What if it Snows?

Well the good news is I don't have to drive over night again tonight. Next and final drop is at 0900 tomorrow morning and only 3 hours away. I've got enough on my clock to get an hour of it today. Then just get up at 0600 like normal.

 

Well.

It seems during the night a gremlin attacked.
Brake lights stay on on trailer, when you touch brakes all marker lights come on.
Old pigtail had a bulge, so I did the obvious, changed that, to no effect.
All lights are “thief proof” with rivits.
So I’m not waiting here til tomorrow for time in the shop, I’m heading 170 miles home, with lights on to draw less attention in these daylight conditions, and to get my power probe bad wire device finder.

It’s time.

 

I just got of the phone with cummins, North Little Rock, since they have yet to start on the KW.
The dude said, “For that 455 ST engine, we like to replace that whole engine to a 500 cummins @1850 torque, we have one in stock, and can do it today for 34500, labor will put it in the mid 40s.”

me
“What’s tomorrow’s price?”

Cummins dude
“I’m Sorry...?”

me
“You said today’s price, I’m hoping tomorrow’s price might be a little cheaper.”

Dude
“Well, it’s 188$/Hour.”

Me
“...That’s over 3 bucks a minute.
How much for inframe kit, and a place under a shade tree, not outside the Ritz?”

Dude
“Yada yada, they very, yada yada between 5200-5700$ plus 55 book hours.”

me
“How much for turbo, oil and water pumps?

Dude
“Turbos have gone up, it’s $7000, pumps are around a grand each.”

me
“7 G ??
Dude, I bought one 3 years ago for 4 G and actuator was 950, wtf, this isn’t a roadside job where things are doubled.”

I’m going to just leave it there parked at they shop, it’s untouched, but it’s not costing anything, until they decide to rebuild, for the 16kish.

So,
I’m going home, might ave a gently used truck I’d be willing to sale, if the price was right.
At least I still got ole faithful.

 

I used a dial indicater on the Trailer when I checked them last summer. 01” was an obvious feel, 05” was way too noticeably loose. Bottom line, I got a good idea what’s acceptable. Doubt I’ll use it again. Maybe to check out of curiosity. Surprised at how much play difference between.01” and .05” Too many snug them up too tight. It works, but eventually the bearings start to flake off and crumble, maybe even pitted, even though they never ran hot. That’s what happened to mine. Last time I let someone else do them. I’m about as rested as Ill ever be. Going to find a hiding spot at Flying J in Knoxville, and do it. No Shop over there. Shouldn’t get any complaints.

 

Thought I found a winner, did some research though. 6.0 power stroke was a problem engine. Last thing I need.

 

Called on this one. 5.9 360 Magnum double overhead cam. Last of the Magnums. Only available in 98. Fastest SUV till the Jeep SR8 broke its record. Only problem, it’s rusty underneath. Kinda figured it was, but never know.

 

So now I’m pursuing this one. 2003 Overland model. Same as the Limited, except it has a 4.7 high output. Only available from 92-04.Replaced the old small block magnums. 20 more hp than the 360, and some beefed up internals. But less torque. Aluminum head V8 engine. Known for overheating and exhaust valve seats fall out. Also for sludge, if thick oil is used, or if Change intervals are stretched. That scares me a little. Should be OK. I’ll use 5w30 synthetic. Won’t put many miles on it. I see plenty of them for sale with twice the mileage. 05 the 5.7 Hemi replaced it. They’re better, but I don’t care much for the 05-10 models. 11-14 much nicer, but too expensive for now.