Dojman

I want to know how many hotheads(that are using their truck for primary transport) are killing their own KDP, doing their own valve adjustments, timing, plates, etc. I'm trying to decide whether to try doing my own KDP, valves, timing. Keep in mind, I can read and turn a wrench, but have never done this kind of mechanicin before. Now's your chance to save a CTD'd life

powerwagon440

Im in the same boat u r in!! im learning as i go and the more i get into something the easier it is getting!! doesnt hurt to try and can figure something out u can allways ask the guys on here!! they r smart and cool guys!!

bulthisl

I am , but I been pullin wrenches for a long time.<br><br><br> : Eddie : 8)

MnTom

All you need to do is READ, ASK QUESTIONS, and TAKE YOUR TIME. If you have been turning wrenches for even a little while you CAN do alot. There is also the satisfaction of being able to fix it. And you get to know your truck better and better and better and better....................<br>Tom

BigBlue

The more you do, the better you become and the more confident you get. You also learn what makes your truck tick. Before I got my truck, I thought I was skillied cause I could change my own oil at age 8. Now I'm replacing fuel systems and tranny lines and doing my own stereo system installs and custom gauges. I'm getting ready to do my own TC/VB install end of the year.

pappyman

You can do it....remember even great mechanics use the repair and service manuals...so invest in a good service manual and use good quality tools (BMFH) ;D

NWDave

Not a wrench thrower, heck, I can barely identify the right one, whaddaya mean I need a metric? Out here in the Pacific Northwest, we're fortunate to have at least 2 groups of wrench throwers and wannabes who periodically gather together in the brotherhood of the BOMB party. Surely we're not the only region so blessed. I've learned alot from these gatherings (and it ain't been cheap either, those BOMB funds need constant replenishing). Find out whose throwing gatherings together in your region. Go to them and you'll find more helping hands than you can shake. I'm perhaps the furthest thing from a gearhead or wrench thrower or whatever the current id phrase is but I sure feel comfortable in the gatherings because of the brotherhood of the CTD. Just a bunch of guys gettin' together for the common cause.<br><br>~Dave

Paul Winey

I can echo the other replies. This is my first CTD, picked it up last November. I've done all fluid changes, valve adjustment, tabbed the KDP, removed the catalytic converter, changed TPS voltage, adjusted the throttle linkage (corrected what the dealership should have) -- all with the help of this site and a Haynes manual. Before this I would usually do most minor maintenance on vehicles. There is something to be said about doing it yourself and knowing more about how your truck works. I'm by no way a mechanic, my day job is a physician assistant. So if I can do it you can too. Keep reading and ask questions. Now onto gauges and bombing.

Nuttymopar

I have owned my truck 5 years now and I have never let a dealer touch it. The Service manual is a wonderful thing and has paid for itself many times over. I am just a backyard mechanic with a good basic tool set. Only thing that has been done by someone else is having my Tranny installed and tweaked by Mass Diesel (scott), mainly because it is a DTT and would rather have it set up the correct way first time out. LOVE this tranny. Haven't done any MAJOR motor rebuilds (knock on wood) but have done all the maintence and upgrades myself and replaced whatever has needed to be replaced on the truck. Well worth the time and effort because it makes you feel much better when you go flying by some Rice Rocket knowing YOU DID IT.

MCMLV

Along these lines: Which is the top service manual and where does one get it?<br><br>Thanks,<br>Peter

Shovelhead

I got my factory manual from www.techauthority.com<br><br>It's the only one to have.

Commatoze

[quote author=Shovelhead link=board=8;threadid=13908;start=0#131077 date=1051132328]<br>I got my factory manual from www.techauthority.com<br><br>It's the only one to have. <br>[/quote]<br><br>Roger that, and www.cummins.com (go to the Powerstore) if you want manuals to tear the engine down.<br>

Mexstan

Then ONLY manuals are the factory manuals. My '03 has a seperate manual for the electrics, very nice.<br>Now all you need on to complete your toolbox is a full set of left and right hand screwdrivers plus a metric adjustable wrench. Don't buy them at Wally World as they are too cheap and will break quickly.

MCMLV

Just be carefull when geting the adjustables. There are a lot of cheap imitations not to mention the worthless conversion devices marketed to turn adjustable fractionals to adjustable metrics... :<br><br>PS: Don't forget that left and right handed screwdrivers go for both sloted and philips, unless you are ambidextruos as I am.

mymaur

There are usually good buys on factory manuals on E-bay. I got a brand new manual for my 95's for $47 bucks.<br><br>If you can bend wrenches, you can fix your truck. You will need metric tools though.