I have heard that the dowel pins have been known to come out in the front gears in 2nd gen trucks. Is this true? Can anyone tell me how to fix it myself?

 

Do a search on the KDP.

KDP = Killer Dowel Pin

 

http://www.tstproducts.com/DowelPina.pdf

http://www.dodgeram.org/tech/dsl/Dowel_Pin/tab.htm

http://www.dodgeram.org/tech/dsl/Dowel_Pin/bolt.htm

 

Yes this is true,

the above is good info given, But here is a writeup on some advice on how to do it, using the TST Kit..

I highly reccomend it..

https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...Repair+TST+Kit

Have a good one

Rick

 

DO IT!

That is all I will contribute.

 

From TST:

If you have heard of “dowel pin issues” on the 12 valve Cummins 5.9 with the P7100 Bosch injection pump then you may already have taken care of your truck. This dowel pin issue applies to all ?89-?98 12 valve Rams with Cummins engines and many other non-Dodge Cummins 12 valve engines. If you have not heard of the issue, or you heard yet have done nothing and you are the owner of one of these vehicles, listen up. A dowel pin failure could destroy your engine completely or do no damage at all.



The aluminum front gear housing on the 5.9 Cummins is precisely located on the front of the cast iron engine block using dowel pins. The dowel pin is about 5/16 inch diameter by 3/4inch length made of steel. During engine assembly the dowel pins are driven into holes drilled in the block such that about half their length protrudes. Matching holes in the gear housing permit a precise fit of the housing the block. Several cap screws are used to hold the housing to the block. The problem with the dowel pin occurs because the hole in the aluminum gear housing was drilled through. During engine operation vibration could cause the dowel pin to work its way out of the hole and fall into the gear case. When the dowel pin falls, it can drop right to the oil pan or land in the gear housing, causing no damage at all.



On the other hand, the pin can be caught in the camshaft gear and forced into the aluminum gear housing, breaking out a big chunk of the housing which would cause a huge oil leak and an expensive, time consuming failure.



Worst-case failure is when the dowel pin goes between the cam and crank gears, or cam and injection pump gears, breaking the gear off the camshaft. The camshaft stops rotating instantly causing valves to stop operating, leaving some valves open and some closed. The crankshaft continues to rotate for a few seconds, slamming pistons into valves, and possibly ruining block, crank, rods, cylinder head, and valve train. Almost no reusable parts in this case, a complete engine swap would be required.



If you are the owner of one of these 12 valve 5.9 engines and you haven't taken preventive action, we suggest you take action before the vehicle strands you in a bad location and sticks you with an expensive repair bill.

 

ok thanks guys.

 

listen to Bill !I have done hand fulls of 12 valve truck and have only seen 1 pin moving out .and that was on my 90 12V IT was right at the point of catastrophe! do it!