OK. Looking at buying a newer pickup (my old one is dead). I'm wondering what checks you should get a mechanic to perform? Also, Can I get some recommendations for decent mechanics to perform said test? I have used Vimy Diesel in the past, and they are great, but far from Edmonton. I've also used EC Mechanical in Stony Plain, but they are presently unavailable. No, I don't have a specific year in mind yet... so advice there is also appreciated. Probably no newer than 2004 due to price.

Thanks

 

whats your old truck ?

 

94 12v 4X4. Standard. Was a very good truck up until the engine went...

 

What happened to the motor???Melted piston??

 

I can tell you some of the damage... as to why... that is a guess without stripping the engine down totally...

I lost the cam (broken), the timing gears spun, some damaged. I assume the key holding the timing gear to the crank sheared (not sure why). This knocked the timing all out, and caused the damage. I am doing the ***-U-ME thing and guessing there are damaged valves in the head, and piston may/may not have been damaged but my assumption is some have. I have decided I don't really have the time to spend on it right now, and with it being a 15 year old truck, probably not worth it to farm out the work. Tranny, axles, transfer case etc. are all good, I think. I'll probably wind up either parting it out, or selling it as is to somebody. On the other hand, if I ever wind up with time, I'll fix it and give it to Dad as a tow vehicle for his new salmon boat. Seeing as he won't finish building it for a couple of years, I have a little time...

 

Oh.......you got bit by the killer dowl pin.....sounds like.

there is no keyway on the pump shaft. it is strictly a taper seat. if that spun. injection timing would be out and the engine would quit running.


the KDP is directly above the cam gear.

this is the monkey

 

Nope. First thing checked when it got towed to the mechanics to see if it was a relatively minor issue. Dowel was still in place...

 

If you part it out i have been looking to do a p pump convertion on my 24 valve and would be interested in some parts.

 

I'd rather sell the truck to somebody else to part out... Time is an issue with me, not to mention space...

 

much as I hate to say it, to save you grief when buying something used, and you are unable to check it your self, take it to the dealer, and let them inspect it, an hours labour is cheap compared to what you could end up with.

I sold a truck quite a few yrs ago to a guy in BC, I drove the truck to the dealer, they inspected it billed him and sent him the report. he flew in to edmonton and bought the truck pretty much sight unseen! the dealer was (at the time) was rather picky and let nothing excape their attention, I assume this was because they likely thought they would be getting any repair work that they found.

If your going to pick a second gen to buy, I'd suggest the 2000-02, as they have the better front disc/hub(slide on like a car do) set compared to the earlier ones that you have to remove the hub and beat the lug nuts out. also the 2000 and up can be upgraded to the 3rd gen brakes for almost nothing.

that being said I think the 3rd gen has some stuff that is less problematic than the 2nd gens, the 3rds have a better trackbar/ bigger brakes(plus its 4w disc) and a slightly better 48re tranny (some 03 have 47re),brighter headlights. and I'm sure other stuff that I'm forgetting.
Common rail injectors are expensive but dont generally all fail at once, compared to a VP failing and leaving you stranded

 

the 2002 and up trucks had 4 wheel disc brakes and from what I understand there was a change in the steering down the line as well for the 2nd gens.

 

I second the best years for the 2nd gen is the 00-02 trucks. The 02 is the best year for brakes. The dodge did skimp out on some parts on the 02 vs the earlier years.

If your going to buy a 3rd gen buy an 03 to earlier 04 year. The 3rd gen have that issue with the late injection cycle that kills pistons tops, if you crank up the power. The 6.7L truck have that emission stuff, but once that stuff is removed they are nice trucks. So far the smarty can only work on truck built before 09.

Either way, your gonna have a nice truck. The 3rd gen cabs are nice for hauling around a family. The 2nd gen are more sports car like, you really can only fit two people comfortably.

 

Have you checked out Turbo Diesel Register's Buyer's Guide, it contains some pretty good info on the different years and what to watch for, and the TSBs issued by year.

http://www.turbodieselregister.com/m...8745602b59c62b

 

Thanks

 

Did you look at that '02 dually?