Hello neighbors! I just picked up a 03 QC/LB with 35k miles (details in my sig) from PA for a nice deal.

I've been reading tons of posts here & cumminsforum, great communities!

Here are my initial projects / concerns in case anyone has input:

1. 70-75mph vibration, sounds like it might be driveline, looking at picking up a one-piece DL but want to make sure I isolate the problem

2. Looking to go up to 35's, maybe H2 rims to get a better RPM at highway speeds.

3. (later on) Mods for reliability and to handle some modest HP improvements via programmer (47RE VB+TC or sell & build a 48RE)

 

Welcome to the forum. There is a ton of knowledge here. Some one with more experience will be in to help with the issues

 

Welcome, I'm right up the road from you in Glen Burnie

Rick

 

Welcome to the DTR!
Check out your front drive shaft, might have a bad ujoint or CV joint.
Hummer wheels are nice and easy. Just let me know when you get some and I'll help you out getting them on. I've done quite a few sets.
Here's some reading on the wheels.
https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...d-t193184.html

Look at the Smarty Jr or Sr for some mild HP improvements.

 

Thanks

I'll remove the front driveshaft next to see if that eliminates the vibration.

I've isolated it to the front, and ruled out the wheels & tires by running it up on jack stands in 2WD and 4WD, and rotate wheels front to back.

I also discovered I have a loose upper ball joint which is surprising at only 36k miles!

 

Update - Removing the front drive shaft cured the vibration but I can't detect anything wrong with the joints. I'll take it to a driveline shop to have it inspected & balanced. I guess I won't have it rebuilt with Spicers at this point if it isn't bad.

Anyone want to recommend a local driveline shop?

 

Perry Hall Power Equipment Ron is really good. His number is 410 931 2300 He is in Middle River though, a haul from Annapolis but worth it in my opinion. Also there is A1 driveshaft in the city.

 

Welcome to the DTR!!

 

I need to re-calibrate my speedometer/odometer and I'm not ready to choose a programmer yet. Anyone want to lend a hand with their Smarty or point me to somewhere to go?

I'm going to go by A-1 tomorrow to have them inspect & balance the front driveshaft and also get a quote on a 1-piece for the rear.

I picked up some H2's with stock tires and installed them. Love the look, ride, and fuel economy and RPM range with my 4.10s.

I'm about to pull the trigger on some Dynatrac Prosteer ball joints so I never have to worry about them again. Theres a group buy over on dieselbombers forum for 565 shipped and I'll install them myself. I'm trying to figure out if my one loose upper is within tolerance or not, but I'll try to pass MD inspection tomorrow without changing it.

 

Truck looks good. I'm assuming the wheels were already machined for your truck?
You'll need to purchase a Smarty to recalibrate your speedo. They VIN lock to a vehicle. You can try one but it will not keep the programming without owning one.

 

Thanks. Nah I did the flush-cut router method to mod the rims and did the center caps on my table saw.

I understand about the Smarty being VIN-locked for programming but I thougth I read somewhere that it can be used on other vehicles for certain functions like pulling codes and calibrating speedos.

 

Dynatrac Prosteer ball joints


Made in the USA

 

Dynatrac in over rated and way over priced. Is that $565 for all 4?
Get Moog or equivalent locally.

 

Hey I live west of you in Crofton, if you are looking for a bed cover, I know someone who has a hard cover that you might be able to get on the cheap.


I run an Edge on my 03 and love it!!

 

Cool thanks, I'll PM you my #

I'm looking at the Edge because I like that it has gauges.