well ive had the truck for just under a month now, so im lookin into fixing it up a bit and getting it reliable.

It has about 225,000 miles or so.. I just changed the oil (rotella t and mobil 1 filter, nothin less of course)... and just noticed the exhaust manifold is cracked! Is this caused by something, or do they tend to stress over time? The crack is in the direction from the turbo straight to cylinder head.. I guess what im asking, is I should probably be safe just buying another manifold, and replacing the manifold.. ?

The truck dont appear to have been abused before.. body is excellent, engine bay clean, still had the stock turbo/silencer ring, stock exhaust, etc.


2nd question, semi drivetrain related.. brakes..

Once I brake about 4 or 5 times, from there out i get some shaking and loud squeaking. It sounds like its in the front end. I bought new rotors and pads, and took off the front wheels. The rotors and pads look fine!! The rotors look a tad warped though (spin them, and there brake pad moves up and down a bit, and can see a slight gap in the brake pad and rotor come and go.. Is this enough to cause my symptoms? Im going to replace them anyways and probably replace the backs just to be safe.

Can anyone tell me what size tools i need to take off the rotors.. I dont have the axle nut size or whatever holds the caliper on (looks like its allen-keyed bolts???.. man i hate those!)

 

On the manifold I would replace is with the ats or htt pulse manifolds and I don't know on the brake question

 

If you are getting into the rears, go ahead and put in the larger GM spec wheel cylinders. They are a big improvement over the factory ones.

I second the suggestion to get one of the aftermarket manifolds. I have not seen the HTT, but the ATS is designed not to crack. I assume the HTT is too. It is on my list of mods to do.

 

Yeah, those manifolds like to crack, especially if the truck towed heavy. As they said, replace it with an ATS 3 piece manifold and you won't have to worry.
The calipers are held on by 3/8 inch allen bolts, and the hub requires a 14mm 12 point socket to remove. I don't remember what size the big shaft nut is- 1.75 inch maybe?

 

Thanks for the suggestions, done the front brakes last night

If i remember right the axle was 1-11/16". I dont remember the allen/point ones.

Ended up sledge-hammering the studs out to seperate the rotors/wheel bearings. Huge PITA.

Took 2 people 4 hours to do both sides... Next time it would probably only take 1-2hrs.

The manifold im not sure of yet, stock manifolds at $50 vs ATS at $400... might just get another stocker.

 

Get one off a 2001 or 2002. Believe they were redesigned...Stronger. No cracks in either year, that I have heard of. Should fit.
RJ

 

$50 has to be used. There is one on ebay right now. If you have to buy new, you might as well go for the ATS.

 

2002 for sale on TDR classifieds from Ollie Poole... http://www.turbodieselregister.com/c...uery=retrieval
Same place I bgt one for my external wastegate. Was in excellent condition.
RJ

 

Yes, that would be used... I can buy a ATS locally for $400, are they worth it? Do they give you any increase in power, lower egt's, etc?? Truck is mostly stock (for now), id do some real basic upgrades in the near future though (comp box, injectors, exhaust, turbo)...

Im not sure if $350 more than a stocker is really worth it??

 

Timmay2
If you plan on adding a comp and injectors and turbo, I would definitely recommend spending the extra $$$ on an aftermarket exhaust manifold. There is no comparison between the aftermarket and the stock one. You won't see any increased HP, but if you port your new manifold, you will definitely see a decrease in EGT's. I went with the ATS just so I don't have to worry about it again. If you keep your eyes open you can find an ATS used at a fair price.
mishkaya