hi everyone,

newbie here. i have a '96 dodge ram 2500 with a manual 5 speed tranny with 185K miles.

i have several questions:

1. is there a thread or discussion in this forum that talks about using a diesel truck as a daily driver? since i work in the field, i would drive about 5-10 miles from one client to another.

2. do i have to let my truck idle for a few minutes after each use in order to cool the turbo down after driving it a few miles? do i do the same thing on 100 mile and up trips?

3. since i bought my truck used (185k miles), how would i know if the "killer dowel pin" (KDP) has been replaced?

any advice will be highly appreciated.
thank you!

 

1 not that I know but you can ask any questions and get answers. I use mine as a DD
2 couldn't hurt. Min if 10 miles or less
3 only way to know is to look under the front cover
Welcome to diesel bombers!!!

 

Thanks for your input! I guess i have to take it to a reputable shop and have them check on the KDP then because i wouldn't know what it would look like.

 

1: I do too.
2: EGTs are a sporadic thing. They go up quick, and also go down quick. If youve been idling along for even under a minute, EGTs have already gone back down. You just dont want to keep hammered into it then immediately shut it off.

 

^ what he said sounds good i wouldnt wory about the kdp to much just check it out when you get achance you should have a valve adjustment tho thats more important

 

I sent an email to the previous owner of my truck to ask her if the KDP was ever fixed. I'm hoping that she would still remember..?

 

The KDP is a easy fix if you got the time and tools. its not so bad in 24 valves but its the main killer of 12 valves Id make sure to fix it soon theres many a post on here on how to do it

 

I will definitely have it done by next week if the previous owner says that she has not taken care of it. I called a local shop already and was quoted around $320 parts and installation included. I also plan to have a EGT guage installed and the catalytic converter removed and have a open straight pipe instead.
Thanks for all your help!

 

Best of luck to ya

 

Thanks! I need that!