Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) New owner

[ricklruss]

I've just purchased a '95 2500 4wd long bed diesel with 96000 miles. Never owned a diesel. I will be towing a 7000 lb prowler tag along. I know nothing about Maintaining/using a diesel. Will this truck do the trick and does anyone have any tips on differences between gas and deli engines? Basically, I am a newbe and the only quirk I have noticed is the "fluctuating temp guage (150-190)" and I have read in this forum that basically, It is no big deal. Any advice?..... Please?

 

[PUMPERDUDE]

Welcome to the TDR... There have been quite a few recalls on the 95s. It is probably worth a trip to the dealer to see if they were done... . Take care of your killer dowel pin. It could wreck your engine and your wallet..... Get used to the swinging temperature gauge. When you hook it to that trailer it should level out Good luck with your new truck.

 

[DMC]

I hope you like to work on your own vehicles. If you do then you'll be bonding with your truck soon. I suggest you get a factory service manual for your year model. I found one at the classifieds section from an owner that had sold his truck. You should start considering changing your fluids and filters, don't waste your money on a K&N air filter, oil analysis will prove higher silicon readings. Your local Cummins dealer has a good price on your oil, air, and fuel filters. Take a copy of one of the TDR publications with you so you can give them your member number and recieve, I think its good for a 10% discount. There is plenty of great information that is shared on this board. So read away.



Good Luck



DOn

 

[JoshPeters]

Welcome!

Well it all starts here..... any and ALL information you could need is right here on the TDR. My recommendations would be this:

Yes your truck will pull your trailer easily. Do you have an Automatic? If so, check out the various auto trans posts. You'll be MUCH happier with a few "updates. " Maintanance is pretty simple on these trucks, as long as you keep up on it. Since you just got it I would, change the fuel filter, change the oil and oil filter, use a Fleetguard(cummins) oil filter, change the air filter and inspect your frontend parts. One of the "problem" areas on these trucks is the front steering geometry. Check all the joints for what I call ball and socket movement. Pretend your shoulder is the joint. You want it to rotate, but you don't want it to pop out. If it moves ball into our out of the socket, replace it. Now that you are starting to read about the modifications that are VERY easily done... . you will get the BOMBing bug! (Better Off Modified Baby!)



Josh

 

[chrleb1]

Check for boost leaks. Gauges are a good thing for you to have, especially since you will be towing. Check fuel pressure also. For stock engines, a regular filter is pretty good. I run an aFe filter because of the extra need of air. Check play in the turbo shaft. Check our valves also, may need to be tightened. Killer dowl pin is the very first and most important.