Just some info (long post)

[AKetay]

Just bought an 03' QC LB 2wd with 154K miles in January. Paid $11,000 for it, thought that was a good start. Initially the truck was in pretty rough shape. CarFax said it was a two owner truck. Truck appeared to be a typical Oklahoma farm/ranch truck, even has a miniature cast set of Longhorns on the top of the grill. Engine started fine, but was very loud and ran rough when compared to my last two Duramaxes. Transmission shifted hard, but was firm and quiet when warm. All of the major suspension parts seemed to be in good shape. Interior was fine, a little dirtier than normal including all of the fly sheet on the roof liner, but could be cleaned up in time. Only thing missing was the ashtray leaving a hole in the dash. So I took her home to see what I could do for her. First 460 miles driving home revealed some other small problems, drive line vibration, bad tires, bad brakes and rotten door seals. Still encouraged with this project. After reading all about the maintenance requirements and suggestions, I decided to treat this like it only had the oil changed when the idiot light came on.
First off was to change all of the fluids. The engine oil was dark, thin and overfilled by about 2 quarts. Smell test indicated it was not diesel in the oil, just old oil. The transmission oil was also dark and old. Could not feel any oil thru the fill plug before draining and it only dumped about 3 quarts. The rear end only dumped about 3.5 quarts after tilting side to side. In with the new, prefilled oil filter and ended up putting 12 quarts of Valvoline 15W-40 to reach the middle of the hash marks on the dipstick. Still in the same spot almost 4000 miles later and still light brown. Filled the tranny and rear end with a gallon of ATF each and drove it around for 20+ mile to clean. Redrained for about 3 hours and used a rag to soak up any residual oil. Refilled the trans with Pennzoil Synchromesh, 5.5 quarts. Trans shifts real nice now. The rear end got 5 quarts of MOBIL-1 75W-90. Pumped out the power steering fluid twice and refillled with ATF+4, quieted the rack at idle. Also replaced the brake fluid in the clutch and brake master cylinders. At this point the truck is starting to feel refreshed and smooth.
Next was new rubber and pads. Firestone Transforce HT's were on sale, $109 a tire, $638 total for the works. Typical brake job with semi-metallic pads from NAPA, turned rotors for $215 total. Again, quieter ride and better than new braking.
At this point, less than $1000 spent, the truck feels better. Time to concentrate on the engine and quell the fear of a bad injector causing the rough idle. Assuming that the valve lash had not been checked at 150K I started there. Surprised me, they were all in spec. Changed the air filter, filter minder showed it was good but the filter was creased like it had been sucked in. Now for the best part because it was virtually free. Using CRC Electrical Contact Cleaner and CRC Contact Lube, I cleaned the MAP and IAT sensors. Idle was getting better so I cleaned and lubed every connector I could find under the hood. This was the most amazing transformation, it idles quiet and smooth now. It will also run to 3200 rpm under load.
This runs good enough now that I'm confident to take her out for the first load. Go to Denver, pick up Merritt stock trailer and deliver it to St. Louis. All is great on the way to Denver, small vibration @ 70-75 mph. Not worried because I read about the drone. Hook up the trailer and start to pull forward slowly and it hits me hard. Small vibration is now a loud knock. Drive faster and it goes away mostly. Its getting to be evening rush hour so I try to get out of town. Gamble that I can make it back to Limon and have it looked at. Called the dealer and prepped them that I'm limping there. Arrive at 5pm, they take the driveshaft off and confirm that middle u-joint is siezed. Replaced middle and rear for $291 with the factory sealed units. On the road again by 6pm, thank-you Limon Dodge! Now it run real good. Deliver in St. Louis by noon. Fresh money in pocket ready for the next load.
This was worth the effort, basically a new truck for less than $13,000. Will keep you posted as it goes.

Anthony