So my 98 dodge truck that has 207,000 mi with a 5.2. Its got new timing chain, water pump, thermostat, steering box, top dash, tires, tie rods,fan clutch and Im sure I missed a few. It needs head gaskets! I do everything myself but was curious if I should just fix it or get a new shortblock for it? Its my kart hauler! But I work at a chevy dealer so maybe I should bite the bullet and get something newer? Thanks for any opinions
What would you do?
- Thread starter rowdy66
- Start date
karts11and4KBP
New member
I own a company and always tell my customers we use all American made products. I also drive all american. Would not make sense to preach one thing and then do another by driving a toyota. When I go to a car lot I always pull around back to see what the employees drive to determine if I want to deal with them. If you drive a dodge work for dodge. If you drive a Ford work at Ford. Image is everything in what we do. Always promote what you do even when you are driving from home to work and back.
atwoodracing20
Dew Dawg
If you can afford something newer, then I would go for it. But headgaskets are not too bad to replace on that truck. If your truck is worth it, not rusted out or stuff like that.
I also own a mercury! I did just start at this dealer by the way. And I understand what your saying but I always like to be different! Nobody says anything about it and they all drive chevys!
atwoodracing20
Dew Dawg
I hear ya on the payments...any rod noise when you revved it up?
davea7
Member
My Toyota was made in Texas (USA). So if I understand your theory correctly, if someone works at McDonalds then they should eat nothing but McDonalds?
atwoodracing20
Dew Dawg
Thats good, I have seen many of those up here with over 300,000 miles on them. Good engines..
Unfortunately, Toyota is one of the largest US manufacturers employing more people in the USA than I believe any other auto manufacturer. I buy parts for my Chevrolet Camaro that was built in Canada, the parts are made in Mexico, says right on them. The Ford trucks I used to service, made in mexico as well. None of them are completely made in the USA.
-Shannon
metalmagic
New member
I worked at the Toyota plant in Princeton indiana for 9 years and all of our major part and even the engine was made and assembled in the US
DepDaddy
Member
LOL...I agree with you. So, if you work at McDonald's, no more Wendy's, BK or Taco Bell for you.
Also, I'll drive what I want, not just what I am promoting. If the Chevy dealership wanted me to promote their car that bad then they would issue me a company vehicle. I'll guaranty you that if the Chevy dealership only hired people who drove Chevy's then they would have a tough time finding a solid workforce. Heck, I'm in Florida and I had to hire a bilingual person, and it STILL took me 3 months because most of the candidates that applied were not a fit for the job...
FLASHJR
Site Supporter
x2 on that sounds like you mave mostly new parts in it already fix her and drive her
mikelavite#72
Member
Shannon I dont understand what is "Unfortunate" that Toyota is employing so many people ? not trying to pick a argument here just a little confused about the statement is all .
mikelavite#72
Member
just dont let the T be silent when pronouncing Chevrolet 
We rebuilt my sons 97 ram engine a year ago. It was the 5.9 but I'm told they are very similar. Found out the heads like to crack, especially between the valves. If you tear it down, watch that close. Also, if yours has the tall intake manifold, there is a big plate bolted to the bottom that is prone to gasket failure that causes oil consumption and poor performance. There is an aftermarket aluminum plate kit you can buy to fix up the intake gasket failure problem. I made my own by laser cutting an aluminum plate and saved some $.
'head gaskets that are sucking a lil air in' not sure what you mean by this.
'head gaskets that are sucking a lil air in' not sure what you mean by this.
By all means, change the head gasket and keep on rolling. You've spent some money on new parts recently and you need to get some mileage out of them, otherwise that was mighty generous of you to do all of that for the next owner's benefit. 
From a money standpoint, keep driving what you have and stay out of vehicle debt. Start saving for the next vehicle now so you won't need to make payments when you need or want to upgrade.
From a money standpoint, keep driving what you have and stay out of vehicle debt. Start saving for the next vehicle now so you won't need to make payments when you need or want to upgrade.
Andy Owens
Member
Use it for a trot line weight.