What's been your most satisfying, yet a** pain job you've done on your 4th Gen?

We've all had those moments where we instantly regretted started a job on our trucks. What's been your most satisfying, yet a** terror of a task on your rig? I ask because I just did one that kicked my tail. Anyone know what this is a picture of?

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Thankfully nothing extreme.... for me it was the fuel filter mounted under the hood...

 

Installing 2.5 inch spacers on my 2017 Ram 5500. Love the look, but was super tough. But, love the looks. #ad
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Very jealous of your shop.

 

#metoo

 

So far….it was tearing the Tradesman Front Seats out and installing seat heater kits…

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Came out good, but I was nervous while doing it..


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@mwilson, nice work there! They make a big difference in the cold and also on a back that's having a spasm! That's the main reason I got one in drivers seat. Haven't gotten around to passengers seat yet.
@Wiredawg, how do you like your Centamatics? Got a set coming for my 3500 and hoping to smooth it out in that 55 - 70 range.

 

I like them.... kept them from my 09 4500. Pretty smooth for 35" 19.5s.

 

Ken Jong IL…

Tradesman 3500 Cab / Chassis has “Work Rated” vinyl seats which are surprisingly comfy….

 

I'd have to say was doing the EGR cooler service with CCV filter change! Took truck off the road for 2 - 3 days to do. Cooler sat with Purple Power in it overnight to help with getting the carbon out. Was a dirty job but good to know that I could do it and gave me a baseline of when next time it will be needed to be cleaned. Not to afraid to tackle most things, just takes longer with back issues! Most of us cross that line sooner or later, but mine was an unexpected fall that caused some fusions in back and neck! Plow through it the best I can. @Wiredawg, we just suck up our lip and go till it knocks us and we need to rest!!!!!!

 

Yeah man, I've already been through a minor back surgery, so I don't envy you. I do however recommend a common fix for EGR cleaning. It's a pretty amazing difference and significantly better for a cummins

 

Staying AWAY from a "delete"! Not worth the risk in getting a fine and then having to put back to stock. Once deleted, it's a brick and if beyond my scope of working on, dealers won't touch it with EPA crack down.

 

Depends on the service guy but honestly, the only reasons I've had to take the truck to the dealer were all DPF related.

 

Owning and maintaining a DPF diesel truck requires periodically running it hard and better, loaded to get enough temps to get a thorough burn. My 17 Ram 5500 does the 24 hour test regens, but I'm confident there aren't many other regen required due to running it 75 MPH on the Interstate for an hour to get good exhaust temps. This is my second DPF truck and had no problems at all. There are hefty fines and impoundment possible for deleted trucks.

 

I was amazed the other day when looking for a 2500 for my brother that guys are listing them on FB. I think some are trying to get rid of them before they cant... I saw one add in WA (where my brother lives) that said it was "lightened" I guess its all fine and good till it aint. Like you Ron, I have a 12' no issues with it as a DPF only truck, we use it mostly for towing. Knock on wood the 20' has been good just doing the 24h regens, I am going to ask John how to do a standing regen on it with Apha-OBD as I am due for the annual oil change and once the Chevelle is off the lift, its next in line.

 

I'm definitely not promoting deletes or breaking laws. I just threw it out there as a quip.

 

Best way to deal with the DPF and it's system is to keep it updated as they sort out all kinds of problems that arise through time - and can be corrected software wise.

Very much like the VGT actuator that they later programmed to cycle at every startup to prevent build up of deposits.

 

I guessed you did, but for a lot of folks, a few that I know, delete with what they believe with impunity. Last 5K mile trip to Maine I saw so many deleted trucks in most of the states we went through. Easy to spot.

I ran my 2009 Ram 4500 eight of the nine years owned deleted and tuned, until I realized I could break down in another state and a dealer wouldn't touch it, or worse, EPA catch it. It didn't smoke mutch, but very easy to tell. I kept everything and ran it fully emission compliant, and easily traded it in on my 2017 Ram 5500.

So, whenever discussing DPF problems, it usually is a need to run it hard to clean it and not get drawn to the dark side of deleting.

Cheers, and run that bugger hard! Ron