Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) tst tab kit vs cummins tab

[MatthewPark]

I have heard of a tab from cummins that only costs a buck or 2. TST has a tab kit that costs over $50. What's the difference, and why should I spend $50 for a $2 part? What parts are included in the TST kit?



What are ALL the parts I need to do the tab?

 

[Joe G.]

When you buy the tab from Cummins that is what you get. Just the tab. I think it is just a sheet metal tab at that. The TST kit includes a front main seal kit, some locktite, a tab, a longer screw to hold the tab, instructions, and some RTV sealant. It does NOT include the gear cover gasket. If you buy the gear cover gasket, the front main seal kit, some RTV, a longer bolt, make your own tab, and e-mail me for instructions on how to do it the cost will still be a little over $50.

 

[Missouri Mule]

and its better to get a good washer tab than a cheap one that mite bend, letting the dowel pin come out any way.

My mechanic made a washer tab out of scrap metal he had laying around it is thick and long enough to sit on a ledge of timing case so if bolt loosens up the tab will stay where it belongs.

 

[MatthewPark]

Why doesn't it come with the gear cover gasket? It's needed, correct? Does anyone have the PN for that handy, or know a good place to find the PNs?

 

[RT66DOC]

Matthew



I used the TST kit on mine and recomend it. Everything you need and very clear instructions made it a no-brainer. Here's the first paragraph of TST's instructions:



"The TST Dowel Pin Fix Kit contains: Written instructions with color photos, a front crank seal kit, a special offset washer, a longer capscrew, tube of RTV gasket maker, a small capsule of red threadlocker. This kit does NOT include a new cover gasket, rather a tube of gasket maker like Cummins used on later B engines in place of a gasket. If you want to use a gasket, Cummins part number is 3918673. Note: During this procedure you will be removing the engine drive belt, there is not a new belt in this kit but, it is advised that you look at the belt on your truck to see if it needs to be replaced and purchase one before you start tearing the truck apart. "



The instructions also include a complete list of all tools required for the project. Very helpful.



While I had mine apart I also replaced the water pump - about 80 bucks for a new one from NAPA. I had around 100k on the truck when I did all this so I figured a new water pump wouldn't hurt. Saved the old one for a spare. Simple to change - you're already there with plenty of room and 2 bolts hold the pump on. BTW, there's NO gasket or RTV needed between the pump and block.



HTH

 

[Joe G.]

Matthew,



The TST kit comes in a small box. The gear case cover gasket is quite large and it won't fold. I think the gear cover gasket is needed. I just exchanged e-mails with a guy who just used RTV and has a leak. Now he is doing it over with a new gasket.



The TST kit is a good deal. I just did one on a '97 using the kit. We went to the Dodge dealer and got a gear cover gasket. You can make a tab and buy the other parts from Dodge or Cummins. That is a little cheaper than the TST kit plus the gasket. If you decide to do it that way, e-mail me for instructions.

 

[Forrest Nearing]

if you clean the surfaces properly, there's no reason RTV shouldn't hold as well or better than any other gasket IMHO

 

[alkirmer]

I would put in the new Gasket... I got mine from Cummins, not cheap but it is a metal gasket... .

 

[radixr]

This may be overkill, but when I replaced the gasket between the block and the power steering pump/vacuum pump assembly, I used the Cummins gasket and coated both sides of the gasket with RTV gasket maker.

 

[RT66DOC]

RTV only. No gasket. No leaks in 10K miles. Whatever.