Fixing a Mint 1995 Ram 2500 Cummins | Front End, Coolant Leaks, Major Service, Etc.
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- Опубликовано: 21 июл 2024
- This 1995 Dodge Ram 2500 is basically mint, but it does have some minor issues. We do front brakes, front axle seals, Cummins valve adjustment, thermostat, transmission filter and bands, sending unit, coolant elbows, radio install, and lots more.
0:00 Intro and Testing
17:00 Parts
18:00 Sending Unit
23:33 Front Brakes
26:40 Ball Joints
32:48 More Front Brakes
34:09 Front Axle Seals
41:50 Even More Front Brakes
46:24 Transmission
49:32 Thermostat
53:18 Valve Adjustment
1:04:30 Start Up and Coolant
1:07:49 Radio
1:09:54 Test Drive and Wrap Up
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Seriously, what I could use is a recommendation for a ‘good’ ( I know, I know) spring compressor kit. I drove the Chevy to the levy and now I need new front shocks.
@@mikehartmann5187 No such thing. Find a shop with a Branick or OTC spring compressor and have them swapped out.
@@mikehartmann5187 Coulda been worse,coulda drove a Ford to the Fjord.
wes wes,, lez swing a 10 lb hammer..this dodge will send you broke,,''no,im not working that rusty p o s , get it out my shop,,now.''.. i think ive said before, i have an f250 s/duty, 02. with a 4.2tdi, mwm sprint. german..no glow plugs, no computer. its a diesel. 3 valve, 3'' system. mine has 700nm. about 560ft lb,ish.. gets 12.5 lt 100.. ford, didnt like selling them.. being in bed with IH..heaps in brazil,,africa..canadia, had some..4 cyl version as well. next was common rail,2008, never seen any.. cant beat i 6..
on car brake lathe. had the 5 stud bronco done 15 yrs ago, still good..rang now for it to be done on 8 stud 75 , 250.. nope.. now i have to pull front apart to replace them, fk this country..aus..everything to damn hard..
These old trucks are real work horses. I inherited my grandpa's 1994 2500 12v when he passed away in 2005. He used to keep one of those disposable tear off calendars struck to the dash. The last one is still there, stuck on the last month he drove it before he passed away..... 17 years. That truck took me and my dumb young adult choices all over this country and always managed to bring me home safe. Sometimes she was limping, but she always got me home... or somewhere safe. All the while chugging a cheerful tune, sounding like she was happy to be there, and glad to help. Now days, she is a little worse for wear. The dash is cracked, and there is more primer and light surface rust than the original Champaign paint left, but she still sings that happy song, and even though it would be cheaper to take the motorcycle or the new Chevy to work (especially with current fuel prices), I prefer to use the old 12v.... that way, I can ride with all my memories...
And the nice thing about the old 12v is that long after the body rots away, you can pull that fine old 6BT and run a great big sawmill or something out in the bush. Hell, you could just stick it on a stand and run it for yuks--I bet your granddad would get a kick out of that, I know I sure would.
Write a book! You are a skillful writer. I enjoyed reading your comment.
@@jkgkjgkijk I did so too
Even a had a traer in my eyes knowing that I have one of these treasures ..I..
94 1500 5.2 5 speed
I got it with 82
Now has 87 thousand in the taco..
I think I've got something in my eye.
Wholesome comment
I think we all need to take a minute to honor the old codger that took METICULOUS care of this awesome truck for all these years before the new owner bought it!! Wow Wes - what a fun job to get!!
Its a 95 my dude. Not a 50+ year old car.
It’s 27 year old car, there are very few 1995 cars of any type that still look ok
Yeah, @@Luckingsworth , no one's EVER seen a 27-year-old pickup that's in bad shape.
I agree. I live in Texas where previously to recent times we haven’t had a lick of salt on our roads and it’s still a rare sight to see a truck in such good condition. Especially a “work” truck.
@@Luckingsworth only ever seen brand new 27 year old Work trucks. Never seen one with any rust on them out of the thousands i've seen...... lmao bruh. just look at watch wes work. more than half the stuff he makes videos on is a vast majority of anything older than 2008 in terms of work trucks pickups diesels of any brand. some hold up better than others due to location but they all endup like most of the trucks he typically makes videos on.
I was watching Diesel Creek today, also. Two things you 2 have in common: 1) You ALWAYS make things INTERESTING, and 2) You both would be NOWHERE without your good WIVES and your HAMMERS! Love ya!!!
yes but Eva is bat crap crazy!!! LOL Matt needs to get her in more videos , shes a hoot!
Be careful to never confuse the wife and the hammer.. It will ALWAYS end in pain!
That’s a great truck right there. I’d take that over a new one. Love the engine tone on those. What a find.
Diagnosis....."It's a dodge." Seriously though...to see a dodge pickup of that era that hasn't literally disintegrated from rust is pretty amazing. Also seeing that the door panels and the dashboard haven't shattered into a million pieces is also pretty amazing. Every pickup from that era with at least some sort of accumulated milage all have mechanical issues. I'd take these issues over a disintegrating pickup any day. Thanks for the video Wes.
THE SAME EXACT RAM USED IN THE MOVIE ( TWISTER )
Not in San jose..all rust free..but sun damaged.. we got Kaiser Fraser pickups used by lawn service red..
My 01 with 250,000 miles isn't rusted and the original dash and it lived in Michigan, you have to take care of them
Laughs maniacally because it’s true
coworker bought one of these 15 years ago, and his words were "the truck is a pile of shit, but you buy it for the Cummins"
I've been going through a lot, Wes, and I gotta say, your videos always cheer me up. I recently got accepted into the plumbing union and started my apprenticeship last week. I've been pretty excited over it but when I finally broke the news to the few people in my life, they acted uninterested and bored. Definitely stung a bit and it makes me feel like I'm the only person who takes genuine interest in other peoples' success and hobbies. Or because I'm quiet and patient, everyone is always emotionally dumping on me or looking for advice. Anyway, rant aside, just know I appreciate whatever videos you put out and I enjoy them to the fullest the way they are. And whenever I have asked for your advice on car stuff, it's always appreciated and accepted. Thank ya, Wes.
Congratulations! Plumbing is a good profession.
@@WatchWesWork I appreciate that! I'm enjoying it so far. I'm hoping it'll all be worth it in the end. In Ohio, it takes 5 years to become a journeyman.
@@WatchWesWork The society which scorns excellence in plumbing because plumbing is a humble activity and tolerates shoddiness in philosophy because it is an exalted activity will have neither good plumbing nor good philosophy. Neither its pipes nor its theories will hold water. John W.Gardner. Humble plumbers I have know who continued on and received a Masters Licenses in Plumbing, HVAC, and Gas fitting never had to worry about their daily bread.
If it's anything like the UK then good plumbers, electricians etc. are always in high demand and they earn a pretty good living.
@@ferrumignis Plumbers and sparkies are definitely in high demand right now. Even though I'm going through the union and education is top notch, I still have some of my own doubts that I'll be a good plumber. I got interviewed in front of the entire union board and got selected out of a very big class this year but I still have huge doubt and some imposter syndrome going on.
The movie Twister made the Dodge Ram even cooler to me as a kid. Love these 2nd gens. I don’t live in the rust belt so I get to see all these rigs almost daily. Thanks for the content Wes!
The 1994 Dodge Ram was the first modern truck. That model changed trucks from a utilitarian tool, to something even people in the suburbs wanted to drive. What a beautiful specimen! Thanks for showing it to us...
Love the fact that when Wes finds something other than what he was asked to fix, he addresses it. I see too many mechanics just fix what they were asked to, when it would be ultimately cheaper for the customer to fix it when you are in there. Nicely done Sir!
I bet he contacts the owner to make sure he can bill for it. I would be surprised if he didn’t because it’s good business. You can’t do free work to much and stay in business
Book time says 8 hours to open hood.
I've found it best to give all mechanics an upper-cost limit and give them the calls on replacing parts. Then there's no consuming his time chasing you around asking. Good mechanics can always give estimates with monetary caveats for each extra replaced part and the likelihood of it needing to be changed. Also, being cheap on that upper limit guarantees you'll hit it faster next time around. My favorite is timing belts/chains. The time and labor to replace one while you're in that area is nothing and helps avoid the worst disaster a cam-driven valvetrain can experience. Wes, your meticulous inspection is so gratifying - finding that zip tie under the valve cover seal was a testament to your eagle eye to use a Puddinism.
You must not get yelled at by people, I gave up long ago on doing unnecessary work the customer didn't ask for.
@@OpaqueWindow that’s why I said I bet he ask first. I know I will get pissed if something is fixed and it’s costing more because I could a felt like it was a problem I could have put off until I have more money. Right or wrong it’s still my decision if I can spend that money right now. I also wouldn’t expect it done for free.
To Wes. The remaining "sloppy steering" is caused by the steering shaft rag joint. Speedway engineering makes a solid joint for this. I had mg 99 Ram 2500 and same thing. All new front end parts and still a slight slop. Yep yep
I posted lower down, but in mine it wasn't the rag joint itself, but the cinch bolt in the lower u-joint of the steering column shaft that holds it on to the input shaft on the steering box. It was just slightly loose, which caused fairly significant play.
Wow, this truck is immaculate. It’s amazing how well an old vehicle can hold up when the owner takes care of it.
They really are great trucks when taken care of. i did a g56 swap in mine. 742k miles and still going strong and gets over 22 mpg compared to my durtamaxes 12.... though with the 60-gallon tank im running it now costs $300+ to fill up....
I appreciate the fresh take on 90's dodge trucks; at least speaking of them in a positive light in the intro. Weird to think about but dodge was a real underdog in the truck market since... well forever until the second gen came into the market in 94'. I try to think about that whenever I find any short comings on my 97' Cummins truck. Chrysler didn't have the kind of investment capital to put into these as much as Ford/Gm did due to sheer volume/production #'s. The introduction of the second gen, in my opinion, was the hail Mary that saved Chrysler's participation in the US truck market
From what I understand the 89-93 cummins trucks was what saved the truck division for them, then the 2nd gens was there first body redesign since like the 70's. And the 2nd gen carried the success of the 1st gens. Both are great trucks, but a lot was used hard and put away wet
@@Mun56203 They also fell apart daily and the glass transmissions would only continue.
@@Mun56203 the first gen had a frame that was not heavy enough in the front end for the Cummins engine. Those had the same frames from the 1970s.
@@bluegrassman3040 They aren't bad if you add the steering brace or convert to crossover steering. All of those trucks (72'-93') had issues with the steering box area.
Odd, I really thought Dodges were made out of rust at the factory.
Gotta rust proof the hell out of them and keep em "wet".
My 2022 Ram 4500 already has some rust on her.
@@danpaul9423 What really??
Shit I have a 2019 and got the factory rustproofing AND take it to a local shop annually..... No rust yet.
Had a 2000 for 17 years that started getting bad around the floor pan and in the corners.
3rd gen beds are for sure
What about GMs and fords? Lmfao.
This is one if the nicest looking 5.9 cummins shipping crates I have seen.
Even Max can't resist popping bubble wrap.
that twin ram intake helps get air to the rear cylinders, the intake manifold didnt do a great job of distributing it evenly from the factory. It also helped conditions with the rear cylinder temperature being a lot hotter than the rest. if a cylinder went out on one of these, it was always that rear one.
I've owned a 93, 95, 01, and now an 09, all with the Cummins. I also have an 89 that is 100% stock. Never a problem from any of the engines and believe it or not, not one transmission issue (yet). I have experienced most of the other "normal" Dodge issues along the way. I think it's safe to say that Cummins engines saved Dodge trucks.
The engines last a million+ miles yet the bodies just rot around them if you look at them the wrong way
@@rawr51919 They last a little longer down in redneckland.
Use to be a saying that with the Cummins engine you had a 500,000 mile engine in a 100,000 mile truck. Don’t know about that, I have a 2000 with a 120,000 on and still perfect.
@@weshawkins7165 In my region if they're worked routinely one can get around 300,000 miles out of the body but it's expensive to do it. This implies it gets nowhere near the beach or salty roads ever at all.
@@hithere7382
Mine started out in Iowa but within six months was a California trunk. I don’t drive it in snow or salt. As an old Dodge dealer tech I do all my own work.
Can't believe I saw a mint '95 Dodge Ram on this channel. Getting all the 90s nostalgic vibes too.
Total unicorn indeed. I'm pretty sure I just dreamed this video and none of this ever really happened :(
All made for great viewing bro so thanks for taking us along on this job. Safe travels
Wes, production quality continues to improve with no loss of interesting content. Three thumbs up!
Too afraid to ask where's the third thumb...
I know it’s a lot of work to film and edit the videos but I love these hour plus long videos! Thank you for all the extra work it takes to allow us to see what you do so well!
Like you and many comments that truck is in unbelievable good shape! Too bad you don’t get more like that to work on.
So agree! Wanted to give it double likes!
So much better than TV! Thanks a lot for your effort in making these videos
One of or the most important comments that should be read and said by everyone 😊
nice job Wes. Love the old Dodges. Had a mint Dakota for many years. Appreciate the instructional parts on diagnostic and running the valves.
Thanks for sharing.
Just stumbled on this channel. What a gem. I have an 02 Ram 2500 so I definitely have an interest in this 95 Ram video. Great job with the instruction, camera angles, and narration. Phenomenal.
My 88-year-old uncle has the same truck, different color here in Arizona with 50,000 miles. Absolutely mint, never seen rain or of course snow. As a former Chicagoan car guy, Arizona spoiled me. Also, Wes has the best channel and content. For the grown people. Takes me back to Illinois without having to be there.
I'm in Ohio, and the Chicago cars I've seen here were all really beat up, in addition to the rust. Our cars rust pretty bad too.
Thanks for the video, I have a 1996 Dodge Ram 4X4 that was converted to a mega cab 4 door, when it was pretty new. It only had 120,000 miles on it when I got it. It had been parked for 10 years. It now has about 157,000, I changed the interior to cloth, not a fan of leather (cold in winter and hot in summer) We did brake and axle seals ect. The killer D pin ect. I use it usually for towing. almost every time I drive it someone will come up and try to buy it, I always tell them I need it to launch my boat. My daily is a 2003 Dodge Ram 3500 four door short bed, 6 speed with over 300,000 miles and runs like new. 20 mpg regular use and 16 towing over 10,000 lbs. The 1996 gets about 16 mpg and about 12 towing
Pretty nice rides. My buddy has 06 Mega cab Cummins dually 6spd he bought new has 186k starting to rust Pretty good but he just took it across country and back no issues but the rust is taking it away he's slowly buying all the body parts for a major over haul this winter I think
What a result. I am a new subscriber. I accidentally stumbled accross one of your videos amd found there is a huge back catalouge for me to watch. You are a really good mechanic Wes. I really enjoy watching and learning.
It's very rewarding to see the pride you take in your craft. All those special things different compounds and different torque methods. Add up to a job well done. Have an ice-cream you earned it.
Dude. The opening was awesome. This channel is coming so far. I have loved watching you learn your way through every conundrum that rolls through your door. Your an inspiration brother.
Good to see a well maintained vehicle so now and then.
Love the fixing vids,nothing wrong whit diagnostic ones,but these i like more.
Also great to see the owner is fine by spending some money on it
Thank you for giving these trucks some love. My first truck was a ‘99 Cummins. Great looking, nice driving truck. Far from perfect but it was a breath of fresh air
great work as always man! always appreciate your attention to detail, and how much you care about your customers.
I really like that beginning. That was really good I can appreciate how long it took to make.
The cam bolts for the caster adjustment from the factory “tuck the axle into the truck”. If you adjust them to “rock the axle” as far out as possible it is a massive improvement. A friend that worked at a dealer when these first came out did that even when new. I did the same to my 2003 and I also added a steering box brace. That also made the steering much more positive.
Excellent. Positive caster is a good thing!
New subscriber to this channel. Started watching Wes fix a propane forklift, then led me to watch him fix some welders, Love how Wes is so calm and knowledgeable and now just watched the best most detailed video on a 95 2500 diesel, I hope one day I'll have the time to tune up my dodge 12v diesel.
What a nice old dodge pickup. I had a 1998 almost identical with a 5 speed. It spent more time at the dealership than with me. Power steering pumps mostly. Really appreciate the time you take explaining what you are doing and why. Thanks for the videos
I bush hogged an ancient barbed wire fence that was “mostly” buried in a heavy grown over ditch bank…took me hours to uncoil (using a torch, wire cutters and grinder) all of that barbed wire from the “stump jumper”… wire was probably 2-3 inches thick in spots. Got a new respect for the guys that cut ditch banks everyday!
I guess it was too tight to the drum/spindle for small bolt cutters. Ok, torches are faster too. Actually, that stuff gets stiff when curled and shortened. Sorry you had a rotten time. I only get some stories from my cool public works neighbor across the street. He just upgraded to an X-mark for his personal use and a 2022 Ford F-150 TT V6 from an ancient Toro and a 2004 Toyota Tacoma with rusted out, but replaced rear brakes. His yard looks so good with all this eye candy now. Son of a farmer married to a daughter of a farmer.
Nice to see that you actually get a nice vehicle to work on once in a while and really good to see that, for once, most of the truck actually leaves with the truck and not, as seems more usual, swept up and leaves in the dumpster.
I've had an 92 D250 VE Cummins with an intercooler.
Never the less great video and channel.
I really like you're explanation and diagnosis.
Thumbs up from the Netherlands.
I always watch you and Rainman Ray for your diagnostic expertise. You’re both very good at your job. Thank you for your hard work.
Nice job Wes, the new owner is off to a good start. Agree with your views on valve adjustment, for mine, just a light drag.
That was a pleasant change for you - no rust, and ran as sweet as a nut.
You deserve at least one of those every week.
I absolutely love this channel. This project is very complex. I admire your dedication and attention to detail, not to mention your ability to problem solve.. I look forward to seeing how this finishes up.
I’m new to your channel and loving it! Just when I didn’t think I could like you more, you go an mention Walker Texas Ranger! The sole reason I have owned a few 2nd gen dodges! Keep up the amazing work Wes!
First, nice work on such a nice rig! Second, it’s great to see an owner let you do the work that needs to be done and stay ahead of it turning into what you usually work on. 😁
That sending unit swap is a piece of cake, setting aside the dropping the tank part. 😉 Great video with diagnostics and multiple fixes. Thanks.
i wonder if you could pull the actual resistance unit off and replace it, they look the same
Pro grade videos....A+++...learned allot..where else can you get to see a real mechanic work..Bravo..!!
I loved the link you showed on the screen at the end for "Honda Civic pulled from a goat pen" just as you were saying how beautiful that truck was. I love your sense of humor.
Thank you guys for the awesome content. I say you guys because I know a business like yours is a family effort. I really like the way you go about fixing all of these vehicles. You are very methodical, professional and clean. I’m always impressed with the work that you do. Wes, I wish I lived near your shops to have my truck worked on by you. It is a 2002 Ford F-250 XLT. It is a very clean truck with low miles. It needs a new bearing and outer axle seal on the driver’s side. It also needs a rear differential flush and fluid change. I have a new Rear differential cover. It is a good one that allows the fluid to circulate. I also have an electric diff locker from a 2008-2015 F-250 which can be retrofitted to work on my 2002 F-250. My truck is 100% rust free. I’m from Tucson, Arizona where there is no such thing as rain or humidity. Maybe a road trip? Thank you again for your videos and content.
Hey Wes
If you want to get the Dodge Ram to stop wandering down the road (it's not the steering box) you will need to repair / replace the steering column. The bushing inside the column fails and leaves a lot of slop...
A death wobble brace is a must other than that they were actually really good trucks
Need to upgrade the “Y” tie rod and drag link to the “T” style upgrade. That’s helps a ton.
I think you will find that the he problem is with the steering shaft coupler inside the steering column... And while you are in there, you might consider replacing the clock spring and your cruise control will start working again... Ask me how I know...
The bushing in the steering shaft of my 94 Dodge Ram 2500 allowed the steering wheel to rotate about 20 degrees before turning the steering box. Pretty simple to test if you use a pair of vise grips to secure the steering box from turning then hop inside and turn the wheel...
You must lock the steering box because the resistance inside the damaged bushing will make it seem like everything is OK...
An ideal job for a good assistant... lol
@@alc818 Same Lol took me forever to find the problem in my 98 ask ME how I know 🤜💥🤛
Wes very fine work sir.....
I own a 97 p-pump 3500 4x4...drw....it needs a ton of work....it was real nice to hear that Cummins Purr.....ain't no other....thanks for the great video...
Twister was the movie that set those Dodges off for me!
Sure it wasn’t fast and furious?
Did it make you want a fleet of blacked out Caravans?
@@WatchWesWork And a dually squarebody suburban!
I hadn't ever seen a different indicator fluid for sparkless ignition vehicles. Found some available locally, but I'm gonna need to be convinced that it's not just different color before I open my wallet. Thanks for the info, keep up the great work!
When I had a '95 ram, i found much improvement in steering after replacing the steering gear and a special kit that puts a special pitman arm nut that rode in a big bearing supported by frame structure.
I can't believe that is from your area. It looks fantastic for the year. I'm a retired Dodge mechanic. I always enjoyed working on all three brands back then. Great video. Really enjoyed it. Waiting for your next project.
So very nice to see you work on a vehicle that was in such great shape . Could actually see clearly what you were repairing and you weren't having to construct all sorts of methods to pry apart corroded parts . A touch of "normal" repairs is relaxing to watch .
Nice job, Wes. Well done. The truck is beautiful. The owner is one lucky person to find it. An aberration here in Illinois.
Max doesn't say a lot but speaks volumes. His face expressions say it all.
this truck never saw winter road salt for sure. truck was parked on a paved drive.
One thing that helps the steering on these 2nd gens is a steering box brace. It puts another bearing on the outside of the pitman arm on the sector shaft. Without it, you can watch the box/shaft wiggle side to side when you steer in place.
I replaced my steering box with a large over sided sector shaft. Doesn't require the brace and drives with 37s down the freeway and offroad with no problems at all and steers so easy like it has hydro assist!
Strongly disagree with the BS brace gimmick. They do not work. I have installed several (by request). There is always a significant amount of run-out in the silly "stub-nut" thingy that fits in the bearing. (Yes I have measured this. Yes, I know how to measure this (I am a machinist)). This would cause binding, IF those bearings were tight enough to prevent it. They are not. Not to mention, non sealed bearings. And those two small 3/8" bolts do not provide enough clamping force to stop the bearing from walking under load. The stupid things are a temporary bandaid at best. It is not the box that moves (I have measured this as well). It is the sector-shaft flexing. As LawF250 suggests, a box with a larger sector-shaft is the correct fix. Especially with over-sized or wider than stock tires.
@@wheelieking71 My truck came with the brace on it and it drives nice. My buddy replaced everything on his front end, including the steering box it and still wandered. He put the brace on and it went away. I agree a steering box with a bigger sector shaft is a better fix, it's also pushing $1k.
Those are actually terrible. The frame needs to flex and when you put a brace on the front of it like that the gearbox absorbs the flex. No bueno
@@LawF250 what brand box did you use?
New to your channel!…luvit! I have a 97 2500 12valve looks very similar to the 95 you worked on…great video I saved for reference…I have deleted a lot of the electronic components so mine is almost all mechanical. I’m at 340k now and still running smooth hauling my fifth wheel. Incredible truck!
Couldn't believe the shape that truck was in and isn't that engine more mechanical than the new ones these days, if so, I've heard that they where some of the best engines ever made
As always, good job 👍your videos are never boring, thanks for sharing and
God Bless 🙏
Decent looking shipping crate!
Glad your back
Those 8 point sockets have been very handy for me! When I bought them, I had no idea I would ever use them except on antique farm equipment, but that was not the case.
Beautiful old truck. Sometimes I miss my Cummins but the then remember changing out water pumps, seals , steering box , and front end parts more often than you would think . Had the death wobble several times. The good feeling goes away fast.
Thank you for the video, Wes!
Just saw you using the suction pump and over here in the UK I've just bought a 1.5litre version of the same pump (already got two of the smaller ones like yours) and it's really handy. Differs in having a much longer tube plus a stop tap arrangement on the end to stop dribbles whilst transferring liquids. Also has a handle to go around the larger body. Just letting you know as we are usually behind you guys so no doubt they're available on your side of the pond. Enjoyed the video too. 😁👍
P.S. AvE says "Cut towards your chum, not your thumb".
id rather cut off my thumb than my chum!
Thanks for the longer video, I know these are more of a pain for you to edit so I always appreciate them a little bit more.
Another great repair Wes. Thanks.
I can actually remember 1995. I remember my dad was driving a 1.3 Vauxhall Astra estate that had rear leaf springs. I also remember we had a drought that year in England and there was endless talk of a hose pipe ban. I also remember my mum taking us an hours trip to the Cinema to see the first Toy Story. It's hard to believe this truck rolled off the assembly line that long ago.
Yep, the first forays into real feature-length full CGI movies were starting to take hold back when this truck was new on the showroom floor
First time I've seen a truck leave the shop at the same weight it came in at, most leave half their structure behind as rust chunks on the floor. Nice work Wes
This year is hands down my favorite truck ever made.
I test drove one of the first Dodge Cummins models, still in the old, square body style. It felt like I was driving a steel-wheeled tractor down a Chicago expressway. NOTHING gave when you hit a bump.
Mine feels like driving a 30 year old dump truck. After completely redoing the interior including a complete seat rebuild it now feels like driving a 30 year old dump truck.
WOW this truck is really a survivor!!!,The body style kinda grew on you after a while (preferred old square body),but then all of them for some reason started to look like they had been out to sea for years with bottom body panels and bumpers rusting badly.I remember in early '80s looking at square body with the tough as nails 225cid-this video just started me reminiscing ,great job Wes,you do honest work!
WOW, incredible I actually got 1st like and 1st comment on one of Master Mechanic Wes's vids which is pretty much impossible given how fascinating and popular his vids are.
Vocational school, we don't need no stinking Vocational school.
We'll just watch an episode of Watch Wes Work Y'all.
It's always nice to wake up to on a Sunday morning and see he's posted a new one.
You're the man!
@@WatchWesWork I wasn't that on the ball but I'm "like" number 101. I could have done bettter but I was watching my Sunday Mustie1 video. Love your videos, Wes.
@@mummabear01 I was watching Mustie1's vid to when the notification bell message came up so I immediately switched over.
I'll go back after this to finish Darren's.
Then Diesel Creek and some others.
@@pinwizz69 Ol2Stroker is another good one.
@@WatchWesWork.
Thanks Wes.
As someone with vocational school diplomas on small engines (2years)
Motorcycle repair vocational school and a as a Veteran Coast Guard Aviation Machinist Mate A school then asca Flight Mechanic on Grumman HU16e Albatross seaplanes Pratt and Whitney R1820 radial engines (you'd love changing spark plugs on those, only 16 of them and some are definitely struggle bus fun) and C school on Sikorski HH52a Seaguard helos with General Electric T58 turbo shaft engines I can definitely appreciate how absolutely professional you are as a Mechanic.
You're definitely a galaxy better that over 99% of mechanics I've delt with.
Especially how honest you are about your abilities and how well you explain what you're doing as you work.
I'm dead serious about how awesome a vocational school instructor you'd be if you wanted to be.
I have no doubt your son will be as well when he grows up.
Great video Wes. Your videos are always like it is. Your living right, those unit bearings NEVER come out that easy. I’ve got a 2000 Dodge 2500 CTD since 2002. 120,000 miles on it, love it. I put a Fleece cooling system bypass on it, and a PacBrake exhaust brake system on it, a FASS lift pump and just put a manual locking front hub kit on it. No DEF and no cats, My forever truck. I would like to find another one, 97 or older so I can avoid the smog line here in Commiefornia. Then install a 24 valve with the P- pump conversion kit. Interesting, the ball joints press into the knuckle on the 98’s and older. Om my 2000 they press into the ears on the axle tubes.
Hi Wes thanks for your channel, I really enjoy watching it. I have bought a 3500 diesel in 1998 and used it for pulling my 41ft 5thwheel RV. It was a great truck, I just love the sound of a Cummins diesel engine, as strong as an ox. I traded it for a Chevy 2500 in 2006. So far so good, I sold my RV, so i will downscale soon.
My 94 2wd Dodge cummins had that wandering problem until I swap it over to rack n pinion. I also installed a zf6 6 speed manual out of 08 f450 super duty. 👌
Whenever I see a unicorn like one of these I always feel like they should be in a museum or something. It's kind of a shame to imagine it lasting this long only to potentially have something happen to it. Hope that viewer looks after it well!
That is indeed a super nice rig!
I have a bit of a Unicorn or holy grail Dodge truck of my own. 2003, 5.9 (pre-emissions), NV5600, Manual XFER case quad cab with 135K. It looks about the same as that one paint-wise. I want a new one but this one is too good to give up.
BTW, yes, the volt meter thing is normal. As far as the loose steering, if the gear hasn't been replaced, it needs it. No adjustment of the secotr will correct for a worn box. I learned this one the hard way. Red Head makes a great rebuilt gear.
Yes on the constant tension clamps and if you use OEM hoses, they come with them.
I replaced my 99 original steering box with a Redhead. The first one they sent me had trashed splines, sent back. Second Redhead came and was sloppy after install, a real surprise. Took that one out and got a PSC box that was better, but still came with slop in the gearing. I remember a day when the truck was new and the steering was super crisp. Front end is all brand new but these steering boxes seem to be the weak link in precise steering. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.
Never could get used to the way those trucks drove, always felt like they wonder all over! Nice truck for a ‘95 in northern Illinois!! Take care
WOW!! For as old as this truck is, Looks great under it!! Does have a lot of aftermarket items on it, but that is what most diesel truck owners did and still do! Cool test kit to check for head gaskets!! Always enjoy your troubleshooting skills!! Digging to the bottom of an issue is what a lot of mechanic's really don't do anymore!! keep up the great work and videos!
at least most of the modifications are bolt on and if not beneficial benign. Some folks go nuts with their rigs which is totally their right it just sucks for the next guy.
Hi Wes, thanks for the vids. Is it possible that since that transmission was modified for heavy towing (deep magnesium pan, extra fluid capacity, who knows what else...), it does not reach normal operating temps when running with no extra load - so it may shift like its cold and the temp gauge may not register? Perhaps the pickup doesn't get deep enough in the modified pan?
I am truly amazed by your level of skill. Also, you must have spent small fortune on tools. Pleasure to watch you work.
My friends older brother had a 98 1500 4x4 dodge with a slight lift, 33s and flowmasters. That was pimpin’ in ‘03/‘04
I love watching these. Would love to know the story behind this truck and how it was kept so clean. Don't let whistlindiesel get a hold of it.
Up next "bought some old man's pride and joy! Let's jump it! Ends in fire!!!"
It's relaxing 😎😌
Pretty clean for a rust belt truck. If you think that sending unit is a pain, I have a 98 12 valve, the only sending unit still made for the half year unicorn is at Geno's Garage and it's nearly $400. I have a universal ultrasonic sending unit on the way, can't wait to see how it works.
Wow - is that how it calculates fuel tank volume instead of a float and a potentiometer (or differential comparator ckt or whatever)? Does it pulse a soundwave and do some kind of wizardry that converts to a voltage to signal the gauge?
@@wes11bravo Never heard of such wizardry like that before for a sending unit, technology
@@wes11bravo It mounts to the bottom of the tank on the outside and uses ultrasonic waves to detect the fluid level. It has a little control box that you use to calibrate it to your fuel gauge. Other companies also offer ones that use a standard SAE hole pattern where you cut a hole in the tank and put it on top, I wanted to refrain from cutting any holes in my tank. I was nervous about the sensor on the bottom of the tank being exposed when the truck is used offroad, but I figure if I mount it at the rear of the tank it's right near the axle and very difficult to drag over something.
I have always loved the looks of those 90s Rams. Probably one of the best looking pickups. I'm also from Northern Illinois and I have an 89 F150 that I thought was a unicorn until I saw this video. My truck is in remarkably good condition but not as pristine as that Ram. WOW!
no sound effects with brake clean no big nasty great video nice truck keep up the good work Wes
FYI, there is a difference between "new" and "rebuilt or replacement" steering gears. Rebuilt steering gears usually only replace seals, but they don't really replace any internal parts. The main issue is the center shaft. This shaft wears the most at the center when the truck is driving straight ahead since that is the position that the steering wheel is pointed most of the time. The shaft then wears out in the middle but not at the ends. This over time causes the truck to wander when driving straight, and there is no adjustment that will fix it. This is why you need to have a new steering gear or one that is completely rebuilt by a shop that knows how to do it. Also, be careful with the sector shaft setscrew - if you over tighten this it can cause the steering gear to lock up while driving. It is usually just best to leave this alone if at all possible. They make a steering gear support brace that can help a bit with a wandering issue, you can get from most Cummins aftermarket shops. The frame tends to flex where the steering gear is bolted to it, the brace helps with that. If you have a front end that is slap worn out, you can crank in the most negative caster that the front end will accept and this will help it to track straight a little better until the front end can be rebuilt.
You didn't do the Andrew Camerata radio intall.....rip off dash pad to get to wires.chainsaw to make raido hole larger..( looks factory)
I started my career at Dodge as a technician in 1994 and yes they were very popular and fun to work on
Hello Wes, what a beautiful job you did on that unicorn. You just don't see too many of them like that and definitely in the snow belt areas! I'm sure glad that he brought it to you and you always take the extra time to make sure things are right. Oh yeah it is far as it goes for doing valve specs and how much drag their is on you're a feeler gauge, well if you don't know you probably shouldn't be doing the adjustment. Many blessings to you and your family as always.
Wouldn't be a Cummins or a dodge if it didn't leak something.
That's miiiiiiiiinnnnnnnnnntttttt 👌as an old wise man said
looks like it was bought in Midlothian Texas
I like how you talk and film your episodes. I just get a cold snack or two and forget my daily nightmares and zone out.
Gorgeous looking truck for its age. That was a lot of work but at least it was not a rust bucket to work on. You are very talented with all that you do. Thanks for the videos.
Well I never, a Dodge radio install without a chainsaw.
This was the day and age when Chrysler was AMERICAN! I worked at the Belvidere, IL Assembly plant during the summer when I was in Law School and when the Dynasty & New Yorkers were being built now FIAT owned them and Chrysler is going down his. Should have stayed American!!
Don't get it twisted, it was US' citizens who elected the stooges who made it extremely easy for traitorous CEOs to move US' industrial might to other countries. Be it sold or outright outsourced. It was one of the biggest post war mistakes, to allow megacorporations to exist unchecked. The Bernard London, planned obsolescence went full steam ahead and mediocrity and "buying themselves out of obsolescence" became the major MO. Look at what happened to Master Lock. A well established company, with good bones, bought and then stripped to pieces, turning it into a joke, literally and figuratively. Many other examples exist, Chrysler and other car brands included. It's utterly fascinating to me how decades upon decades, ya'll (to borrow that wordage from you) still don't get that it starts in the gov and it ends in shame. You can't elect traitors and expect the country to remain whole.
What is left of Chrysler will be out of business in the next 10 or so years. Jeep name and Ram will live on. Everything else will die.
@@mph5896 maybe. It'll be like AMC or who ever had the Jeep name before Chrysler had it. Plymouth is gone now. The Caravans are no longer being made and that's what gave Chrysler its name. My entire family worked at the Belvidere IL Assembly plant so it's been a staple in my family for over 51 years
I didn't know you had a Motorcycle?
Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious job!! Every stage was perfectly done. All the best from Surrey BC Canada
Nice work Wes! Any time you don't curse a Dodge is a good day. Biggest improvement in my mind was swapping that radio, had one (Infinity version) in my 95 Caravan and it was the worst radio Chrysler ever produced. I put in a CD/Cassette unit form a 2000 Caravan (plug-n-play) and it was a night and day improvement with the factory Infinity speakers! Thanks!