Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) rust bucket fix or not

[wrichards]

I have a 1995 12 valve with 70k on the clock. Problem is the undercarraiged is in severe need of the following. All brake lines, Transmission lines, fuel lines, thats just where I am begininng. any advice or places to obtain kits for this complete to make replacement easy.

 

[wrichards]

also do you think its worth keeping or will be constant headaches with rust

 

[Axtell3]

How bad is the rest of the body and frame?

Most of the lines can be had at your local auto parts store. Nothing fancy about them. I re did my transmission lines in oil rated rubber tubing reduced the number of clamps by I think 10. reduced the number of drips by probabbly a half cup a week to zip.

I'm slowly working my way in on fuel lines heres cheapish marine grade rubber tubing linkMMI Marine - Boat Hardware, Parts for Taiwan Boats, and Boat Accessories

I recall that it calls for 3/8 supply and 5/16 return line. Brake line is generally generic.

 

[wrichards]

What is the i. d. of the transmission hose you used. Also how did you secure it under there.

 

[Axtell3]

1/2 inch which I got at NAPA. I used zip ties of course! Also sections of heaterhose, I think 3/4" slit down the side in high wear areas. From the heat exchanger I ran the front line forward to the cooler by the radiator on the passenger side of the block then from the cooler back to the rear(inlet) fitting on the transmission. That gave more room for the lines than both together to the heat exchanger, then back around to the cooler. The rear inlet allready had a barbed fitting installed for rubber line attachment. Front outlet I replaced the factory line with one from NAPA with the checkvalve in it. I've read some folks think the valve restrict flow, but the guy I talked with at Goerend Transmission said that was not the case. Figured he had more experience on the matter than I...

Zips hook to whatever brackets I could, even reused a couple original transmission line retainers that weren't rusted off. (NY salt)



Temps so far haven't gotten over 160, towing landscape equipment up our local hills daily, a couple days in the upper 90's, I think my body temp was hotter than the transmission.

 

[wrichards]

Anybody else want to comment on how rust should be handled, was thinking of going throg wole truck frame, suspension, etc and knocking off loose rust than coating with drain oil on regular basis. Pervious owenr also fancied up the engine to hid the rust with black spray paint. Hate that too. Thoughts?

 

[Axtell3]

I did that with a trailer once. Whacked it with a hammer to knock off the big scale. I went with paint, being a trailer, but oil would work on the underside.

That was a nasty trailer. Good riddance.

 

[wrichards]

anybody else have rust issues?

 

[MHalloran]

I have a 96 Club Cab. Truck was exposed to 10 years of harsh NJ heavily salted winter highways. Body is still in OK shape but like yours sounds, I cringe when I crawl underneath. Crumbling away. I've replaced supply/return fuel lines from injection pump to fuel tank with marine hose (from Larry B's), replaced fuel module in tank cuz the top of that rotted out, all the brake lines throughout the truck replaced (got a roll of line, fittings & double flaring tool from NAPA), vacuum lines to front axle 4WD actuator replaced with rubber hose. One day while driving I heard a thump & a bang under the bed. I looked in the mirror to see my spare tire bouncing down the road chasing me... Holy s#*%!!!! Luckily there was no one behind me. I stopped, retrieved my tire & looked under the bed to see that the bracket connected to the end of the cable that holds the tire was bent from corrosion & it gave out due to weight of tire... #@$%!... I also had to replace the power steering reservoir. Got pin holes from corrosion. Pin holes also formed in my oil pan so that got replaced too. So as you've read here, as it rots out I've replaced it. Only because it's a Cummins & the engine just keeps on going. Do as you think is the right with yours. You just can't kill these engines... ... .