Big list of dumb questions from a new PSD owner

[WERA976]

Hello - long time lurker, first time poster.

I just a few days ago bought a used '04 2WD dually w/ a 6.0L PSD & auto. 88k on the clock, OASIS report showed in those 88k miles it's had 4 injectors replaced. And that's it. It's bone stock save for some after-market security system with which I have not come to terms.

I plan to keep the truck otherwise stock, save for gauges that'll make the dash look like the instrument panel of a C-130, and enough filters to make Indonesian flood waters safe for drinking.

The wife & kids and I all ride motorcycles, so we plan to buy a toy hauler trailer (probably a modest tag-along) here soon to take to the races with us.

So I have lots of questions, and although I check the FAQs and search the forum for key words in my question, sometimes I just need to ask the question on my own. I'll keep updating this thread every so often as I think of more.

Currently I'm trying to figure out how to use the keypad on the door for keyless entry, since I didn't set the code, I bought it used.

Anyway, keep it up, I enjoy the reading.

[MikeL46]

So, when do the questions start?

And, no question is dumb if you don't know the answer. Although frequently the answers can be dumb.

Mike

[WERA976]

OK - here's a short list I was thinking about as I walked around the yard today (behind the mower):

1. Best manufacturer & source for a bug shield for the hood?

2. Need a beefy front bumper for suburban Atlanta traffic. Ideas?

3. Why is the third member of this truck so damn greasy, and is it a problem indicative of the breed?





4. Why doesn't the emergency brake hold the truck when it's in gear? How does a person adjust that themselves?

I'll think of some more later.

[BlowinBackBlack]

the oil is coming from your rear pinun seal you need a puller and impact to change it.

[justinmelin]

Got my bug shield from 4 wheel parts, Brand is AVS only $60. Picked it up at the store 3 weeks after I ordered it! Not what I call quick service. Even though I wasn't in a hurry for it you would think it would be faster than that. Good luck.

[rfishoutofwater]

Well, the bumper guard I would go with the Go Rhino product. I have bought them for all my trucks and they fit great and easy install. Bug defelctor, Not sure. Mine was from factory if I remember. I have bought from autoeverthing.com and from WeatherTech Automotive Accessories - Car Mats, Floor Mats, Cargo Liners, Side Window Deflectors and More. Also check out DIESELSITE - DIESEL MAINTENANCE and PERFORMANCE. here are some pics of mine with the Go rhino grill guard.

[WERA976]

Originally Posted by BlowinBackBlack

the oil is coming from your rear pinun seal you need a puller and impact to change it.

Puller... like a slide hammer or the three-prong'd hooks on a threaded rod?

Impact... like a huge presence in my driveway, or an air-powered wrench, or...?

Is this a tough fix for a driveway mechanic, or just easier to have a shop do it? I'd rather try it myself if it's at all possible & realistic.

New question: I'm not looking to tune the engine for more power per se, but I am looking to eek out a few more MPGs. If the stock air cleaner & intake tract flows so well, and there are no gains to be made there, then is a turbo-back my only other option? Diesels are just engines and engines are just air pumps, right? Get it in & get it out. I'm thinking of going up on the down pipe diameter & the rest of the way back.

This should help lower EGTs, too, correct? Are there downsides? Could it cause other problem(s)?

On the brush guard, I was thinking of swapping the whole bumper out. Anyone ever heard of Fusion bumpers? Ever used Buckstop.biz?

Gauges: Should I look for one, digital screen as a multi-readout, or use a half dozen or so analog gauges in pods on the A-pillar and dash top?

[rock_doctor]

I swear by a hefty grille guard. The one on my last truck save our butts. It grabbed a hold of the truck that smashed into us and held on for dear life, if it had not the truck would have leaped up into the cab with us.... Actually held enough force to bend the frame of our 02 Excursion nearly a foot out of whack... That was also a Go Industries guard, which is why i bought two more.

I have the Tubular Stainless Steel Truck Accessories The Rancher on my 08 and the Tubular Stainless Steel Truck Accessories Ford on my 05 Excursion.

The problem with the grill/bumper combo while they are gorgeous they also cost a couple grand and a couple hundred to ship to you... If you have the cash then that is the way to go and there are several companies that make them.

[WERA976]

Dang, you weren't kidding about the prices for those bumpers! Jeez! Yeah, we're gonna re-evalute the whole bumper idea.

That rack on the cap looks nice. Do you use it much? My truck came with a cap, but I sometimes wish it had the elevated height, instead of being cab high all the way back. More height would make it easier to load/unload dirtbikes in the bed.

Where can I find the dimensional specs on m truck: height, length, weight etc.?

[DizzyD]

I'm on my third Ford SD and fourth hood protector/ bug shield :
A different brand on my first SD, was not hppy with fit or quality of the product at about $80. It was flimsy, only lasted until the second winter when I ran ascross the Stampeed unit.
Chrome Series Hood Protectors | Stampede Products
You'll pay more for this one than some others however, we've all been around long enough to know that you get what you pay for. Nice look in chrome with the SD grill, available in smoked also, and I believe you can paint to match if you want to.
Good luck with your new ride !

[rfishoutofwater]

The rack is a yakima rack mega load warrior with extensions. I use it quite a bit. Holds my kids bikes and when we take long vacation trips I put a couple 5 gallon jugs of diesel up there or water too. It does require a step ladder to access the of the rack.

Originally Posted by WERA976

Puller... like a slide hammer or the three-prong'd hooks on a threaded rod?

Impact... like a huge presence in my driveway, or an air-powered wrench, or...?

Is this a tough fix for a driveway mechanic, or just easier to have a shop do it? I'd rather try it myself if it's at all possible & realistic.

New question: I'm not looking to tune the engine for more power per se, but I am looking to eek out a few more MPGs. If the stock air cleaner & intake tract flows so well, and there are no gains to be made there, then is a turbo-back my only other option? Diesels are just engines and engines are just air pumps, right? Get it in & get it out. I'm thinking of going up on the down pipe diameter & the rest of the way back.

This should help lower EGTs, too, correct? Are there downsides? Could it cause other problem(s)?

On the brush guard, I was thinking of swapping the whole bumper out. Anyone ever heard of Fusion bumpers? Ever used Buckstop.biz?

Gauges: Should I look for one, digital screen as a multi-readout, or use a half dozen or so analog gauges in pods on the A-pillar and dash top?

[WERA976]

How the heck do you check/adjust the tire pressure in the inner duals? I can't fit my fat mitt in there! There's got to be a trick to it... right?

[rfishoutofwater]

I got my long pressure guage thats for checking those inter tires at harbor freight. Sears also caries them. Harbor freight is like 5 bucks thou. Oh, Nice rig.

[teamroper60]

The rear pinion leak is fairly common (at least once) for Ford dually's. After what I went through, I don't think I would attempt this in my driveway.. I had mine replaced under warranty and in the process of getting the driveshaft loose, they boogered up the thing and ended up having to replace the entire driveshaft, the yoke and the rear pinion seal a 2nd time.....

Checking air pressure in the inside rear tires is not difficult if you get a pressure gauge for 18 wheelers. Those are long enough and at the correct angle to go right on, so you check the pressure without deflating the tire.....

[my03psd]

As far as your keypad problems, in your manual it tells you how to change the code to whatever you like, just did it for a buddy and it's simple to do.