Recent Content by Bug1

I need to replace the exxhaust system on my truck, 96 LWB, 5spd, 4x4, basically stock except for a #11 plate and GSK. I see systems on eBay in the $250-$350 range, the big difference from one to the other seems to be: 16ga vs 14ga tubing - I guess this is a longevity thing, but I wonder...

both intake and exaust on the rear cylinder, and only the exaust on the front. I havent looked at all the others really closely yet as it was getting dark last night... I did some searching and i read about people not getting the pushrod properly seated in the lifter when doing valve springs...

Replacing headgasket on my 96, I discovered that at least 3 of the pushrods were bent to the point of rubbing on the sides... Why would this happen? Truck is relatively new to me, but previous owner did some stuff: head replaced 20-30K miles ago heavier valve springs were installed at...

I have posted separately about the head gasket I am about to replace, now I am wondering if there is any advantage to lowering the CR while I am at it? This truck (96 w/5spd) is relatively mild (#11 plate, GSK, boost in the 20's, Dyno's 520ft/lbs) and I do not intend to bomb it any further, in...

I am replacing the head gasket on a 96... Cummins Northwest wants about $167 for the head gasket set, and about $49 for all the bolts. Sound reasonable? This will be the upgraded "marine" gasket that everyone talks about? Anything else I should need to buy? -Zach

I borrowed a pressure tester and that made short work of finding the problem. The #$#% head gasket is leaking out the very back right next to the firewall. At 15psi it really starts flowing! I am still new to the CTD thing, where is the best place to buy parts? Is it a lot cheaper to buy...

<b>The story so far:</b> Truck is a 96 that I purchased from another TDR member in January, on the 2000 mile drive home we were a little bit low on coolant, but the PO had removed an Espar previous to sale so I attributed the low coolant to needing to bleed the system after it was opened up...

Are you guys mounting the probe before or after the turbo? I have heard people say that the 1/8 probe is too small for the heat seen before the tirbo (on diesels in general, not cummins in particular) and has the potential to melt and break up, which obviously would not be good for the turbo...

Loren, Thanks for the advice. I know there is no such thing as the perfect vehicle, but going into the Ram/Diesel world blind I figure I can throw some unreasonable demands out there and see which ones get shot down by those who know more than I do! :^) Regarding reliability and 12 vs. 24...

Where in the VIN is this digit? Thanks!

I am shopping for a 98 12-valve, and many ads do not list whether its a 24 or 12 valve, but do list the VIN number... Anyone know how to tell which engine it has based on the VIN?

First thing first, have you checked the oil in the transmission? I have a 94 2500 with the 5-speed (but a gas engine). After having the transfer case rebuilt the transmission developed an oil leak. I discovered this while towing about 8K up a long incline at Midnight on a Sunday night when the...

ndurbin, Matt, Thanks for the advice. . I will definately be investing in a trans temp gauge, and probably other upgrades as well in the future, although it would be nice if I could get a few years out of the stock transmission before upgrading. . 21mpg would be OK, I sort of wanted to stay...

I need some advice about buying a Ram turbodiesel, so hopefully I have come to the right place! I am looking for a truck to fill an all-purpose vehicle role, it will be my primary "good" vehicle for when my beater projects arent running, it will be our camping rig (yearly backcountry camping...