2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission New truck...at least for me!!

[JRihani]

Hello all! I have been a "silent" member for some time now, mostly hanging out in the 3rd gen forums because that is the direction I thought I was going. Well, I am picking up my truck this Saturday in Dallas!! See my signature for some details. It has 67,000 miles on it and it has been a 1-owner vehicle.



I am going to go over it with a fine-tooth comb before I drive away. I am going to use many items off of the "new truck" checklist but I want to compile some items from the experienced owners in this forum. Some items I've been thinking about:



1. I do NOT have the killer dowel rod in a 2002, correct?



2. VP44 - any early warning signals? Should I expect to replace it around 100K?



3. It is 2wd and it will need tires. Any favorites? I'm running Dueller A/T Revos on my Jeep with success, anyone running these on a 2wd in a place that gets snow?



4. I've been running Royal Purple synthetics in my cars, anyone like this stuff in their CTD? I was alos thinking about going with the Mobil 1 truck/suv (Delvac) since it is so easy to get. I've heard people using that with success, comments? (I know this is a matter of opinion)



5. Anything else?



I'm sure I'll have more questions once I get it home. As a long-time TDR "reader" and a former materials guy at the Walesboro plant that makes these engines, all I have to say is... IT'S ABOUT TIME I GOT A TRUCK!!



Thanks everyone,

John

 

[AndrewGray]

Glad to see you got your cummins!! You have a great truck now so you will have a terrible time wipin that smile off!! I have a '02 and love it. They have their qerks but nice trucks. No need to worry about the dowel pin that has been dealt with. Your vp-44 is a weak point but its your fuel pump that is the culprit there. Get your fuel pressure checked !! Do it before ya drive it . Check it at the shrader valve at the pump. DC goes by the fuel flow but pressure is a better guide in my opinion or at least easier to keep track of your fuel pump. It should be 15 idle , 12# cruise, and 10# WOT or pretty close to those pressures. If your pump isnt doin that than replace it and probably can under warranty if you still have it. As far as tires go I run in snow but i run an all season type tread and a 10ply tire . They are firestones. You can run what oil you like . A lot of people here run synthetic as I do from bumper to bumper. I use the Rotella synthetic and works great for me. Otherwise have fun driving it . You have a great truck and many many miles of great times.

 

[JRihani]

Thanks for the advice! I'll be sure to check the fuel pressure before leaving.



As for the smile... I think it'll be permanent!



My lovely wife surprised me by asking to make the trip with me. Hopefully I'll win another fan!

 

[sardoghauler]

Congrats

About a year ago Ibought my first on used as well with about the same mileage. Six months later my Lift Pump was kaput. I didn't know to check it at the time I bought.



As for the perma-grin. . it'll go through stages. Amazement at first. That'll morph into unconditional love. In the end it becomes a devious little grin gnawing at you wallet asking for more, more, more. Power, utility, looks, sound... ... the list goes on.



Be prepared to eat up gas on the drive home. It's hard to keep from slowing down just so you can drop your foot and hear the turbo wwhistle

 

[KBalzuweit]

Does it have a gooseneck hitch in the bed? If so look it over REAL good. I have looked several "texas" trucks and have found if its a good deal its usually to good to be true. They work there trucks real hard down there. Hope its a good one and it works out for you. Welcome to the land of the second gen!! Karl

 

[JRihani]

No gooseneck/fifthwheel. You are right about a lot of those Texas trucks... they look like they were used for towing! As with any used vehicle, time will only tell whether or not I got a "good one". I'm getting it looked at before I go out there so hopefully that will catch anything major.



Thanks!