Which rockers to rock out to?

[3rdGen_to1stGen]

My 2004.5 has been rocking and rolling a long time with these keeper style rockers and they have rocked for a long time. I had one off recently and had found that it was worn enough that if I wanted to keep the party going, I would need to do so with all new rockers. Apparently, the keeper style is superceeded by the newer style rocker assy. which supposedly rocks more but at a price. From what I can tell my truck can rock out to either rocker assembly. They are both Cummins part numbers but I'm not sure if the new style rockers rock enough to justify just under a few hundred for the original style vs $7-800 for the keeper less style; both new, both Cummins OEM. I feel my money could be better spent and they are both just fine but I really have no way of knowing if the new style rockers rock that much harder or if it's just because they are new and it makes you feel good to get the latest. The ones that came standard with the truck have been in action for almost 250000 miles and my truck has not always had a good home like it does now.
I need to make a purchase quickly because this deal won't last and I have a guy that will do them all free when he fixes my AC this weekend. Can anyone explain why I would want $800 worth of rocker rather than the originals? If it's because all they will ever need is adjustment every 100000 and they will last the life of the truck or they operate better then maybe. But if it is just because they changed the design and it's not that much of an improvement...I have blend doors, front end parts to fix hoping for a nice turbo for birthmus and I'm on a budget here.
Thanks in advance!

 

[3rdGen_to1stGen]

No help yet? Anyone have this issue or know what I am talking about with the original keeper style Rocker Assy's vs. the new style rocker Assy's?

The website say either will work and the original is a solid option for a good build for those on a budget...sometimes newer doesn't mean better. I don't want a truck much newer than mine as it would limit my options with all the new emissions, new oil spec, more electronics (of course) and so on. You could even argue that although the 24v has advantages that the 12v is better in certain ways.

Anyhelp please. And if I do this myself, is the Haynes going to have all the specs or am I going to need better tech manual?

 

[jgillott]

It would be helpful if you could post the part numbers for the rocker arms you are considering so that we could get an idea of what you are trying to compare.

Also, do you happen to have a picture of the wear you are concerned with on your current ones? 250 K is nothing on those parts in most cases.

 

[3rdGen_to1stGen]

To answer your question: There is a Cummins near me and they wanted to sell me the $125 ones just as described Like these: https://cppdiesel.com/cummins-rocker...UaAlBhEALw_wcB

Pure Diesel Power has them for a bit less and they are the same Cummins PN but at $87 each: https://puredieselpower.com/dodge-pr...y-4995602.html

If you scroll down and click on the keeper style on that very same page you see the keeper style which they are selling for just under $40 each or $28.50 each of you get 6. That was the only reason I gave them a second look.

Being and aircraft tech, I am used to having every thing at my fingertips regarding torque value, what material to use on threads etc...I am pretty sure I could just wing it but if there was instructions spelled out I would be all too pleased to give them a look.

I have attached the pics the guy that was working on my truck sent.

Thanks again.

 

[jgillott]

Forum member MWilson is the guy that can really point you in the right direction regarding part numbers. Hopefully he will chime in here.

 

[3rdGen_to1stGen]

I appreciate that. I am pretty certain that we are dealing with the right parts. The Cummins center in my area recommended the newer ones and they matched it up based on my engine SN. The Pure Diesel Power ones that are $87 each are the same Cummins Factory certified part according to them. I feel like I should go with the newer ones as they supersede for a reason and I have been told they have better oiling capability.

If nothing else, I would really like to know how to get my hands on the manual pages regarding the installation of the rocker arm assemblies. These come with pedestals and all. I get the basic idea and think I could wing it but if I can have the procedure in hand with torque specs, recommended bolt goop to use and to be able to know what the book says step one actually is and so on, why not have it?

So you asked for pics showing the wear. What do you think, are they worn?

 

[jgillott]

If that was my truck, I wouldn't worry about them.

 

[3rdGen_to1stGen]

Ok, I am inclined to agree but wanted to be sure. I guess nobody else has an up or down vote on the matter for us?

 

[Prairie Dog]

They may only have another 900,000 miles left in them so if you want to be safe, replace them.
But I'd keep them.