I've read about the cowl cracks causing leaks. I can see cracks in mine but I have no leaks. I'm more concerned about the structural problems this could cause. I hear creaking in my dash sometimes and I wonder how badly the structure of the truck is compromised with the cracks in the cowl. Am I making a big deal out of it? Or is it a big deal????? Anyone with experience on the cracks on their rig?

 

I have no experience with this yet, but there is a repair kit and install instructions here:

Cowl Cracks

 

I did mine last month, couldn't stand the noise anymore.
I pulled the fenders and saw cracks about 1 inch long, I had to
grind the paint and sealer away before I spotted them.
I applied the repair patches along with the structural adhesive and rivets.
Put everything back together and all the noises were gone.
definately worth the work.

 

If I might ask, where did you get the patches from, still avail at the dealer?

 

AR 4797018 Cowl Reinforcement-Left
AR 4797019 Cowl Reinforcmmt-Right

I got mine from the local Chrysler dealer.

 

I wonder...I dont have any cracks on my truck, could be the air ride suspension has spared it the beating

 

I did mine a few months ago too. I just drilled a hole at the end of the crack then welded it up then welded a piece over it diagonal to the crack. Primed and painted it. I checked it last weekend no problems yet. Not near as hard as it looks everything came apart easy and nice time to do other mods too with no fenders on the truck.

 

It problay relates to how hard a life the trucks have had.
Diesel 4WD trucks problably get more cases of cracks vs
2WD street gassers.