My 97 CTD 3500 has 198500 miles, and I have owned it since 165000. So far, i've bought new tires, all new front brakes, wheel bearings, rotors, ball joints, transmission, clutch, batteries, working on replacing fuel solenoid, going to replace shocks next. What is going to give up the ghost next? generator, water pump, starter? Should I carry spare parts with me, such as starter, generator, etc? I spend a lot of time on the road and don't want to be left stranded. I need to be prepared. I do carry a spare fuel filter and a mess of tools with me. Should I also carry extra belt, hoses, etc?

 

Wow, thats quite a list...

How did you break your 5spd?

I wouldn't worry too much about anything on the truck... sounds like you can get another 100,000 out of it with minor repairs...

 

I was coming back from Austin TX to Iowa and my trans started making a gear/growling noise I check the fluid and it was OK. Then I pulled up to a toll booth in Stroud OK and Went to take off and poof no more trans. It would roll slightly but grind horribly. It was spewing fluid everywhere. I called a friend of friend and he said to call Poskeys Auto Repair in Stroud. They had a wrecker out in no time. They had a used 5 spd and new clutch in my truck in 8 hours hours. From start to finish I was only broke down for 24 hours. They put me in the front of the line. It took longer to get the transmission in Tulsa than to put it back in. I don't know what happened to the 5 spd, but is self destructed in some way. I had a lot of drive line lash before it went out.
Thanks for your input.

 

Sounds like the issue is with the truck, not its motor.

Considering how simple these trucks are once you have replaced these drivetrain parts you will be good for a long time. Just don't leave worn parts where they can destroy new ones.

My whole front end steering needs replacement @144,000. One ball joint has already been done as well as both rotors. I need a seal at the transfer case. For preventive proactive stuff I plan on eventually doing the body mounts, spring bushings, and know that some parts around the Cummins will fail too, but if they do its OK because thats normal.

It is discouraging but what you end up with is still a great truck.

 

That's gotta be some of the best advice I've heard in a long time!

And roughstock, the only thing that comes to mind is a starter problem. I've read of others having their starter contacts burn up leaving them stranded. I'm not sure it's a huge problem, but something to look into nonetheless. Sorry I don't have any more info or a source for you. But you can probably do a search and get all the info you want.

Good luck man

 

I can give you a prime example of that....I have a 95 2500 4X4 CTD 234,xxx miles.....that was owned by a farmer who was meticulous about replacing worn out parts. The truck is completley solid. It needs nothing. I just bought this 96 2500 4X4 CTD 135,xxx miles owned by someone a lil less responsible. Things are wearing or worn and need replacing, seals, belts, front end parts, brake lines, etc... upkeep on the truck was little if any, so I'll be replacing things soon. The truck must be approaching the limits on wear for the mileage. But, I like the low mileage engine ....if only the parts had been replaced as needed this would be a extremely great truck like my 95.

 

Sounds like you've got alot of your bases covered. Like was said before, get a set of the upgraded starter contacts and throw them in the glove box. The thing about these trucks is that, chances are, if theres a well know problem that is a regular occurance, someone most likely makes an upgraded part to repair it. Why replace when you can upgrade ?!?

MIke