Cummins Built Not Bought/The Life of Frankie.

[CumminsPusher]

Just a few small things to add. I had to change some frame crossmember bracing around for the carrier bearing to line up and get the large exhaust through, everything back on track. Exhaust fits. Also drilled 2 wheel drive frame for the new 4x4 steering bracket and installed the Redhead steering box.

 

[CumminsPusher]

Purchased “a few” guages, boost, egt, trans temp, rear diff temp, oil temp, fuel pressure, intake hot/cold side temps. Did this as I want to throw fluid in the rig so I want this already in place.

Also bought a Fast Cooler kit for the manual trans. Should run 15-25 degrees cooler, has sight glass, spot for temp probe, has a filter and adds 2 quarts trans fluid. This is just for good measure. But also wanted it on because I dump in the fluid. Also got right trans fluid coming, damn expensive at 200 but it’s the right stuff and won’t need changed for years. This trans will last!

And I’m taking a week off this rig. Already hit winter and I just need some downtime. Get back on it soon.

 

[TimG]

Lookin good CP. I was wondering what steering box you would use.

 

[CumminsPusher]

Lookin good CP. I was wondering what steering box you would use.

Thank you.i wish faster. I have zero experience with them, decision was made solely off of all I read. I hope it works out and is worth it. First gen is a little sloppy as everyone knows, doing everything I can here

 

[DDDonkey]

Thank you.i wish faster. I have zero experience with them, decision was made solely off of all I read. I hope it works out and is worth it. First gen is a little sloppy as everyone knows, doing everything I can here

I have used the red head steering boxes in the past with great success, the one thing I did need to do is chase the threads for the P/S lines first as they always had paint in them. They would not seal and leak unless they where cleaned out first, other than that great hints and customer service.

 

[CumminsPusher]

I have used the red head steering boxes in the past with great success, the one thing I did need to do is chase the threads for the P/S lines first as they always had paint in them. They would not seal and leak unless they where cleaned out first, other than that great hints and customer service.

Good to hear and a nice tip thank you. This isn’t my forte so the little things like that are helpful and much appreciated!

 

[TimG]

I have just researched what I have 3rd Gen."2006" . They have had steering issues up until 2009 when Mopar started using a larger steering box. Mopar recently made an upgraded steering box for the 3rd gen with larger sector shafts 1 1/8" vs the older 7/8" shaft in the factory box. They are expensive $600-$800 but are supposed to be the answer for 3rd gen steering problems. That's what I used when I had mine rebuilt. Made a world of difference. If not for that upgraded Mopar box I would have chosen Red Head, Great steering boxes.

 

[TimG]

Can't wait to see some rollin coal video !!!!!!!!!!!

 

[CumminsPusher]

I have just researched what I have 3rd Gen."2006" . They have had steering issues up until 2009 when Mopar started using a larger steering box. Mopar recently made an upgraded steering box for the 3rd gen with larger sector shafts 1 1/8" vs the older 7/8" shaft in the factory box. They are expensive $600-$800 but are supposed to be the answer for 3rd gen steering problems. That's what I used when I had mine rebuilt. Made a world of difference. If not for that upgraded Mopar box I would have chosen Red Head, Great steering boxes.

Ya it kinda sucks you have to do some of that stuff but usually you do with any rig. To not have a problem is worth a couple extra bucks.

 

[TimG]

With a battery she is ready to fire, just need all the fluids. Working on that. I know it runs so not in big hurry there but I’ll be excited to see the 4-door shake

I love hearing that Cummins going down the road, almost gives me a woody LOL !

 

[Smitty335]

I have just researched what I have 3rd Gen."2006" . They have had steering issues up until 2009 when Mopar started using a larger steering box. Mopar recently made an upgraded steering box for the 3rd gen with larger sector shafts 1 1/8" vs the older 7/8" shaft in the factory box. They are expensive $600-$800 but are supposed to be the answer for 3rd gen steering problems. That's what I used when I had mine rebuilt. Made a world of difference. If not for that upgraded Mopar box I would have chosen Red Head, Great steering boxes.

We bought an 06 last month for work, the previous owner took the front drive lin off because something was making noise, I'm guessing the transfer case needs rebuilt????????? Any advise would be appreciated ! and the steering is sloppy, think we will do the box upgrade!

 

[TimG]

We bought an 06 last month for work, the previous owner took the front drive lin off because something was making noise, I'm guessing the transfer case needs rebuilt????????? Any advise would be appreciated ! and the steering is sloppy, think we will do the box upgrade!

The upgraded steering gear box is Mopar # 68170214AB, Do some reading on it. A lot of guys say their trucks drive better than they did new. As for your trucks particular issues it would just a guess from here. I replaced pretty much all of my suspension, bearings,u joints,control arms,ball joints,steering linkages,stabilizer,tires,brakes,rotors,hub assemblies,Bilstein 5100 shocks ect.... A lot of the stuff I replaced was probly ok but I wanted everything to be in tip top shape. You never know when you might get the urge to drag a sxs across the country.

 

[CumminsPusher]

Today is exactly 1 year since I officially pulled the trigger on my dream and just happens to be exactly 4 months since I actually officially started work on the project.
Learned a lot and spent a lot and bled a little. 95% of the needed parts rigs, new parts, and upgraded equipment has now been purchased. Things are going slow with the cold temps and the tent continuing to try to fly off but still moving forward!

 

[CumminsPusher]

Bling was finally added. You’ll never see it but the Fast coolers went in tonight, simply replaces the PTO covers. Adds 50% fluid, cools up to 25deg (for every 20deg less it’s double life expectancy of the trans) adds a fluid filter, a drain plug, a fill plug (at a higher lever which drastically improves the manual) adds a magnet, adds a fluid sight glass and also adds a port for the temp gauge that’s coming.

Picked up fluid today.There are fluids that can be run in these but only the Dodge or GM fluids should be run. Sucks at 26$ per quart but the GM Fluid has a slightly higher viscosity so I chose that. 7 qts instead of 4 in going into this trans.

 

[CumminsPusher]

Decided it’s much easier to replace front springs before the front end is assembled. They are original and toast. Bushings shot as well. Pulled them tonight and they are going into a well known local shop tomorrow. Going 1in more arch with a spread out design, should ride a lot better then stock. Also having 1” longer rear shackles that should improve ride as well as road manners. I’m not a suspension guy but been reading a s*** ton and hopefully listening to the right people.
Between the shackles and more arched springs it’ll sit 1.5” taller. Wasn’t going for massive, I want the running gear to last and drive well.
Was kind of a b**** with what I had to lift the truck without using the axle but got we done. Springs loaded up.

 

[NTCPrezJB]

Decided it’s much easier to replace front springs before the front end is assembled. They are original and toast. Bushings shot as well. Pulled them tonight and they are going into a well known local shop tomorrow. Going 1in more arch with a spread out design, should ride a lot better then stock. Also having 1” longer rear shackles that should improve ride as well as road manners. I’m not a suspension guy but been reading a s*** ton and hopefully listening to the right people.
Between the shackles and more arched springs it’ll sit 1.5” taller. Wasn’t going for massive, I want the running gear to last and drive well.
Was kind of a b**** with what I had to lift the truck without using the axle but got we done. Springs loaded up. View attachment 235764View attachment 235765

Did you cut up your favorite hauling strap? Hopefully that one was just worn out and you have more railroad ties to hold your stuff in the truck when it's done.
😂 🤣

 

[CumminsPusher]

Did you cut up your favorite hauling strap? Hopefully that one was just worn out and you have more railroad ties to hold your stuff in the truck when it's done.
😂 🤣

I cannot comment on the possibility that I still have a 6ft chunk laying around for emergencies

 

[Mopower58]

Purchased “a few” guages, boost, egt, trans temp, rear diff temp, oil temp, fuel pressure, intake hot/cold side temps. Did this as I want to throw fluid in the rig so I want this already in place.
View attachment 234629View attachment 234630
Also bought a Fast Cooler kit for the manual trans. Should run 15-25 degrees cooler, has sight glass, spot for temp probe, has a filter and adds 2 quarts trans fluid. This is just for good measure. But also wanted it on because I dump in the fluid. Also got right trans fluid coming, damn expensive at 200 but it’s the right stuff and won’t need changed for years. This trans will last!View attachment 234631

And I’m taking a week off this rig. Already hit winter and I just need some downtime. Get back on it soon.

Do those trans coolers bolt onto the PTO spot?

 

[CumminsPusher]

Do those trans coolers bolt onto the PTO spot?

Yes. One on each side

 

[Mopower58]

Yes. One on each side

Yea I see it now, sorry I was a little premature in my posting!