Hey all, been quite a while since I been on, had alot going on. Stepped out of the Military-may go back in?, moved into a new house, jobs, kids etc you know. Had the truck LITERALLY completely torn apart: re-sealed engine minus head, completely rebuilt the NV5600 and transfercase, new clutch - which is making some very strange noises, sound deadened the whole cab, re-sealed the hvac box top to bottom, new heater core, evaporator, drier, headliner, wheels and tires; I mean the works! Ill have to maybe make a post with all the pictures? I don't know how to add that many pics though. If youd like to see it all give me a shout and how to do it and ill throw it up. 

 

Any how, down to the good stuff. I have multiple topics id like some discussion over/ questions answered. They are all non-powertrain related so I feel it appropriate to group them here, if not Ill gladly make separate topics to keep everything organized. 

 

I guess Ill start with the dash. I have been looking, reading and researching the DASH. Came across alot of topics here including @Dieselfuture post Time for a new Dash. I think I have decided on going with LMC dash cause I really don't wanna mess with painting it and trying to get it to match  I have spent alot of time already with my dash out fiber glassing  the top and bottom in hopes of making a custom dash top (see pic) and I don't wanna mess with it no more, I'd be cheaper off to just buy one. In that same realm Ill be purchasing a new dash bezel from Geno's  for 87$ - no brainer. 

 

Next on the list is sway bar stuff. I have a 34mm front and a 24mm rear sway bar. They have been off for years, I don't do that much offroading in this rig and I hate the body roll- sometimes. So I'm gonna re-build them and put them back on. With that I am thinking of using Geno's to get the Energy Suspension bushings - still waiting to see if they can get the rear ones, and also front and rear end links from them. Need to see if I can even find the bushing retainers to bolt on from when I took them off...... Thoughts on this? 

 

Lights! These things suck! I have read the article on here for the sport light conversion with projectors. More than likely Ill go that route - with the detailed instructions. Where is the best place to get those lights at now a days? Any further improvements or light availability come about? I found Anzo Lights from CPP Diesel that look pretty decent, but I'm after quality and some bright a$$ lights so I can see. So I need opinions.

Second light topic is cab lights. I have (smoked colored) my original ones long time ago cause that was hip, and had led's in them, now I'd like to get something updated and nicer looking, even if its new OEM style ones. Been looking at Recon cab lights... Any thoughts or users of those? 

 

Mirrors! going to replace my stiff broken tow-mirrors with something like  Spyder X-tune Mirrors from CPP Diesel that are powered and heated. Any other preference? 

 

Lastly I will probably need to replace my steering gear box. I have everything replaced with DOR parts, great stuff, minus the track bar. I have slop left to right while driving straight down the hwy, it gets really bad wander (hard to keep center) when I try to (quickly) change lanes or go over some (whoops) down a back road. Like I have to correct my correction . So after alot of reading I have found that Blue Top is the more gooder way to go. However they are back-ordered now but who isn't... Thoughts on RED vs BLUE? 

 

Ill probably make a separate topic on this one but my wiper delay and power locks dont work anymore. Through my research it leads to the CTM, to which I have no experience with...

 

I think that is all I got for now lol. Quite a bit to swallow in one bite but there it is... Again I have done so much to this puppy and have lots of pics I could show it off or if anyone is curious on something or just nosy I'd be happy to share if I knew how to do it. 

I greatly appreciate any feed back, comments, suggestions you would have for me. Thank you for reading through all that! 

 

Well I have recorded a few videos with my gopro but none have come out good. Way to much wind noise. Idk what it is, never had this problem while on my helmet riding atvs... so back to drawing board on that... maybe I'll just try my phone...

 

Got my dash and bezel shipped in, also got my all my anti sway bar stuff in from genos, still might have to find bushing mount/retainer for sway bar bushings if I can't find them. Need to get those seals conjured up then lots of play time installing it all. 

 

I ordered new mirrors and filter from cpp diesel on 6-22 @ noon, still have yet to get a shipping confirmation. Even emailed them a couple of times- nothing. If I don't get something Monday rain or shine im canceling it. Items didn't show out of stock, and it's never taken this long for them to ship out on my previous orders, usually same day ship. 

Idk if a rep or someone from them is on this forum but if so maybe they can pass it up or let me at least know what's going on. Also just an FYI for anyone wanting to purchase through them. *end rant* lol 

Well I guess a little update here: 

 

To piggy back on the CPP ordeal, I received my package (2 of 3) item Friday at 1530 right as I was leaving the shop. After all that with no means of reasonable communication, doesn't make since but whatever. 

 

Got my new dash installed- see pics, went way easier than I was anticipating, color difference is there but not super noticeable one pic shows it pretty good I believe, got my new bezel installed and new power/heated tow mirrors installed -parts truck had a mirror switch, and a new blower motor resistor... 

LMC- Dash $250

Geno's- Bezel $85

CPP*- Mirrors $130 

 

Gonna pull CTM and heater controller from donor truck today or Monday.

 

Then need to replace rear pinion seal and tailshaft seal on transfercase. @Silverwolf2691 the weep hole was in the 4-5 o'clock position  but good news is I have 2 extra ones laying in the shop... I'll have to decipher which seal to get on the pinion. I forget who posted it but a member on here had a decent post on pinion seals here I read and had the seal options. I attached pics of my rear end (no pun intended) for reference- any help is appreciated.

 

I also got to start working on re-upholstering my door panels and center console. I hate not having these...

Looks great

I take it that the Geno’s dash bezel is not a slip over but a full replacement? 

1 hour ago, 01cummins4ever said:

I take it that the Geno’s dash bezel is not a slip over but a full replacement? 

Yes, sure is. Full replacement with clips- doesn't come with vents though. Love Geno's, all kinds of good things to say about them.

Vent pieces can easily be popped out and traded to the new bezel. I found this power washing mine last year.

5 hours ago, Mopar1973Man said:

Vent pieces can easily be popped out and traded to the new bezel. I found this power washing mine last year.

Flying debris...... oh wait I need that

2 minutes ago, Stanley said:

Flying debris...... oh wait I need that

 

Not exactly. But the power wash kicked on loose on the pins so I was able to see how to unclip the rest of them. Not hard.

Did anyone one have any insight on which seal or pn# to use? Mine kinda looks like @smokeythedodge on his write up, but I'm not for certain... 

"Not I", said the fly... Sorry I can't help.

On 7/5/2021 at 10:55 AM, Stanley said:

Flying debris...... oh wait I need that

''Jag1, can you come over with yer metal detector?" Sure Boss! What do ya mean check it out all around at 35 feet away 

On 7/4/2021 at 11:29 AM, Stanley said:

Got my new dash installed- see pics, went way easier than I was anticipating, color difference is there but not super noticeable one pic shows it pretty good I believe, got my new bezel installed and new power/heated tow mirrors installed -parts truck had a mirror switch, and a new blower motor resistor... 

 

Wow the dash looks great. I've been happy with my dash mat for years, but if it's an easy swap I might be tempted. I always assumed there would be hidden fasteners or a bunch of other stuff would have to come out first.

I'm in line to getting a new dash in my truck its starting to crack badly and tough to keep up with super glue. 

"Starting to crack badly?" Your dash must be in way better shape than mine!

@sleezy it's not hard at all. Just take your time and be gentle, it's still all plastic lol. By taking the ducting off and securing it to the dash before install is almost a must, I'd say. I actually positioned my steering wheel where it would be flat against the seat and sort of wedged it down further in front of the seat to get what ever room I could. Remember where all your little screws go so you don't have any rattles etc... There's a whole bunch of those little beesterdz...

13 hours ago, Stanley said:

@sleezy it's not hard at all. Just take your time and be gentle, it's still all plastic lol. By taking the ducting off and securing it to the dash before install is almost a must, I'd say. I actually positioned my steering wheel where it would be flat against the seat and sort of wedged it down further in front of the seat to get what ever room I could. Remember where all your little screws go so you don't have any rattles etc... There's a whole bunch of those little beesterdz...

 

-sigh- all right, I'll add it to the list, I guess...

 

It's a Cummins... how would you ever know if there are rattles in the dash?

Also, if the new dash comes with screws, use those, not the ones you took out. The LMC one had new screws and I almost blew the mounting boss open trying to tighten an old screw in. New holes were smaller. 

9 minutes ago, Silverwolf2691 said:

Also, if the new dash comes with screws, use those, not the ones you took out. The LMC one had new screws and I almost blew the mounting boss open trying to tighten an old screw in. New holes were smaller. 

Same here

I just looked at Geno's install writeup, and it's kind of scared me off. Remove the windshield to get to screws under the dash?

 

https://blog.genosgarage.com/wordpress1/2016/03/98-02-dodge-ram-dash-replacement/

Not needed at all. Have a buddy guide you by looking in the windshield while you put the screws in. That was a convenience thing due to a badly cracked window I believe. best to use a stubby screw driver too.

 

There's actually quite a bit of room in there, if you get the heater box out, to remove the dash pad. I just reread genos write up and I don't know where they get 'there's a chance of cracking an un-cracked windshield'.. Everything tips towards the seats once loosened and only moves up an inch to get unhooked..