I know someone else posted this before, but I can't seem to find it. I am trying to map out a project plan for overhauling my stock 97 1500 5.9 RWD. What would be a good starting point? I am trying to break it into manageable sub-projects while still addressing the most common failure points on the truck like the plenum or the cat. Links to threads that have already covered this are welcome and appreciated.

 

whats your plan for it?....depends on what you want to do, you might want to wait on the cat and plenum if you plan on tearing more into the motor or full exhaust....whtever you plan on 1st then just search that

 

I pretty much plan on going with a stock rebuild. I don't see too much use in putting a whole lot of racing parts on a 6-7000 lb. GVW truck. I am wanting to do some upgrades like brakes for example, and I also want to make sure to remedy the common things like the stuff in the FAQ. It's 4x2 so no 4 wheeling, and it's not diesel so too heavy to race. I am basically looking for guidance on a logical progression for repairs on the truck.

 

BTW we are just over 174k on the ODO. Does the bottom end really hold up well enough to trust it and just go with a top end rebuild?

 

fix it when it breaks

 

That doesn't seem like a logical progression. The goal of this project is to get a good start on the repair cycle by taking the truck out of service for overhaul, not to be putting out fires as the flare up.

 

i would do a compression test and try to see how good your rings and stuff are

 

It's a logical progression. Use the addage, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". Usually once you start tearing into a rebuild and fixing issues that aren't there you do more work and spend more money than needed. I'm in the same as you. I'm do a over haul on my 2000 1500 SLT 4x4. I'm starting with simple small things first and working to the more indepth things.

1. Exaust
2. Body work
3. Interior work
4. New paint
5. Rims/tires
6. Shocks/springs
7. axles
8. tranny
9. engine.

 

^^^ +1

With 174k on the motor, I would just monitor the compression, oil consumption, etc. until you need a full rebuild or replacement. Long blocks aren't that expensive compared to a new truck. Anything else you do to it does not require a particular order unless the old lady holds the purse strings.

 

As long as your 5.9 is running good with little to no oil consumption, don't worry that much about a rebuild. My dad and I were gonna rebuild my 5.2 this summer, but even with 238k on the odometer, it still runs surprisingly good. Only once have I gotten a cylinder misfire code from what I believed to be the engine burning oil.

In the mean time, go for the smaller projects, like what you said, the plenum or the cat. With 174k on the odometer, your front suspension might need a little love, especially the bushings. Basically, if you find something that needs the attention on your truck, spend the time and fix it as your project, until everything is fixed.