First CTD 04.5 2500

[Mattm094]

Hey all,

I just got my first diesel truck, an 04.5 CTD quad cab 2500 4x4 with 230k miles. I know it had been modded at one time but seems to have been returned to near stock now. I was wondering what I should be looking out for as far as issues and how to get the most out of it??? Thanks!

 

[Cummins12V98]

Don’t know much about 3rd gens but congratulations!

 

[elephantrider]

check for any excessive blow by out of the tube.
i'd touch everything on the front end. check u joints and carrier bearing. injectors are a little pricey.

that was my 1st cummins as well. loved that truck but i HAD to have a 1st gen.

 

[Killer223]

better fuel filtration. hands down the most important update to do.
then the front end. get the 08 stuff and bolt it in. as for balljoints, get the ones that can be rebuilt in the axle without having to be pressed out again.
clean oil, clean fuel, good tires. drive and enjoy.

 

[EDankievitch]

Ball joints! Carli or EMF don’t skimp. 08 steering upgrade or the Syenergy system. . Ditto on the fuel filters. Some good options there. If the lift pump is still on the engine I would update to the in tank unit. If you are keeping it stock. Any way to find out if the injectors were done? Key switch and plug. If they haven’t been done do them before they burn out. Otherwise awesome truck.

 

[jhenderson]

The 04.5 I sold has 430,000 miles on it now. Original injectors and stock fuel system. 1 set of DynaTrac ball joints, 1 redhead steering box, I set of stock tie rods and sleeves. Regular maintenance other than that.

 

[R.Taylor]

I'd do everything or at least seriously consider all of the above advice.... Check for any differential slop/play/clunks. Feel out the turbo for any shaft slop/end play. Do the ball joints for sure with Carli or the like when/if they are needed. Go to a one piece OEM late model aluminum driveshaft if applicable. Make sure the HVAC blend doors are good. Upgrade all the lighting with the appropriate LED bulbs... Headlights, Fogs, Tails and reverse. DO NOT USE THE HID BULBS FOR HEADLIGHTS (Yelling at you as Cummins12V98 would), Go to headlightrevolution.com to find the correct LED replacements. Use Amsoil or Rotella synth oil, Amsoil for the trans and diffs. Amsoil or Donaldson oil filter. Dry air filter only, No oiled elements... Like a AEM/Amsoil or such. Get a Smarty for it and enjoy... It should give you years of enjoyment and all of us here on TDR should be able to give you sound advice if an issue should arise (or creative sarcasm/criticism if applicable). I had an 05 CC but traded it in on a 06 Mega... Which was my daily driver for 12 years. If you plan on keep it .... I'd look at Carli suspension for sure.

Always remember.. An inline diesel lasts 2 times longer than a V configured diesel.. There's no such thing as PowerStroke or Duramax.

 

[R.Taylor]

I meant to say "Use a dry air filter element only like an AEM/Amsoil or such. No oiled elements... Like a K&N.

 

[HPSimpson]

You have that right no K&N the Ram Cummins turbo will suck the oil right out of that filter big time, period then no filter at all that's what happens!

 

[Cummins12V98]

I meant to say "Use a dry air filter element only like an AEM/Amsoil or such. No oiled elements... Like a K&N.

Too funny, I have used AMZ/OIL products since early 70's and a BIG Fan.

I thought I would be smart and replace my AFE ProGuard 7 big cone filter on my 98 12V with the AMZ/OIL dry conical oval filter. This happened right before heading South pulling the RV. I took off doing to town after installing and got on the freeway giving it full throttle. Got back and looking things over the filter minder was pulled down, I reset it.

Next day headed South to CA when hitting the grades in South OR and North CA the truck was NOT performing like usual. When I made it South I noticed again the minder was down again and get this the filter minder was sucked down and filter was like I had stepped on it eating it's self. My 12V had 300 RWHP so I was very disappointed and replaced it with the AFE and Wa-La the truck pulled good like before.

So that is ONE AMZ/OIL product I will tell people to STAY AWAY FROM!!!!!!

 

[Dude's Diesel Performance]

Hey all,

I just got my first diesel truck, an 04.5 CTD quad cab 2500 4x4 with 230k miles. I know it had been modded at one time but seems to have been returned to near stock now. I was wondering what I should be looking out for as far as issues and how to get the most out of it??? Thanks!

Welcome to the forum my friend! It's great to have you here. This forum is full of friendly and helpful people and you will most certainly enjoy yourself.