2014-08-23

The official list.. Below. Some mandatory -- e.g. the blown head gasket... Others because I wanted them done...

Standard Dodge steering problems at just over 100K... Replaced all that crap with aftermarket. Head work. New exhaust manifold. Re- did the valve cover vent to not drain crap all over the back of the engine. All fluids. New rear brakes. New wheel bearings. New shocks. Cleaned up numerous wiring messes, aircraft style. (See why below...) New power steering pump. Seal kit for the vaccuum pump. All new fuel lines due to dry rot. (Common here.) Reinstalled deleted stock fuel filter/water separator to get back fuel pre-heater. New cooler covers on the manual transmission. Dumped the oiled air filter for an enormous BHAF and dust cover.

Price? Worse than the airplane, way better than a new truck. :) You can guess if you want to.

It runs unloaded like a scalded cat now that the hybrid HX35/40 turbo and injectors are matched up and set up correctly in the computer, along with the upgraded exhaust manifold. Holy crap. 7500 lbs of "I wanna go fast... Just push on the pedal a little more, would ya?" Can't add any more boost, it has the "53" stamped light case which is known to crack. She's done for horsepower upgrades unless we split the case and drop the engine in a stronger one.

I think the head gasket was blown before we left for OSH, after I heard about what they found inside when they tore it down and how much quieter it is at idle. Let's just say I never ever put Alumaseal in radiators and it really makes a mess in valve guides. You know it's bad when they keep asking you questions like, "Are you sure you didn't do anything to this truck before you brought it to us?" I suspect the former owner thought he was fighting a hard-to- find coolant leak. Into the number one cylinder, it would appear...

The rear brakes also weren't doing a damn thing.

It towed 12,500 lbs 2400 + miles with a blown head gasket and never complained at 65-70 MPH. Amazing. Just ate antifreeze.

Level 3 on the computer (out of 5, and no one uses 5 unless they're planking to replace the transmission tomorrow) really is "Prius Repellent" mode now, with the bigger injectors, and yeah completely unnecessary. But fun.

Until the turbo lag catches up a bit, it "rolls coal" now, then the turbo catches up and ... hang on!!!

Toys are fun!!! Especially big grunty diesel toys!!!

Appreciate Greg here recommending an awesome diesel custom shop. Owner is an FE in Hercs now and turned wrenches on them and engines for Continental back in the day here locally. He shared how much "entertainment" can be had when an RPG takes 80% of the right inboard flap off of one at rotation. Noooo thanks. Not a fun day at all. And that's one hell of a way to have a split flap condition. Had that look in his eyes like he was seeing it all again... Manual flap retraction on the left side, fly 150 miles to a runway long enough to land at flap 30 with half the starboard flap gone...

Jesse will note that I chickened out and had him re-do the A/C properly. That little line item for R-134. :) (From an off PoA discussion a while back.)

Ready to go camping again! :) :) :)

......

Cylinder Head Gasket

ARP Headstud Kit - 1998.5 - 2012 Dodge 24V * 98.5-02 24V 3 Piece Manifold Exhaust Manifold W/ Turbo Studs *

Exhaust Manifold Gasket (Multi- Layer) *

Injectors - 6 - 40HP Nozzles

Anti- Freeze with Fleetguard DCA4 Coolant Additive Thermostat *

Water Pump *

Kit Seal Air Pump *

Brake Shoe Hardware Kit *

Rear Brake Drums *

Rear Brake Shoes - Ultra Premium *

Wheel Hub Bearing Assemblies *

Front Dust Shields *

Amsoil Manual Transmission Oil-75W/90

Amsoil Synchomesh 5W30 Manual Trans Fluid MAX Coolers, Set

ATF+4

Amsoil Severe GearĀ® 75W-140

BHAF (Air Filter)

Outerwears BHAF Cover *

Comp/Promotional Item

Bilstein 4600 Series Shocks *

Power Steering Gear Box

Power Steering Pump with Reservoir 1997-2002 * Amsoil Power Steering Fluid

Track Bar *

Upgraded Track Bar Bracket

DSS Stearing Stabilizer Bar

Sway Bar Bushing - Front Suspension **

Sway Bar Link - Front Suspension *

Upper Ball Joints *

Lower Ball Joints *

Valvoline - Premium Blue 15W40

Fleetguard Oil Filter

R34A Freon

Fuel Filter Housing Canister - Used * Fleetguard Fuel Filter ('03-'07, 5.9L) 7 Micron -8 Push-Lok Hose

Serpentine Belt *

Upper Radiator Hose *

Lower Radiator Hose *

Radiator Cap *

Valve Cover - 24 Valve *

Grid Heater Gasket *

Push Rod Cover Gasket *

Push Rod Cover 1989-1998.5 Dodge *

Heater Hose (Blue)

Comp/Promotional Item

MAX Stealth Pump Cover

Machine Work on Cylinder Head

Remove & Replace Head & Install ARP Headstuds Remove & Clean Radiator & Replace AntiFreeze Remove & Replace Water Pump

Remove & Rebuild Air Pump

Remove & Replace Power Steering Pump

Remove & Replace Rear Brake Drums & Shoes Service: Front Diff

Service: Rear Diff

Service: Transmission & Transfer Case, Install FAST Coolers

Remove & Replace Front & Rear Shocks

Remove & Replace Gear Box

Install DSS Bar

Install Sway Bar Bushings and End Links

Remove & Replace 3rd Gen Track Bar & Track Bar Bracket

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