1995 2500 w/ 5.9engine. just turned 190k miles, rebuilt trans about 50k miles ago. She is used for work and pulls a 18ft enclosed trailer (roughly 4500lbs) everyday during mowing season. about 30-40k miles per year. In a moderate hilly area.

With 2 little boys I can not afford buying something newer.

....Wish list is a 2002ish 2500 extended cab w/ diesel but its a some day wish list....

Being close to the 200k mile mark I am trying to figure how to give the old girl some more pep. Over the past 5 years of owning her I have noticed that she has become more and more tired.

First thoughts were trying to find a 5.9l engine out of junk yard truck w/ 80k or less on it and swapping engines.... seems like finding this would be a dream and then a pita to do.

Second thoughts are asking you and mechanics around the area what I can do to hopefully give her another 100k miles.

one guy says basics like oil/air filter plus new plugs/wires and advancing timing a little would be a good way to go.

what are your thoughts or what have you done when you got to this point.... thank you in advance

 

Well if you can afford to have it rebuilt that would probably help a bit.

 

What all does rebuilding involve? and maybe a round about price... thanks

 

Basically, pulling the motor, disassembling it, replacing all wearable parts and anything that is bad or on it's way out (if they notice it), cleaning everything and reassembling the motor.

You'd want to check out shops in your area and check out prices, the amount of work will depend on the overall condition of the motor, there may be machining involved and other unexpected problems may arise so while the cost would probably be cheaper then a new/junk yard motor it won't exactly be cheap.

But if you find a good mechanic to do the work you should have a solid motor afterwords.

 

I think we're getting way ahead of ourselves talking about a rebuild. From the sound of it, this engine might not have seen new wires, plugs, cap/rotor, or air filter for some time. Let's stick to basics here.

Speaking of basics, how about doing a proper compression test on it to see where you stand; it might just be pretty damn healthy, and just in need of some new ignition parts and an air filter. And how much oil does it go through between changes? If it's not burning much oil, that's obviously a good sign.

I certainly wouldn't mess with the timing; if you want it to last, just keep it in good tune, and change the oil and filter every 3,000 miles. An auxiliary transmission cooler wouldn't be a bad idea either, with those hills of yours.

 

At 190K, I'd say check to see if the plenum has been addressed. Replace the timing chain. Replace the O2 sensors. Change all your fluids. Do a full tune up (Yeah yeah, I know what your gonna say VW). Well I guess I should have started by asking, what's your budget?

 

Timing is fixed, you can't adjust it, all controlled by the PCM. Moving the distributor won't change ignition timing at all. (doesn't work that way on these trucks.)

And, just to reinforce what some others have said:

Check the plenum. If you haven't fixed it, it more than likely needs it.
Cap/Rotor/Wires/Plugs/Air filter/PCV valve. (get the pcv from the dealer only. aftermarket valves don't always have the correct flow rate.)
Timing Chain and gears <- On my 165000 mile motor, this was THE biggest performance improvement I have seen.
Oil change, fluids from end to end of the truck.
Rear brake line that goes over the gas tank if you haven't already. (it likes to rust, and break.)

 

I did jump the gun on the whole rebuild thing. Choke and J415 are right, check the basic's first and see what you get.

 

Holy C RAP!!! I'm right? That never happens!!! I'm gonna print this thread out and frame it!!!

 

I knew it was cold out for a reason......