Leaving the KDP in place and tabbing it is better because it helps to support the gear case, which in turn supports the 50-pound P7100 injection pump.

I'm not ashamed to admit that I spent two days on this project, working slowly. Being this is a new truck for me I used this opportunity to check everything over. New thermostat, all new coolant hoses, new tensioner pulley & belt, cleaned out the radiator, fresh PS fluid, oil change, etc. My KDP hadn't budged, but some of the case bolts were definitely not tight. I made my own tab and purchased the gaskets & seals directly from a Cummins dealer.

 

So if u don't have a barring tool, is the best way to keep it from turning over to remove the inspection cover on the bellhousing and have someone hold the flexplate? And also have them turn it to get to those two thrust plate bolts? If you don't have a barring tool, how do people do it by themselves?

 

Is the KDP something that is likely to fail, or is it more of a crap shoot??

 

Definately more of the latter, however you should still get it done. I may do it this weekend (I doubt if I ordered it today it'd get here on Saturday though), or next. I just don't like sitting there worrying over it, I drive my truck every day and every time I fire it up its always there in the back of my head.