2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission well, heres the plan for the Dodge

[Alphacowboy]

ok, decided to keep the 2000 but put some money back into instead of towards a new truck. So, with that said, need some advice on what to do.



List of current issues with the truck

1. ) Leaky axles front and rear

- going to replace these with the 03 axles so that should fix that issue

2. ) T-case leaks AGAIN, but its very very minor.

- should I just not worry about it?

3. ) Engine leaks, ALL OVER THE PLACE.

- Debating if I should pull the engine, replace all the seals and gaskets, also maybe have it fire ringed while its out?

4. ) Injection pump is leaking out the rear of the pump

- consensous on this is that its the good-ol' bio-diesel doing it. The new seal has been designed to thwart this exact problem, as I am not the first I guess.

5. ) Paint/body

- Truck has small dents all over it, and lots of scratches. I want to fix the body and paint the entire truck, anyone want to help? Cort (farkum) has offered up to help, anyone else? Should I go a different color? I was thinking something like the GoManGo orange that is on the Charger?

6. ) Leaky steering box.

- Who should I buy from? Heard PCS is having issues with finding good cores and doesnt sell them as of right now. Should I just pony up and get a DSS brace for it when replaced?

7. ) Interior, I was wondering how hard it is to dye the carpet black? Maybe the door inserts as well? Is there a good complete kit that replaces the carpet/seats with leather that aint going to break my bank? Also, I really dont like the light grey interior plastic pieces, how hard is it to paint these and is there anyway to make them not wear through to the old color? Should I just find a wrecked truck with the black pieces and switch them and sell mine?

8. ) Trac-bar/suspension

- Most likely going to get something from don for all these issues. Will post up more info as I get it.



I know this all sounds kinda out there, but I do like my truck, except for its faults, but fixing the above list is still WAY less expensive than buying a new truck and having a payment again, no thank you!



I am not wheeling this truck anymore, as I use it for work everyday, and I just dont want to wheel a fullsize, and this will be the tow-rig for some other project that will see the trails. I might even lower it down to a 3" lift, but I might just leave it alone height wise.



I am finally finishing the Van tomorrow night so I can drive that for work most of the time, which frees up the Ram for the tare down. I will mainly use the van for work, but the truck will still be used to pull the trailer when needed or to haul other materials.



I know I could toss alot of the proposed money above at go-fast stuff, but I want a reliable, good looking truck to drive. Not worth much if it goes fast and falls apart in the process.



If ya'll could point me in the right directions for parts and advice on what to do, I would appreciate it very much!



thanks

Matt

 

[Signal73]

I had good luck with powersteering.com for my steering box. It may be on backorder now though because since his name hit this site hes been getting calls like crazy!

Will say he is a little slow on refunding the core charge... .

 

[CSnyder]

Matt, I would be happy to help you with all of the above since I kinda specialize in basket cases... LOL. Just kidding! Serious though... if you want to bring it down I would be happy to help you fix all the crap on it and maybe even do the paint job for you. I did go to school for autobody and auto mechanics although I have never used the schooling for more than my own benefit. I mostly do tractors but the customers are coming from as far as Oklahoma to have me do a parade finish job on their machines. I have plenty of shop room and a spare truck you can take home and you can come down whenever it works out and help. Heres a picture of the last tractor I did. You have my numbers... call me if you are interested. Chris

 

[NVR FNSH]

Why are you replacing the axles instead of repairing the originals?



Brian

 

[Alphacowboy]

Why are you replacing the axles instead of repairing the originals?



Brian

this should answer your question on that front.

http://turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?t=157632



plain and simple, more desirable gear ratio for me, and on top of that they were pretty cheap.

 

[Alphacowboy]

Chris, that would be pretty awesome of ya to give up space to fix up the Dodge. I dont want to go "Overhaulin'" crazy to it, but if I paint it, windows, doors, interior, all of it is coming out and its going to be a full body paint. Basicly, i want it to look factory. I know not everyone likes rally stripes, but I want to do the the Orange with ghost charcol colored stripes down the hood, roof, and tail gate. Know anyone with a cool cowl hood for cheap? :-laf



If you wouldnt mind this project in your shop, for lets say a few months, that would be cool. I dont have all the money to fix it up yet, and the amount of time I have to spend on it would be minimal being that its going to be a few hours away. I just dont want to take up space in the shop for a few months and **** ya off, ya know?



I'll have to start saving up here quick. Tempted to take out a small loan agains the truck to pay for most of it, then my payment will be super low and basicly I will get a new truck out of the deal.





Another quick question, if I do pull the motor, I know 127k miles is bearly broke in, but would it be worth it to drop the oil pan, and put in new lower bearings, seals, and oil pump? I mean its out, and bearings are cheap right? just thinking, if a few bucks now makes it last anouther 100k, all the better, as I dont plan on getting rid of this truck anytime soon.



And final last question, and this is the big fabrication crazy one, do I dare stretch the frame and make it a long bed? I know I know, crazy maybe, but in all reality, I hate the short box with a passion. I am not looking to pay anyone to do this, I would be doing it myself with a buddies help for the cost of material and basicly a few dinners and brewskys along the way.

 

[Alphacowboy]

4. ) Injection pump is leaking out the rear of the pump

- consensous on this is that its the good-ol' bio-diesel doing it. The new seal has been designed to thwart this exact problem, as I am not the first I guess.

I'm an idiot... . injector line closest to the block had worked loose... no more leak! at least it was an easy fix! :-laf

 

[EricBu12]

Matt,



you may have read that I just had the Block changed on mine and bored . 020 over and had the transmission rebuilt. . All of this cost 10 grand and now I am in your boat on the paint and wondering about the shortbed stretch... If I was to do this, would make mine a true crew cab and long bed... since you're cutin, might as well...



Was wondering on color too. . I have the Bronze and I like it but I might make my lower silver more of a chrome silver. .



There are interior carpet and plastic paints available at hardware stores. . they say no prep but just get it real clean and it should work



When you get the new pump, get the DSS and the 3rd gen trackbar bracket... they make an adjustable 3rd gen bar for lifts as well.



Where are your engine leaks? have the engine steam cleaned and run a bit to see... oil pan? VC?, front cover? I think my lower bearings on my rebuild was about $200 so yeah if you want, do the seals and bearings... I wouldn't recommend fire ring if you are not dragging or racing. . stock works well. maybe think about a hybrid turbo to get 40 psi with a stock size drive and elbow...



Let me know how you do,



Eric