I just bought a 2002 with 30000 miles, 4x4 2500 qcab sport, 6spd H.O. with L-slip rear end. I have no idea how the truck was maintained. Where should I start and what should I change, maintenance wise, to get me up to speed so I can be on track for good maintenance? thanks for the help.

 

I would start with the air, fuel and oil filters and the oil of course. Once those are changed you will have a little peace of mind and you can start from there with the rest of the truck. Check the diffs, and the blow by bottle. That will tell you something about the previous owners maintenance habits. This should be cleaned at every oil change. If not you will have a bunch of goop spread over the underside of the truck

 

First on my list would be to change all fluids, and filters.

 

once you get all fluids and filters done, Install gauges you may want to go ahead and check fuel pressure, to make sure lift pump is o.k. Don't want to kill the vp44 while your gettin everything else lined out :<br>JMHO

 

I am sorry for my ignorance, but I am a prior gas man, actually a prior mechanic but never messed with diesels. what is the vp44? thanks

 

The vp 44 is your injector pump. It recieves fuel supply from the electric lift pump, that are prone to failing. These truck will sometimes run fine with a failing lift pump and you won't know without a fuel psi gauge. The vp44 gets it's lubrication from the fuel being pumped thru it, so if the lift is weak, you can be slowly killing the vp44 ( very expensive) :'(<br>Easy to install in cab pressure gauge to monitor or at a minimun get a test gauge, like the Briar Hopper gauge to check frequently. Hooks up to the shrader valve test port on the vp44.<br>There are tons of threads on the site about this issue. Look around and ask questions, lots of knowledgable guys and vendors on the site to steer you in the right direction ;D<br>sorry for the long post. Hope this helps

 

This might help a little.
Diesel Engine Component locations

#1 is the Lift Pump
#17 is the Injection Pump

 

I thank everyone for the help. Slowly but surely I will get this all figured out. I got the previous owners name today and I am going to try and contact him to see what all he did to the truck. thanks again