dctoner

Just found a 98.5, 2500, QC, LWB, Auto, completely Stock 118,200 miles.

Bought it from the owner who purchased it new. He took good care of this rig.

What should I do first?

Fuel Pressure Guage, FASS, or KDP

I'm limited on cash because of the purchase, and I know these are the most important.

Any opionions?


Here is a pic

Olratlr

dctoner! Congradulation and welcome to the Diesel World.
There is so much you can do to this truck as you will find out.
I think a fuel press gauge and a pyrometer would be my first Mods
and then you will see its never ending on mods.tee hee.

barracuda

nice truck, congrats !! do the gauges first, consider a fuel pressure and pyrometer gauge at a minimum...if you go that far, you may as well get a boost gauge w/ the triple pod holder too, you will want it later most likely....do that first, you will thank yourself later than u can play w/ everything else ...we will gladly help you drain your wallet and go fast...good luck...
check this out, rod is a real fair guy in my opinion...
www.wildcatdiesel.com

ramcummins

Nice purchase. Too bad buying the truck is the cheap part . First things first, get guages. When you recover from that come back and we'll empty your wallet again .

BigBlue

Awesome looking rig man. Congrats. Fuel pressure, boost, and Exhaust Gas Temperature gauges are the three most important ones. Tranny temp is also important since you have an auto. Good luck and don't listen to there guys. They'll drain your wallet VERY fast. Check out http://www.laredoperformancediesel.com/ .

dctoner

Thanks guys,
I plan on getting all the gauges except the boost(wife doesn't think it is nessasary ) but she is on board for everything else, when the wallet grows some green

The biggest things that worry me are the KDP, and VP44. I want to get those out of the way so I can have fun!

I will be ordering the 3 pod but right now only with the fuel pressure guage.

The cat will be lost on the road some where

Then the FASS, KDP
EGT, Tranny guages

At least that is the plan, as money permitts

Does this seem like the best route?

Mcmopar

Fuel pressure first, very cheap and easy, next KDP pretty cheap and easy. New seal and sealant from cummins. They did not list a gasket for mine just the sealant- took me about 4 hours, I am very picky. Nice truck!! Your gonna love it.

jaconst

sorry what is FASS?

billg

I would get the KDP taken car of; it can make a big expensive mess if it comes out. I’ve heard of people catching them just in time. That would be a cheap easy nightmare to take care of and would be worth the peace of mind (don’t want the new truck to start off with a black eye). Then the fuel pressure gauge. It might be a good idea to put in a set of high flow banjo bolts or max flow system from Wildcat Diesel depending on where you want to take the horsepower. Then get the rest of the gauges. Then decide how you want the truck to be set up (tow machine, daily driver, radical racer). Then its bombs away.
Get the little problems out of the way before they become big ones and enjoy your truck.
Good Luck.

jaconst
Here is the site for the FASS.
http://www.dieselpp.com/

perk

Forgive my ignorance, but do you have to do the KDP on a 24v? I thought that was just a 12v thing.

dctoner

Perk,

From what I have read over the past 6 months, 94' - 2001 need the KDP looked at.

Not sure about the first Gen trucks!

I have heard both about the 2001 that some have the new design and some don't.

Thanks for the info!



This truck will be a daily driver and a Summer weekend puller. And no performace BOMBS until I can save the money for the tranny

texas_ghost

The KDP problem is on 12 valve and 24 valve up to '99.


Response from Cummins on this matter

"The timing pin diameter from the supplier and the hole drilled for the pin, are designed to be 'press fit' dimensions. In some cases, the supplied timing pin dimension and the drilled hole dimension, may not provide the correct 'press fit'. During assembly line manufacturing, it is impossible to determine the amount of 'press fit' between the pin and the drilled hole, once the pin is installed into the bore.

Some of the pins have not had the correct 'press fit' in the drilled hole and have worked out of the hole. This does cause extensive damage to the gears and gear cover. The percentage of failure is low and did not justify a major recall campaign of all engines. If an unexpected failure should occur during the warranty period of the engine, the repair will be handled under normal warranty practices.

Early in 1998 the gear cover was changed to a 'blind hole' design, which would not let the dowel pin move out of the bore. If you have a great fear of this pin coming out, we suggest discussing this issue with your local Dodge dealer or Cummins distributor, to determine the appropriate action in each situation.

jaconst

I bet they want you to go to your dodge dealer, I went b4 with my 95 because I had a pretty good oil leak and it was b4 I knew about this site, and the mechanic said "it might be a pin in the timing gear. and if it is look to spend at least $1200 and more" I got the impression he did not want to work on my truck as he did not even look at it. needless to say it was mainly valve covers and oil drain plug.

PourinDiesel

Fass is a waste of money.

You only have to worry about the KDP in SOME 98.5's.
(I notice you have a 98.5)

A good set of banjo's, a fuel pressure gauge and you'll be good to go.

Get ready for some more power!!

--Justin

procrastinator

Does someone know which 98.5's one should be worrying about.

Yes, I have one and it scares me to death, but I don't know if I am overreacting.

Thanks,

James