kas83

I'm seeking the thoughts/opinions of those who have more experience to see if my thinking right on truck or not. The 'tow rig' in question is a 96 1 ton, reg cab, 4x4. 5 speed, 3.55 gears, and an unmolested(stock) CTD. The motor is spotless, no leaks, KDP tabbed, all options work, even the fuel gauge works lol. Anyways, the owner just bought a new 3500 with the 6.7 to replace this truck, as it has a problem with the headgasket. Smokes white, smells like coolant, but no mixing of oil and coolant in the crankcase or radiator. I can get it for a song, and am really considering turning it into a full on tow rig.

My thoughts on mods would be as follows(seeing as head needs to come off for the gasket):

Mild port and polish with valve job, and check to make sure head is true
Possibly o-ring as extra assurance and 12 mm studs
3-piece manifold
62/14 turbo(not sure which turbine wheel 65 or 71)
Full 4 inch exhaust
#11 plate out of my 97
DDP 2's or 3's
Valair Con OFE clutch
60 lb springs and a remote mount exhaust brake
aFe Pro Dry Stage 2
And of course some gauges

The head needs to be checked, as the truck had gotten overheated. Apparently the temp gauge almost pegged. I have to believe the truck is absolutely stock due to the fact that it is a 1 owner, and he didn't even know the starwheel adjustment or fuel plate location when I was telling him about mine. What do guys think? Thanks.

displacedtexan

If the price is right I'd say go for it. But remeber that when towing it is more important to be able to stop.

kas83

Yes indeed. I've been looking at brake upgrades, will have to see what I want if I end up getting the truck. I'm trying to set myself a budget with the truck and what I want it to do.

Most likely would be hauling my 97 on a 26 ft gooseneck, I've been figuring on 12k for that combo, and about 19k all together heading down the highway. Might be high, but I'd like to be safe rather than sorry.

1stGen545

When my t-stat stuck shut it peged the guage and blew the HG to the outside while I was filling up and I was out side the truck and didnt know till I got back in. It had almost 300K on it and was fine. The 5.9 is very strong. Get it checked but I bet its fine. This is what mine looked like with 299K on it and it has had to work almost every day of its life ( PO was not easy on it at all) Still had crosshach like new

sixb

That truck in stock form would handle that easy, maybe not the fastest.

kas83

I know that. But why not have a little more power under the right foot? I'm not out to haul at insane speeds, in fact most of the running will be between 55 and 65 mph, and I'm not looking to drag race when I'm hooked to a trailer either. I'm looking to help make the truck more efficient, more powerful, and more fun to drive.

And the top end has to come off anyways, might as well have a little fun while I'm there.

sixb

[QUOTE=kas83;1800616]I know that.


I figured you did, but I'm on a less is more kick these days.

Valv

Only concern I have on this is gear ratio. I would be happier if it had 4:10 gears not 3:55 to be a good towing truck.

You can always swap your 2500 axles with this one......

displacedtexan

I thought the same thing, but he won't be towing MAJOR weight, with stock tires or 265s the 3.55 should still be plenty of gear, and give a bit better milage.

kas83

I was on the fence about the gears, but the speeds I will be doing will be almost perfect for 4th gear. The truck wouldn't be a 100% tow rig all the time, but that's what I want to set it up for.

govspringbounce

kas ... ok ... you asked for it ... Couple things. I'd change would be the plate. The #11 is waaaay too small. I hear what you're getting at, keep her cool, but your turbo choice will keep it cool. I'd go with a #10 minimum. You can slide it around & you can control things with the throttle.

On the turbo, Lenny has a tweaked 62/14 that's working for us 215 p-pumped folks. That boy IS a tuner.

http://www.nwbombers.com/forum/index...howtopic=33717

Muddin_dude06

IMO get the truck do the port, polish, 60lb exhaust springs, 3-angle valve job Marine standard thickness gasket with 12mm stud or new headbolts, and gasket match everything from the head out to the turbo. Then just do gauges and all the free pump work (rack travel AFC mods, AFC spring change, #100 plate) , 16* timing, then intake and exhaust.

A tow rig doesn't need 450hp, I liked the way my truck towed when I didn't need a valet switch and could tow at 300-350hp A LOT better than now. Plus you break almost nothing, at 300-350. I kept breaking thingseverytime i tried towing at anythng higher.

kas83

I see what you're saying about the plate and turbo. I like my 11 as it sits in the truck, and figured with the larger sticks it would equal out. I'm leaning towards the DDP 2's, for power and the increase in mileage they state happens with those injectors. If I do go with a different plate, it would be the #10.