Recommended towing mods and maitnenance
Thread Starter
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Diesel Fan
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 25
Likes: 1
From: Kannapolis, NC
Did want to go amsoil in the diff and tranny/tcase. Little concerned with using synthetic after so many miles on the factory fluids. I need to do more research about when and when not to use synthetic. Or maybe I'm just buying into old urban legends.
Diesel Fan
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 79
Likes: 2
From: Shaw AFB\Sumter SC
Welcome friend. In the midst of getting my truck together as well. As we speak I am having "all" the fluids replaced, new thermostat and coolant flush. Got a 3 in one gauge for $170, that covered boost (60psi) pyro and trans temp. I think the BD TC and valve body will be my next move, then the Smarty sr. I am curious to know if you can foot brake yours to get the rpms and boost up before launch. Seems like mine can't
Thread Starter
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Diesel Fan
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 25
Likes: 1
From: Kannapolis, NC
What gauge did you buy?
I have never tried launching mine. Too afraid of breaking something.
My intentions are using it as a tow rig so my mods will fall in line with towing performance, fuel mileage and reliability.
I have never tried launching mine. Too afraid of breaking something.
My intentions are using it as a tow rig so my mods will fall in line with towing performance, fuel mileage and reliability.
I tow heavy loads all the time. Gooseneck trailers are way to go if you ever need a new one.
Fluids are most important because they protect critical parts from wear. Make sure you change your motor oil frequently. Gauges are next because you have to monitor everything. An AirDog with the pressure gauge is a good idea because if your stock lift pump fails, you won't know and running it like that for a long period of time will kill your CP3 (injection pump). Programmers will add decent fuel economy and power. I'm guessing you have an auto so keep it a low setting. Fuel additives are a good idea. If you use a lot of fuel look into a bulk container from the diesel store or a similar shop. Air bags will help level the load and make it ride better. I upgraded wheels and tires, but you will sacrifice some fuel economy and ride. I did it for the extra weight capacity. Ball joints, wheel bearings and steering components need to be monitored as well. I replaced mine with moog greasables when they went bad. The wheel bearings are still ok, but some go so just keep an eye on everything. A set of free spins would help you gain some fuel economy and be easy to service if its 4wd. Brakes are still a problem for me because the rotors you get at auto parts, at least around here, are junk. I have to find somewhere to get decent ones.
Don't forget about the trailer. I upgraded to G rated tires to avoid flats and get better fuel economy (haven't really noticed any better though). Make sure to check your brakes and bearing play often. If you have greasable axles still repack the bearings and be careful how much grease you squirt in because you can break the bearing seals and have a mess when you change brakes. A stick welder comes in really handy if you get a crack or need to repair the trailer. If it is a tandem axle and you travel far keep two spares. I'm sure I left a bunch of stuff out so if you have any questions ask, but I'm on the road a lot without wifi so if I don't respond quickly; that's why.
Fluids are most important because they protect critical parts from wear. Make sure you change your motor oil frequently. Gauges are next because you have to monitor everything. An AirDog with the pressure gauge is a good idea because if your stock lift pump fails, you won't know and running it like that for a long period of time will kill your CP3 (injection pump). Programmers will add decent fuel economy and power. I'm guessing you have an auto so keep it a low setting. Fuel additives are a good idea. If you use a lot of fuel look into a bulk container from the diesel store or a similar shop. Air bags will help level the load and make it ride better. I upgraded wheels and tires, but you will sacrifice some fuel economy and ride. I did it for the extra weight capacity. Ball joints, wheel bearings and steering components need to be monitored as well. I replaced mine with moog greasables when they went bad. The wheel bearings are still ok, but some go so just keep an eye on everything. A set of free spins would help you gain some fuel economy and be easy to service if its 4wd. Brakes are still a problem for me because the rotors you get at auto parts, at least around here, are junk. I have to find somewhere to get decent ones.
Don't forget about the trailer. I upgraded to G rated tires to avoid flats and get better fuel economy (haven't really noticed any better though). Make sure to check your brakes and bearing play often. If you have greasable axles still repack the bearings and be careful how much grease you squirt in because you can break the bearing seals and have a mess when you change brakes. A stick welder comes in really handy if you get a crack or need to repair the trailer. If it is a tandem axle and you travel far keep two spares. I'm sure I left a bunch of stuff out so if you have any questions ask, but I'm on the road a lot without wifi so if I don't respond quickly; that's why.
