Where's the best place to get replaceable parts?

[BC]

Have a question for y'all. I need to order a new fuel filter, serpentine belt, and replace the antifreeze.



I've read about some memebers ordering these replaceables from Cummins and saved a lot of money. I've always gotten them from Dodge. Where do y'all order from Cummins?



Also, I read a post that mentioned "brake strips", they're used to test brake fluid. Where do I get these and are they worth the cost?



Lastly, I need to replace the antifreeze. Is there a best brand to get?



Thanks for any help from those in the know, and as always, thanks much.



Bill Cook

 

[The patriot]

Bill, Geno's is about the best price I've found on fuel filters.

I think it was carparts.com that was good with the serp belt. Somebody posted a discount code, and with this code (20% I think?) the belt was about $19. 00. Anyone have a new code? This was last year, so it's expired by now.

Go to your yellow pages for Cummins dealers. Or an internet search.

I never used brake strips. I just change the fluid about every 50K miles. I use a turkey baster type thing.

Anybody that sells "low silicate" antifreeze should be OK, but check with your manual just to be sure it's the proper spec. I called my local Mack dealer, and they delivered it to my house for $30. 00 a case (6 gallons). The brand they had at the time was Quaker State.

HTH

Eric

PS I'm told Piers has the lowest price on overflow valves, but I dont know what the price is. I'm still on the factory one.

 

[HEMI®Dart]

I second Geno's garage. Good prices & quick shipping. I think they have Cummins recommended Fleetguard 50/50 pre-mixed anti-freeze now too.



I would go with the Goodyear Gatorback serpentine belt over the OE Dayco though. I think they are a little higher quality. They come with a lifetime warranty too.



Gatorback belt: http://www.goodyear.com/us/beltnhos/cars/gatopoly.html

 

[BC]

Thanks for the info. I bought a new oil plug from Genos several months back. They had geat service. I need to call them anyway and get a new column mount that will hold three guages plus a tweeter. I have a two guage holder now, but need to add a boost guage.



Hemi, is the Goodyear belt that much better than OE? How hard is it to install. Have done most of my own bombing on the Dodge (except for the trannie work), but I am no mechanic. Have been teaching myself as I go. Just ordered a Dodge manual that should be here later this week. Will the manual give me enough of an explanation to be able to replace the belt?



Patriot, what is an overflow valve, and how is it used?



One last question(s), I just ordered brake pads from Sam Peterson. I want to turn the rotors, I have a 4x4. Replace the pads, flush the brake fluid, and adjust my rears. I don't have a clue where to start. Is there a book or video on how to do the brakes on a '98 12valve 4x4?



Thanks for any info.



Bill Cook

 

[The patriot]

Last question first. I dont know if there is a video showing how to do brakes. It's pretty straight forward. IMO the front discs are easier to do. 8 bolts on the rim, 2 bolts on the caliper (most vehicles, I never did mine yet on this truck?)

If your petal dont pulse when you stop, so much the better. I dont turn down my rotors unless they pulse. This sint like a car, I dont know how to get the rotors off. It's my first truck.

Drum brakes are a little more complicated. I dont know if the shop manual covers this, but a Haynes, or Chiltons most likley will.

I'm still on my stock belt.

The overflow valve is on the return line for fuel on the injection pump. Pretty detrimental for performance. They last about (very variable) 50-75K miles. If the valve is worn, you'll have lower fuel pressure, and bad preformance. Hard to explain on a computer.

Dave Fritz's page might have pictures.

HTH

Eric

 

[HEMI®Dart]

I think the Goodyear belt is better the the Dayco. The 24 valve guys like the Gatorback because it won't squeak when you shut down the engine. The Dayco belt is fine. I liked the lifetime warranty included with the Goodyear belt and felt the construction was a little better than the Dayco. Either belt is fine.



Changing belts is easy. You will need a long handled 3/8 drive socket wrench. Put the square drive of the wrench into the belt tensioner, release the tension, and remove the belt. You will have to snake it over & under pulleys but nothing has to come off. Make sure you have a belt routing diagram. There should be a sticker under the hood on the radiator support. If not, its in the service manual. I was confused my first time. Without the belt routing diagram to to fall back on, I would have been screwed.



Good luck