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Transfer Case Fluid, Should it Be Checked? Some Say NO!

By • On • In Diesel Fails

 

NP271D-2T

 

New developments show that transfer case fluid may be unnecessary.  So many owners, oil change locations and other responsible automotive service centers neglect to inspect the level of fluid in this integral drivetrain component.

The fluid in the transfer case in question was undoubtedly empty for some time.  Fluid not only helps lubricate wearing components, but more importantly cools the steel and aluminum components that generate gobs of heat.  The chain in particular experiences most of the heat, and stretches.  If stretched too long the chain will jump teeth on the front output gear generally ending with a shattered case.  Heavy 4×4 action can also cause this to occur.

You are not stranded!

Don’t fret yet.  If this happens to you *simply cut the chain off (or don’t) and drive it (gently) back home, to a shop, or *off a cliff.  The vehicle will still motivate its self with only the rear output shaft functioning.

*Don’t sue me if you die.

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Part 1 of 3: Birth Of A Plow Truck

By • On • In Short Stories

plowtruckbirth

Snow removal is a very lucrative business when mother nature allows for it.  A garden variety day for a snow removal technician is nothing short of brutal on driver and truck a like.  We are going to focus on the truck in this story.

A plow truck begins its life as a general daily driver pickup in a light duty environment.  After some years, mileage, dents and dings her job title changes a bit.  She may be hauling heaping piles of gravel in the bed, or pulling heavy equipment trailers to job sites.  Either way the later part of this trucks life gets harder.  If this is sounding familiar to your habits, don’t worry it is the natural way of things.

The year dangles into the fall and meteorologists, almanacs, or wholly worms infer a harsh winter.  Snow removal season is upon us in a blink of an eye, and you need to be ready for the first snow, a plow and salt spreader becomes part of this truck.

Stay tuned for Part 2: Life of a Plow Truck, and Part 3: Death of a Plow Truck

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Classic Missouri Dept Of Conservation Truck to Get Late Model Mods

By • On • In Colorful and Creative
Darrell miller and Dave blum admiring the truck.

One of the admired qualities about working at a Diesel shop is the prospect of creating interesting projects in the off time.  A couple months ago a young lady had a really bad-off Toyota Rav4.  This being her only vehicle, it was very important to have it running at peak efficiency.  In passing conversation she mentioned her families barn truck, and how it needed a lot of work.  An idea popped into existance at that moment.  Why not overhaul the Toyota in trade for the classic truck.  If the RAV’s repairs were added up the cost vastly surpassed the value of the truck, but that wasnt the point.  She got what she needed, and we got a new project, keeping the gears turning on the left side of our brains.