related to diesel fuel system tank assembly have been reported for the 1997 Dodge RAM. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Nar 1/15/2003. The consumer discovered a design flaw with the fuel tank metal support straps. The flaw may cause the fuel tank to drop from the truck onto the ground and start a fire or explosion. The fuel tank support problem was due to metal stress based on the poor design of the holding straps. The consumer this problem when he went to look under the vehicle and noticed the rear portion of the fuel tank was hanging low at the same time he noticed the metal strap was hanign loose, he crawled under the truck ans saw the rear tak strap was broken allowing the entire fule tank to be supported only by the front tank strap.
Flaw in fuel tank metal support straps. Dodge truck, Ram, 1997.