i think this was the first mod i did.you dont have to buy a kit.just make a tab to cover the dowel pin and buy the timing gear cover gasket andcrankshaft seal.it does take some time to do it but the peace of mind is worth it.
if it is the first time then it is a half a day of messing around with it.it is a lot easier to see things with the radiatior out.i have read that it can be done with it in the engine bay.if the pin falls out and crack the gear housing that will take hell of lot more work and money to replace.there is a video of a cracked housing on utube.dont have a link but if you search for cummins,etc you should find it.was the final motavating factor for me...do a search about this as there is a write up about it.helped me alot.i also took pics of the bolts that i took out of the gear housing as they are not all the same length.
good luck!

 

what did you use for a tab?

 

either buy the kit for $100 or make you own tab out of flat stock

 

thanks, just bought the kit. always lookin 2 spend money an learn more about cummins!

 

I did mine a week ago took all day and into the night but that was cause i tried to do the valve adjustments and i painted the valve covers and timing case cover. They look so purdy now I didnt bother putting the vanity cover back on the valve covers with made it much easier to get the #6 cover back on as i didnt put the studded cover bolt on it. I still need to swing by my local cummins shop and grad 2 regular cover bolts.

 

after u took the vanity cover off did u have 2 put the bolts back in? i wanted to take mine off but not sure what the 2 bolts hold other than the cover. yah im going 2 do the KDP my radiator an ill prob get a new innercooler.