I have a buddy that has a 1997 psd and wanted to know if there was a way to idle the engine for extended idle times or faster warmups? I know there are chips that do this but he does not want to buy a different chip so is there something that can be wired into or does he have to purchase the idle controler or one of these chips that will do it?

Certain chips have a setting for high idle, but most dont. The only way I am aware of is to get a apcm (aic). Look on ebay for a used one.

The 05's and up have a neat set of upfitter switches. Flip the switch and instant high idle! Very cool feature and very cheap. I think the AIC's are around $250 and up. I got my upfitter switches for $77! Usually thedieselstop.com forsale section has a couple listed in there. Look in the electronics section.

You can build one for about $50. Check E-bay, some selling used ones and others selling the homebuilt ones for reasoneable prices. Check here for directions on how to build one.
http://www.thedieselstop.com/contents/getitems.php3?1999-2004%20%2410%2F%2415%20AIC