Had another question on something I can't seem to find on the search. The clear tube that comes down on the rear drivers side of the engine. It's about an inch in diameter. What is it and why is there a haze of smoke coming out of it?

That should be your breather/blowby tube.

Yeah it sounds like someone replaced the orginal rubber hose with a clear vinyl tubing... But yes its a crankcase vent...

Mine is clear too The compression that blows past the rings goes into the crankcase and has to be vented somewhere so it goes out that tube. That is why it is used to measure engine wear. There is a certain test you do with a manometer (water column) and if it has too much pressure then the engine needs a rebuild.

Oh ok. Is there a link on the pressure readings and how to figure out if I'm close to needing one? I don't think I will. I have 248k and it runs strong but you never know.

http://www.cumminsforum.com/forum/94-98-engine/232657-checking-blowby.html

Awesome thanks man!!

my elephant hose is clear too. probably a year difference thing?and it's what you have instead of PCV, which is difficult to do on a turbo motor with positive intake pressure. They do it now though...

+1 on the clear hose.