I just brought home a 2004 Dodge. It has 242,000 miles on it. I ususally change fluids and filters first with any new to me vehicle. Any suggestions (haha) on changes and what else would be good to change or look for? I there could be bearings to replace in the front differential. Po hit a rock and cracked the diff cover. It ran out of oil before they noticed. Any suggestions there? How about other beneficial mods to the truck(mpg...) Thanks in advance for the help and suggestions.

 

Whenever I get a new/used vehicle, I do the same thing as you. Change all the fluids and filters. Crawl around underneath and under the hood. Carefully look at every component, looking for any trouble spots. That inspection usually takes a couple of hours.

After that, just drive it. Make it your DD for a few weeks. That way you'll pick up any problems or concerns. And, you might come up with ideas to make the truck better for you - find things it "needs".

That dry diff would make me worry a bit. The gears themselves are probably OK. But bearings can go bad pretty fast when they're dry. Listen closely for abnormal noises.

 

Welcome to the DTR, and congrats on your new truck!

Check to see if the lift pump has been moved into the fuel tank, or if it's still in the engine compartment, and then do like .boB said, then enjoy it...