Bulletproofing my Truck

[Clay]

There are two different timer options, right? Any preference?

 

[mwilson]

I would most definitely do it again. The original unit cost me a thousand. I have put about 700 into the unit over the course of the last twelve years and it is still running strong. I have learned a bunch about the unit, of which the most important is to change the o-rings that go to the water pump every time you open the case. If not... IT WILL LEAK eventually. The o-rings get baked and hardened over time and never seal right again if disturbed. The biggest portion of the cost was changing the water pump last year. It was 300 on its own. The other screw job is paying customs on parts as most come from Canada.



Troubleshooting is real easy. It has trouble codes and the unit is straight-forward. It is easy to take apart and the design is top-notch.



If you get in a bind for parts, call Trailercraft in Anchorage and they can get you anything and fast. Royce at the Commercial St. store is good at dealing with Espar and getting parts.



I use mine twice a day for 5-6 days a week and use it from about 1 October through 15 April. They tend to run better if used more like any machinery. Running it periodically during the summer keeps it happier as well.

If you have the part numbers you can also go to a Thermo-King or Freightliner Dealer.

I get parts from both sources, depends on price and availability.



I have a spreadsheet all loaded on this Laptop that converts the Espar numbers over to Thermo King part numbers so shout out if you ever need that done for you.



Mike.

 

[Clay]

Well, I put on my Carli suspension kit and when getting ready to do the alignment found that all my ball-joints and tie-rod ends are bad. I've got less than 30k miles and the truck is 2. 5 years old (I didn't get to drive it for a year, hence the low miles) so I figure the warranty might cover it, but I don't even know if I trust the dealership here because I had it in there last week for the tie-rod recall and they apparently didn't even notice that I have overly worn tie-rods.

And if I don't have the dealer do it, any recommendation for what tie-rods to go with? Searching around it seems like the better options are the Kore steering retrofit kit (http://www.koreraceshop.com/mopar-factory-steering-system-retrofit-2003-2009-dodge-2500-3500-4x4. aspx) which looks pretty much the same as what I have or going all out with the Thuren Fabrication Extreme Duty kit (http://thurenfabrication.com/crossover.html) which means I have to drill out the holes in the knuckles. I'm sure there are other options, but I haven't really come across many.

 

[DonFitzwater]

Gene's is only marginal if you have your problem pre-diagnosed PRIOR TO bringing it in. Also, call ahead with your VIN and make sure the parts are on the shelf because they don't usually have parts in stock. At least you have the TDR. Living with the Dodges few weaknesses is easy with the TDR on your side!