I have an idea for a new sticky

[sparks57]

Since all of our trucks are "in there golden years" (according to some), how about we put together another sticky with tips on how to look for warning signs for common problems and how to do routine inspections of the drivetrain?



I would really like to go under and take some stuff apart and look at the drivetrain to make sure everything is doing ok.



For us cheap college students, we can't afford to take our trucks to the shop for routine maintenance.



One more thing, we keep talking about getting more power, but what about some additions to the stage 1,2,3,4 list that shows upgrades to the drivetrain to eliminate weak points for the increased power (besides just trannie)? And what about brakes?



Anyways, I think they're good ideas.

 

[sparks57]

TTT



I thought this was a good idea. This post has been up for a month and no replies!!!



Routine preventative maintenance is very important! We all know that, so why is no one interested?

 

[dpuckett]

CB-

I never saw the topic, sorry I missed it. There are some vague mentions of upgrades to handle the power, but there are so many products out there, it would probably be impractical to list them all. As for th etrucks being in their Golden Years, I think that is just part of the territory- old trucks are going to break down, esp if they have been maintained on the light service schedule and worked severe service. Lack of suspension maintenance can lead to body falling apart, Esp if you live in MO or LA.



For brakes, I have heard good things about EGR. I think the ABS valve is a weak link. Seems my brakes go into anti lock mode way too soon. It's like the pressure doesnt even get to the rears sometimes. I never feel a pulse in the pedal, but it just feels like it is stopping heavy on the front all the time. But that is for another thread altogether.



Daniel

 

[Greenleaf]

If you should notice the back side edge of serpentine belt frayed or tensioner arm drifting off to the side/out of alignment the spring is weak and or the bushing is worn inside the assy. Replace it



Water pump seeping coolant from the hole in bottom of housing.

Replace it



Remove drive belt and inspect all pulleys by turning and rocking them radially against the bearing. This includes water pump/alt



Take ahold of the drive shaft at opposite sides of a u-joint. Attempt to twist the joint back/forth to observe play in the caps/bearings. Any preload in the joint will give a false reading. There must not be any tension on the joint when you check this. Any appreciable amount of play in joint;

Replace it



Irregular tire wear=suspension problems/improper inflation psi



Leaky shock... ...

Replace it



Lift front of vehicle. Check for loose ball joints/wheel bearings by setting a pry-bar under tire and lifting the tire/wheel assy.

Grab the front and back of the tire and alternate turning it left/right a small amount to observe play in tie rod ends.



Hope this is the start of some specs your after...



Scott

 

[BushWakr - RIP]

I also missed this post... I was away when it was put up and I obviously overlooked it on my return.



Let me think this through and compare it to the existing sticky(s). We currently have the "discontinued" forum for things that relate to parts/sources/alternatives but it doesn't focus on the maintianence/service aspect of your sticky idea...



Ideas on how to present the the thread as well as topics are welcome in the mean time...



bob.

 

[sparks57]

I aslo know of EGR and they seem to have a very good product line.



Specific products are not necessary, but more of just listing good upgrades, like rear disc brakes, or nv4500, or stronger pinion yoke, things like that.



And for the maintenance, you guys are dead on... just list techniques for routine maintenance so inexperienced people have somewhere to go to find out what they should do.



I say we just make a sticky that has a step by step guide to proper preventative maintenance, and warning signs to common problems.



The drivetrain upgrade idea isn't as important, and maybe it doesn't warrant it's own sticky, but definately the maintenance one.