Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) 200K miles - things to look for

[JRS]

I'm 360 miles from 200,000 miles and am wondering what to look for next in the way of repairs. So far, I've done the following:



1) head gasket

2) KDP

3) 5th gear nut

4) A/C evap coil

5) Rebuilt front end (at 165,000)







I had the alternator re-built at 150,000 miles (nothing wrong with it, just preventative maintenance!), but figured my regulator in my PCM will go next. I drive to gas wells in the middle of nowhere, so like to replace things ahead of time in the comfort of my driveway. (read- proper tools!)



Wife and I will be adding a new one next August. Please, oh please, Dodge build a MegaCab dually with and 8 foot bed! I've squeaked by with one in the back seat of the extended cab, but her feet now rest on the center console! Two will be two much.

 

[tom sweeney]

wow... congrats!!! i'm getting ready to turn 216k this week,so far i've been fortunate,no head gasket problems... but my alt. housing broke resulting in the purchase of a new one... just had the valves adjusted for the first time not long ago... maybe at 189k... not sure right now... heck,i got 185k from the original rear brake shoes!!!... . gotta love those exhaust brakes!!!... . best wishes to you... oh,no front end work other than mods. . tom

 

[JGrover]

Larry Bs starter contacts. Fuel hoses,Heard the big fuel shutoff relay on the firewall can go out.

3rd Gen trac bar and Dss has my front end feeling really tight. with a great road feel

 

[JRS]

Changed out all of those, too. thanks.

 

[CumminsPower98]

Something to keep in mind in this thread. May not be real common I don't know, but I have seen three failures now on '97/'98 trucks in my extended family myself included.



https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1612980#post1612980

 

[Bobcat698]

I'm 360 miles from 200,000 miles and am wondering what to look for next in the way of repairs. So far, I've done the following:



1) head gasket

2) KDP

3) 5th gear nut

4) A/C evap coil

5) Rebuilt front end (at 165,000)

I have 280k on my 96.



Looks like I need to do:

1. Head gasket

2. KDP

3. Already replaced transmission (5th gear replaced too many times) (before I owned it)

4. Not sure, ac still works

5. 2wd, front end is ok

 

[Katmandu]

My truck just went over 203k. Bought is exactly (1) year ago w/190k.

The head gasket blew within the 1st 100 miles of me owning it. Thank God the Dealership covered 90% of the cost!

These engines have a Service Life over around 600k miles, so with 200k it's just getting broken in!

 

[moparguy]

As a pm, I replaced all hoses with a set of Mr. Bobs blues. Spendy, but they should last the life of the truck. I got 10 years out of the originals, figure the silicone should last 20 at least.



I've considered changing the clutch hyd. set. Just as pm since the truck is at 200k.

 

[Jim Fulmer]

If I were making a list I would spend some time under the hood and think of some little stuff like spare banjo washers ect, a spare fuel shut off and relay..... although not necessary, little things like that and keep it in the tool box as a spare parts bin.



Looks like you have done your homework on this one.



Jim

 

[WDixon27]

i got mine at 304k and it has 318k miles now and runs 10 times better now then when i got it

i did the head gasket about 10k ago and just retorqued the studs a couple days ago

counter terrorized the kdp about 12k ago

ac clutch just died and will be delt with in the spring

the starter contacts claimed the starter but i got to it in time to save the fuel solenoid/relay

the only front end work it's needed has been both wheel bearing hubs and a brake job, everything else looks like it's fairly old but but it still tight and after adjusting the steering box it runs down the highway with no hands on the wheel

the transmission has junkyard paint on it so it's age is unknown but with a fluid change to royal purple max gear about 10k ago it shifts like my bmw now

when i did the head gasket i changed out all of the nasty rubber coated banjo o-rings in the fuel system for copper or aluminum for a more secure seal

ditched the fuel heater don't know if it worked or not, if i move to the arctic ill spring for a new one

 

[Dfuruness]

Two things. Watch the water pump and lift pump.

 

[ColemanR]

looks like everybody has covered everything i replaced on mine except my auto witch you dont have i went 389,000 so just watch every thing good luck great truck but it hard to beet the megacab im now at 110000 in 1 year mileage could be better but i love it randy

 

[bmoeller]

Don't know what all was done before I bought my truck with 139k on it.



What I have done-



Tires



Shocks



Front brake pads (need a rotor for the front left, warped)



Transmission @ 190k. Someone had been in the O/D unit before I got it, as per one of the guys at Goerends. (Had the rear main and both t-case output seals put in at same time as trans. ) They also always replace the t-case input seal.



KDP and case bolts, along with the front crank seal



Thermostat and coolant change



Starter contacts



Relay for shutdown solenoid



Batteries



Drivers door hinge



Repairs form a run in with a deer



A few small odds and ends



Regular PM stuff, and that has been pretty much it.



Everything else has been BOMBs.