Howdy everyone! I am a new CTD owner and have enjoyed reading the posts here. Learned quite a few things so far.

Recently bought a 95 ST 4x4, 5spd, reg cab, lwb, w/ 137k miles. I'm the 4th owner (according to carfax) so I don't know what was done to it. It does have an aftermarket air cleaner (similar to a scotty), and there is a line for a boost gauge and a lead for egt, but previous owner removed the gauges (I plan on rectifying that soon). It has an aftermarket 5" exhaust as well. Not sure brand... Otherwise, I have no idea what performance mods have been done. It tends to lope when cold and only gets about 16 mpg so, based on posts I read, I ordered the overflow valve. I intend to get it in for a "tune-up" and valve lash, pending finding a good mechanic in Central TX.

The truck has a 5 inch lift that I intend to lower to about a 2 inch lift, install nerf bars (or steps) for the wife, change wheels (has 16.5", want 16"), and insure the suspension and drivetrain is all good to go (u-joints going to front wheels click at times and have a bit of play - not good...). The steering has a bit of play so the truck tends to wander a bit. I tightened the bolt on top of the steering gear box and that helped a bit but still wanders more than I'd like...

It has Ranch Hand-type bumpers front and rear (could probably take a good size deer...) Eventually, it will get a sliding rear window, spray-in liner, and headache rack w/ bed rails.

It doesn't have the power I was expecting... I want to increase performance but don't know what has been done and what hasn't. I imagine the overflow valve and tune-up will be a start, as well as installing the gauges. We'll see where I go from there.

I love the truck!!

(Anyone know of someone looking for a 93 Chev 6.5L TD w/ blown head gasket?) Bought the 93 new and amazingly had little trouble with it until the head gasket. My wife drives an F350 SRW Powerstroke that she loves.

Looking forward to posting questions and comments with ya'll!

Dave

 

What type of 5 inch lift do you have on there? And if your getting rid of it I might be interested as I am looking for a lift. PM me.

 

d_k,
unfortunately, my work blocks me from any kind of chat. I'm surprised I can get on forums...

No idea what brand of lift it is, nor do I know what componants would be re-used if I lower it. (This project is actually down the road a bit as well.) I will definitely keep you in mind when I do pull it if you are still looking, though.

 

Congrats on the new purchase

I'm down in Houston if you come this way look us up.
If you have any questions give me a call, I would be glad to answer any questions you might have.
Michael 281-960-3497

 

Thanks Michael! I have a ton of ideas on power/performance upgrades, but without knowing what has been done to this truck already, I don't know what to ask. After the overflow valve, tuning, timing and gauges, I should have a better idea of what the truck can do, and hopefully, deduce what's been done. If you are going to be up Temple-way, let me know!
Dave

 

the 160 pump trucks kinda leave you thirsty for more, but you can still get some good power out of 'em.

definately check the pump timing and crank it up if necessary. the 160 horse motors had a pretty lame timing setting from the factory. the overflow valve may or may not help.

when you say it lopes when it's cold, do you mean at idle when you first start it when it's COLD outside? if so, that's pretty normal I think... but it and the 16mpg leads me to wonder if it might have a set of injectors in it?

get a hold of Chris Strickland. He's out near College Station I think. He can set your valves and your pump timing, etc. good guy.

see what fuel plate is in it... if it's stock, I'd grind it down flat and slide it forward. also play with the AFC setting and slide the AFC housing forward when you re-install it.

it's REALLY easy to get the 12v's to pep up pretty good without dropping a bunch of cash.

get that suspension/drivetrain all squared away and start crankin' up that fuel!!

congrats on your purchase, these P-pumped motors are the greatest thing since sliced bread.

Forrest

 

Chris Strickland is @ http://www.relentlessdiesel.com/

 

Thanks Michael! Thanks Forrest! I appreciate the info and help.

I definitely want to get the suspension/steering straight. Problem is around a military installation, most shops are not worth the cost. I probably need to go to Austin, or worst case, DFW or Houston...

She lopes after first started on a cold morning as I'm driving and shifting from 1st and 2d gear (discounting granny gear). Doesn't happen after a warm night or if the engine is already warm. As winter is finally setting in here, it's happening every morning.

I'm looking forward to getting this beast to perform to her best. Love the truck!! Take care! I'm going camping for the (cold) weekend!

Dave

 

yeah, the loping is normal...

mine hasn't done it yet this year, but when it's in the 40's-50's, it'll bounce against the idle governor once when you shift it when it's cold (I kinda like the sound)

have a safe weekend, and good luck getting out from under the suspension/steering for a fair price, that stuff can eat you up, even doing the work yourself!

Forrest

 

You ain't kidding there... Not looking forward to the cost of that. When I bought the truck, I put some extra aside for upgrades, but expect for most of that to go into making it solid on the asphalt.

Talk to you Sun or Mon! Thanks again Forrest!
Dave

 

this is the first vehicle I've owned that I didn't feel angry about fixing stuff on... when the AC evaporator core went out and I decided to replace it and the heater core to the tune of about $350 and a day's labor, I looked at it like, "hey, the first one lasted 220k miles... I replaced it with another factory one, so I don't have to worry about it for another 220k"

because I plan to keep this thing for ever

I may buy another CTD, but I can't see any reason to get rid of this thing... and I'm fully confident that it'll last to 440k++

 

Amen, Brother. That's why I wanted one.

 

the 4wd trucks require a little more maintanence than the 2wd, but hey, once you get everything fixed up, you'll have plenty of trouble free miles ahead of ya!

Forrest

 

Just an FYI but the Dodge CTD saved the day today. Coming out of our "hunting camp" we were on a mile of rain-soaked MUD. Before the morning was complete, I'd pulled out a Chevy Corsica (not sure why a guy drove a CAR to a hunting camp...) and a 02 Chev Duramax 4x4 towing a 4-horse trailer (3 horses). I probably lost 5K miles off that clutch today... By the time we were through, both the Duramax and my truck looked like my wife's chocolate-covered peanut butter *****... What a mess!!

These mud tires I have been considering getting rid of really saved the day! Couldn't have done it with A/T tires!

Dave