new here-so excited!

[pdxkid]

well, I have a ton of questions, but I'll start with: i really want to buy a used manual transmission 4x4 extended cab pre 2000 cummins. as you all know, these are hard to come by. if i get an auto trans. and it goes out, can it be "easily" switched to manual? i love this site and mag!

 

[Steve St.Laurent]

Welcome to the site! It could be switched over to a manual but it would be pretty involved. You'd have to switch out the pedal assembly to add the clutch pedal and hydraulics, change the column to remote the auto shift lever, change the cross member behind the transmission, I believe the transfer case, and both driveshafts (different lengths), as well as adding the clutch and flywheel, etc. Given the age of the truck your looking at that would be a fairly significant percentage of the cost of the truck. I'd suggest you hold out and look for the truck you really want. Have you looked in the classifieds here? Also, Trader Online Magazine New and Used Classifieds For Sale - TraderOnline.com is a good source to find vehicles too.

 

[Hammer]

Why rule out a slushbox????...



You will get just as much money wrapped up in a good stout 5spd to handle power as you will a slushbox. While I will say the stick may have been better at one time for competition,this is not the case anymore as the aftermarket companies have caught up now.



Where do you live at and do you know what options you want?. Welcome to the TDR... ... Andy

 

[TDRadmin]

Welcome

Welcome, pdxkid. Glad you joined us.



Any problems with your subscription or access to website, just let me know (rpatton@ix.netcom.com).



Robin

TDR Admin

 

[pdxkid]

exhaust brake

thanks for the responses. i agree that holding out for the right truck is probably the best route. i've almost always had a stick and ride motorcycles and bikes, so am always shifting. kinda like it that way. i'm just looking for a truck with around 100k, 4x4, 5spd extended cab, short bed. not all lifted and crazy modded out, mostly stock. bare bones options will suit me fine. i'm interested in good fuel mileage, period. i'll hardly ever tow anything, and just haul random stuff in the bed. i just love the cummins. described to me by my friend who steered me towards tdr, as a "commercial product". has a great ring. i'm interested in getting an exhaust brake, to extend life of the reg brakes. are these practical to use in non-towing situations? mountain pass hills. i live in portland or. and travel the nw, mainly. sorry for rambling.

 

[Bob V]

You should check out Northwest Bombers and good luck with you search

 

[Regcabguy]

I'd hold out for a 2001. 5 or whatever year they came out with rear discs. I owned a '99 for seven years and the brakes were scary until I did the EGR rear disc conversion. Lot's of money for the conversion and it doesn't work as well as stock.

 

[obert]

I recently found out that if you ditch that "load compesating" brake thing on the rear axle the rear drums actually work. Wow! What a change, having 4 fully funtional brakes. Discs are better overall, but if you land an older truck, you can make it work.

 

[garford12]

Obert, please give me more info on the "load compensating" brake thing. Thanks, Bob

 

[obert]

The rear brake line goes into valve mounted on the frame, over the rear axle. The valve "core" is turned by a lever attached to a rod, other end of rod is fixed to axle. As the truck is unloaded and frame travels up from axle, valve closes off, and rear brakes are reduced. (Why??? On a truck with ABS no less? )

Transversely, you get more brake on rear with a load on the truck.



I've been aware of this little device (wish I knew he correct nomeclature. . ) for a while, never really messed with it. Had the rear brake line blow last fall, so I thought I'd replace the whole mess back there. I ran into problems with the intermediate hose between this valve and the axle. Valve end of hose has a different fitting. That hose is (was) not available, not even at dealer. I could easily get a hose for this truck that would hook direct to the steel line. (it was for an ABS option?? dont remember what spec. was different. ) I had to have the truck back on the road, only way was without valve, so I crawled under, unbolted the valve, and threw it at the scrap bin. New lines on, brakes work great.



I did notice the pedal feels a little different, but my aging front rotors dont fade and the truck doesnt nosedive so bad.



As far as I know this valve thingy is common to hydroboost systems with rear drums. Something like '97-ish to Y2k, or '01. ?

 

[Missouri Mule]

pdxkid, you mite be happier with a 98 12 valve engine,club cab/quad cab short bed than with a 2000 24 valve which comes with the infamous vp44 injector pump/electric fuel pump.

The p7100 injection pump on the 12 valves is more durable.

 

[pgleavitt]

Welcome. Being your in the Portland area I'd go visit Rip Rooks shop in Gladstone off the 205 freeway(Source automotive) and have a chat with him. He can help you decide which way to go and has alot of resources. Watch out for the 53 block. Use the search function on this site and you can answer alot of questions.