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Time For A Rebuild

LocuMob

Fluid Technician
Joined
Mar 20, 2015
Messages
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Location
Winnebago, Mn
My '98 Dodge 2500 4x4 has been a faithful workhorse for what I've asked it to do, and in the time I've owned it, I haven't had to do much, and I have chosen not to do much on top of that. Since it's basically for in town or very short trips, I've been able to get away with it for the most part. But it's finally time to give the old gal some new life, and fix her up.

It's needed tires pretty much all year, but not being used much I've gotten another full year without doing so. But now I'm starting to get to the second set of chords popping through, I thought tires would be a good place to start. But if I'm putting new tires on, I might as well fix the steering linkage on the front end, and that's just where it starts.

The list of repairs I plan on for the truck:
1. Steering linkage
2. Driver side axle shaft and u-joint
3. Ball joint left and right
4. Front brakes if needed
5. Replace cracked transmission housing, and install upgraded parts while it's apart.
6. U-joints in driveshaft
7. Rear brakes.
8. Front and rear differential-ring and pinion replacement

Other than a crappy seat from getting in and out, the truck will be like new and should last for another twenty years. I have thought about getting collector plates for it, but I like my Support Your Troops plates, so I'll stick with those.

Laura told me.to get all that done before spring so I can haul the camper around. Ok, Boss, get right on that, Boss. And then she will wonder why I have no money!
 
If I was closer I would come give you a hand, most of it can be busted out in a weekend besides the trans and ring and pinion. Don't skimp on the ball joints unless you want to do them again in a year or two. AMHIK. Check the pass side axle joint closely while the ball joints are apart, just like the drivers side now is the time. Never any closer.
 
If I was closer I would come give you a hand, most of it can be busted out in a weekend besides the trans and ring and pinion. Don't skimp on the ball joints unless you want to do them again in a year or two. AMHIK. Check the pass side axle joint closely while the ball joints are apart, just like the drivers side now is the time. Never any closer.
Thanks brother! Skimping is not an option, no point in doing it twice. I'll replace everything that is needed so I won't have to do it again.
 
Well, I got tires, had to start somewhere. The stepson said he needed a ride while his truck gets the 68RFE built up, ouch is all I can say! ($6500 for a rebuild with better parts, and an oil cooler added to it.) He's never said a word since I put the tires on my truck, so he could use my car, ain't that grand? I've needed tires for the better part of two years, but I drive it so little I never got around to it. Finally broke down and did it. Went with factory size, 245/75/16. I had a narrower, taller tire, 235/85/16, that was on it when I bought it, so the truck sits a little lower, but I'm not wearing out the cords! Still waiting in the estimate before I bring it in. Might get my own parts, but I'm hoping my buddy doesn't jack the price too much, then he can deal with all of it.

I did get to out a battery in Laura's 2012 Charger, it was the factory unit and finally gave up the ghost. $200 for an Interstate, and the car is behaving like new. Silly me didn't check voltage before overthinking the damn thing, computer messed with my head and sent me down a rabbit hole I didn't need to go down. A little humble pie can be a good thing.

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I don't even use the volt meter on the new ones. The test can will show all that is needed to know.
 
I don't even use the volt meter on the new ones. The test can will show all that is needed to know.
Yeah, I'm not a new car type of guy, I don't spend any money on diagnostic equipment for today's vehicles. I hope I don't have to anytime soon.
 
Better be one heck of a battery for $200
It was $40 cheaper for one from the local.parts store with a three year warranty vs a six. Like it matters by that time.

I've had good experiences with interstate batteries before, they've given me a long, hassle free service life. Same can't be said for the wally world ones I've bought, so I'll pay a little more. $200 still hurts though.
 
I use a lot of AC Delco battery's, some of Napa's and occasionally one from Autovalue. We keep the Delco's and Napa's on hand at the shop.
 
Bought the last one at NAPA they were the cheapest of the parts stores around.
I'm not a fan of NAPA, wasn't before I worked in parts, wasn't when I worked at one (in reality, I just didn't like the owner) and the ones around here always have to order most parts, and I'm not paying for shipping, I've always hated that BS policy.
 
Have some good people here at NAPA and plenty of other options if shipping or cost become an issue. And yes it depends which vehicle I am shopping for Oreillys stocks more parts for the Avenger than anyone in town. If buying for the Honda might as will go direct the dealer. For other things the used parts place is just up the road away.
 
Better be one heck of a battery for $200
Heck, for $200 (about 5 years ago) I got an Optima red top. I think I got if from Summit Racing with free shipping! Also, most stuff not in stock at my local Napa is overnighted to the store for free. A lot of stuff from Advance Auto ships free if over a certain amount. That goes for Jeg's also.
 
I use a lot of AC Delco battery's, some of Napa's and occasionally one from Autovalue. We keep the Delco's and Napa's on hand at the shop.
I wish I would read more carefully before posting. I had a sealed Delco battery in my 82 Dodge Ramcharger that lasted 16 years! And it wasn't brand new when I bought the truck, well used. Sometimes I didn't start the truck for months and it worked just fine! It still worked at 16 years but cranked kinda slow when the temp dropped to the single digits. I kept it a few years more as a jumper battery. That's a testament to a hell of a good battery!
 
Anything local NAPA over night is free shipping. Anything beyond Kansas City warehouse and shipping is an extra.
 
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