My Dodge Truck Project (Cummins Inside)

[joesregalproject]

Changed out the fuel filter today. Wow, was it bad. I can't believe it was even running with it this dirty.

Also found a couple universal battery tie downs at the parts store. The originals are so corroded they weren't worth trying to clean up. For a universal part these fit pretty well but they aren't OEM quality.

 

[DRIVEN]

That filter mght be older than you are.

 

[Texas82GP]

I remember changing the fuel filter on Dad's 6.2 Suburban. It would not tolerate lack of fuel filter maintenance and was a real pain to get cranked up the first time after a filter change. It sounds funny saying it but, good times.

 

[joesregalproject]

That filter mght be older than you are.

Gotta be close.

I remember changing the fuel filter on Dad's 6.2 Suburban. It would not tolerate lack of fuel filter maintenance and was a real pain to get cranked up the first time after a filter change. It sounds funny saying it but, good times.

When I was at Ford fuel filter was always one of the first things we checked when diesels came in for driveability issues. Diesels are usually picky about fuel filters. Apparently this one wasn't.

This one has a primer button that you gotta pump up, then you put your foot to the floor when you restart it.

 

[joesregalproject]

Drove the truck to work on Friday. It got me there and back without any drama.

Over the weekend I fixed the plate light short circuit. I got two pigtails and two bulb covers from the junkyard. The plate lights now function and the parking lamp fuse shouldn't blow anymore.

I also got a grille emblem at the junkyard too. Mine was missing. I think this emblem is around $50 from FCA or Stellantis or whatever the f*ck Chrysler is calling themselves now. I got it for $1. A little cutting polish and it looks new.

I took it for a drive Saturday night and noticed a few things. First, it was 36° when I started it and the truck and it was not plugged in. I cycled the grid heater and it started right up. It coughed for the first minute or so but after warming up it was fine. That's a definite improvement over the last cold start.

Secondly I noticed the transmission acting up again. Same symptoms as before- reverse intermittently working, not shifting without letting off the throttle, and some slipping. I pulled over at a gas station and checked the transmission fluid. It was down below the safe range on the stick. Fortunately I had a quart of ATF with me, so I dumped the whole thing in and drove back. From that point on, the transmission worked fine. So the transmission is clearly sensitive to fluid levels. I'm very suspicious of the cooler lines so I'll be changing those out soon.

This afternoon I was able to sell the cap/camper shell/canopy/whatever. Last time I tried to sell a cap, I couldn't even give it away; I wound up cutting it up and throwing it in the dumpster, so I was thrilled to have someone actually give me a few dollars for this one. I think it looks 10x better without it.

Now that there is some light inside the bed I can see that this truck definitely had bed sides put on it. Not anything to worry about and it looks like it was done properly, but I can see where the welds were ground down on the pinchweld.

Not sure how I feel about the warped plastic drop-in liner. The liner has cutouts for a 5th wheel but the bed doesn't.

 

[DRIVEN]

Is this presumably where the 5th wheel plugged in or something else?

Sounds like the shakedown is about done. Operation Unphuk is just part of any project car. You're getting close.

 

[81cutlass]

Making nice progress!

I've heard a quick wave with a heat gun will renew the plastic trim on top of the front bumper and make it look newish.

 

[Supercharged111]

Is this presumably where the 5th wheel plugged in or something else?

Nope. It's like taking the thing, tow mirrors out but lacking a trailer hitch, one step further.

 

[joesregalproject]

Is this presumably where the 5th wheel plugged in or something else? View attachment 187120

Sounds like the shakedown is about done. Operation Unphuk is just part of any project car. You're getting close.

It might be. I have to look closer but I don't recall seeing anything else that stood out there.

I've performed Operation Unphuk more than a couple times.. I've still got a way to go on this one before I start racking up any real mileage but I'm comfortable taking it on errands and to work. Besides tracing the remaining mystery wires, I need to

1.) Fix the transmission leak.
2.) Change thermostat and water pump, clean out radiator and put new coolant in it.
3.) Look at the hydroboost/steering pump. Its kinda noisy.
4.) Fix the exhaust manifold leak.
5.) Tab the killer dowel pin.
6.) Put better battery cables on it.

 

[joesregalproject]

Making nice progress!

I've heard a quick wave with a heat gun will renew the plastic trim on top of the front bumper and make it look newish.

Might have to give it a shot. That trim has some broken clips so if it gets ruined its not a big deal. Not sure what I want to do for a front bumper. I don't love the stock one but I haven't seen one that I like any better. I see a lot of guys putting 4th gen bumpers on them. I think that looks awful. I like Ranch Hands but they are pricey.