Putting a little money into my truck. What should I prioritize?

Just keep running it, save your money for when something happens that actually has to be fixed.

I mean sure do bits and pieces here and there but if it isn't broke don't going fixing it just because. ..

Alot of the bits you are fixing isn't adding value to the truck, so whilst they probably need to be done at some stage I wouldnt rush and drop a whole heap of money in one go. Trucks die in many different ways, putting money into a truck just because is a bad idea....

Also if the truck is going well, don't sell it just because, good trucks are hard to find, so until it becomes a bad truck just keep running it..

 

I would start with the easy stuff depending on a thorough inspection and condition and age


Belts and hoses including heater hoses, power steering hoses possibly fuel lines , water pump if it appears old.
On the other hand it is Tough to say to replace a perfectly functional part when the quality of the parts and the individual replacing them is so questionable these days .

If your ready for rear brakes , all the hardware along with drums and wheel seals .


Inspection of universals and carrier bearing , replace all if you find 1-2 questionable.

While your at it check your pinions for seepage and tightness.

But first off I would throw some new batteries in there because cold weather is right around the corner and you are going to need those cranking amps. Thoroughly wiggle and check all you cable ends from grounds to positives.

That barely touches on everything else that could need replacement but if you can keep the fluids in and circulating that’s 10% of the battle.

 

Hey it’s all in what you like. I would rather own a fld flat top or set forward axle eagle than a new cascadia. You can dump all the money in that Columbia and make it very dependable. Some may think she’s still a Columbia but you may be in heaven driving it. At least you don’t have an automatic, collision avoidance headache, or adaptive can’t drive bells and whistles. All that stuff, the manufacturers add on is just money-making junk. They sit down in. Board meetings and try to figure out how to make trucks more expensive, then lobby politicians and the media to their “safety” schemes. I think your smarter for not falling in their trap. Good on you, now get out there and make more money every month.

 

I never suggested you change dance partners. Just a good Idea to plan where you are going.

 

I concur, definitely address the obvious first. It looks cleaner than 98% of the other Columbias out there with no grease stained fingerprints all over it and all the fairings intact , repainted recently or original paint?

At least it’s a light color for dealing with the heat with no a/c

 

Fix the things that cost you money. Front end loose? That'll eat tires. Snap crackle and pop is never good. King pins or spring hangers. Grease does wonders. Take it to a good alignment shop. They will check suspension out good. Fix electrical issues. Burned up truck ain't worth much.