Componet life

[bavrit]

I am curious about how long the alternator, water pump, 4X4 front wheel bearings, water pump, and u-joints last. I have 70K miles and plan on an extensive drive this summer. Starter went at 60K miles! I would rather do preventative maintenance. Thanks

 

[HoleshotHolset]

Well, I've had my truck since last May '01 and since then I've done this to it:



Dumped the downpipe under the cab - then went straight piped, removed silencer ring, took plate out - and adjusted AFC, installed gauges, installed Piers' governor springs (best mod thus far... ), redid my transmission lines with 1/2" double braided hydraulic hoses, rear main seal (it was leaking when I bought the truck), two transmission fluid/filter changes, front/rear diff and transfer case fluid changes, two front calipers, a set of brake pads, killed my KDP with CPFF's jig..... and that's about it.



This is a daily driver and I've put about 30,000 miles on it since I bought it. Notice how most of the stuff I've done is elective surgery... .



The alternator is a stout unit... and readily available/rebuilt... . the same goes for the water pump (you mentioned it twice... )..... by not having the engine cooling fan beating the crap out of it... it lasts longer... . plus it's easy to change. The wheel bearings are a pain in the butt to work on... but mine have been okay... . same story for the ball joints... . and all of the steering components.



Keep the fluids clean, don't beat on it like a rental, and everything should be just fine.

HTH,

Matt

 

[M Barnett]

Had mine since new and no problems except shocks and a rear main seal that was factory defective. Tight front end.

Michael

 

[pwknapp]

Grease the u-joints and front end, change the fluids and enjoy. My water pump has 400k on it and still running strong. On my second starter with 1 rebuild in between. (start it about 20-30 times a day) Just replaced alternator at @340k. Front bearings were replaced at 25k by dealer and just passed inspection when I had the front axle u-joints replaced @ 380k. Put in a 3k GSK kit and bump up the timing. (make sure you have gauges) Yes don't drive it like a rental, drive it like you stole it.



400k Hot Shotting and still running strong. :--) If you want to, toss a water pump in the back so you can have a great trip.

 

[WDaniels]

Had a electrical rebuild friend tell me that the slip ring in the Alt will start to show real wear around 110,000 and that I should check mine. I had 123,00 when I took it in and he was right, it was just about gone. The rebuild shop said that it wouldn't have lasted another 10,000 miles. I now have 131,000 miles and so far everything else is still good.

 

[JJW_ND]

If you on top of maintenance (sounds like you are) I would not replace or worry. Leaks and loud noises should be followed up on.



I have 210K on my 96 have the orginal waterpump, most of the frontend (ball joints) still factory. Electrical all original.



The things I had to replace (fan clutch, right front U-Joint) gave me lots of warning.



I most cases under "normal use" which can include lot of towing and hard pulling) the components will last a long time ... . several hundered thousand miles.



I have only install one set of front brake pads.



jjw

ND