Greetings fellow DMLer's,
The first of December I was fast approaching 100,000 miles on my '97. It was
time to decide if I should sell/trade it and get a new Quad Cab. After some
deliberation, I decided that I just could not part with it. The body and
interior were
in almost new condition, the 5.2 was quiet and strong. But I did not want a
vehicle
that drove and handled like it had 100k on it. I also want extreme
reliability.
So I began an extensive upgrade program to put the truck in near new
condition.
Beginning with the brakes, I had new Raybestos fronts and rears installed
along with
new brake flex hoses. Next was the Transmission. It is already a highly
modified
unit but I had it disassembled and everything checked and installed a new
MOPAR
Torque Converter. Then came the driveline. The u-joints were getting tired
and
there was some vibration from one of the drive shafts. So I replaced the
entire
unit, all u-joints, two new drive shafts and center bearing. Comes as a
single unit
from MOPAR. As for the axle, it is an 8 1/4 3.92 TracLoc. I knew the
TracLoc was
showing signs of wear so I had the entire axle rebuilt with a new TL unit,
all new
bearings in the Diff and new shaft bearings and seals. Next I had installed
two
new front hubs as the right side was a little sloppy. Also a front end
alignment.
Then came 4 new TrailMaster N7 Invader Shocks and a new set of tires.
The engine was in near perfect condition but I plan on drive this another
100k so
I replaced the water pump, timing chain and gears, rear main seals, cleaned
the
throttle body, new plugs, Accel Wires, cap, rotor, all hoses and vacuum
lines.
Flushed the cooling system (wasn't dirty) replaced the 180 thermostat.
Installed
a new Goodyear Gatorback drive belt. Replaced the fuel pump and tank filter
and my Aux Inline filter. Installed a new Cat and both O2 Sensors. Had the
entire exhaust system painted (4 coats cured one day between coats), painted
the drive shafts, detailed the chassis and re-rust proofed everything.
I got the truck back tonight and my wife and I went for a ride. Beautiful.
Not a
rattle or squeak in it. The upgrades coupled with the modifications I have
made
in the last several years really paid off. I swear it drives better than the
day I
took delivery. Other mods include Hypertech PTM, Transmission, Flowmaster
duals and Poly E bushings throughout the chassis. I have a near new truck.
I would NOT recommend this as an economic alternative to buying a new
vehicle.
It would probably have been cheaper to trade it on a new one and make some
modifications. But, the truck has sentimental value to me and I want to
drive
it a few more years. I'm a happy camper :)
Should you wish to vew the truck, it is at this site:
http://www.geocities.com/dennismarathon (under Daves Truck)
These were taken last fall just before I began the upgrades.
Tonight the Dak has 103,531 miles on it.
David R.
Sterling Heights
Michigan
drd892@aol.com
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