Truck update

Valve lifer on the right side acting up. Same side as the last valve lifter that was replaced a month ago. Dealer says "Always seems to be the right side on that motor". Gee, why heck didn't you tell me that THE LAST TIME WE HAD IT APART so we could have changed all four the danged things????????????????????????? GRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!

Here we go Bret. Let's see now. $835 a month ago for the valve lifter and replace a manifold. It will be $800 for the new converter. (Kal-I-Forn-Ia complient) so only factory original catalytic converters are legal). That's $1600. plus another at LEAST $500 to do the stinkin' valve lifters.................that's $2100. Had to put a set of tires on. I know, had to do that anyway, but it's still $635. So that will be approaching $2800. Last year was front end work and over $800 to get it to pass. Year before it was a set up emergency brake cable and related parts. A few other odds and ends. That was $700 something. Of course the emergency cable was set up BECAUSE NOBODY EVER USES the things with an auto tranny, but by God it's gotta be in working order. Gotta love NY. Yes , I know still cheaper that payments. But with only 116,000 miles?

If we could get NY to stop salting the roads like they're trying to preserve fish we'd be money ahead. I know what you mean though. I'd still be driving my 91 Toyota if the rust hadn't killed it and the same goes for a few of my wifes cars.

As far as the lifters, is there a reason they go bad? Did you check for recalls?

You could check with your inspection station/garage about the $500.00 limit thing, but my guy says he's only seen it in play the one time. Absolute horse puckey IMO!

We were sort of set on leaving NY but my daughters divorce means the kid can't leave the state and no way will my wife move away from those 2, so I guess I'll die here.

I hear you. Most of my family is still here, too. Besides I can't afford to leave and start over. Comes under the heading of 20/20 hindsight, doesn't it? "Gee, if I'd had any idea of what this stinking state was going to turn into, I'd would have packed everything in my car the day of graduation, headed west and never looked back", right?

Oklahoma abolished their vehicle inspection program, probably 20 years ago now. Didn't realize how lucky we were. The accident rate didn't seem to go up, they guys who drove junk ignored the law anyway, and those types always seem to get away with it. Like those that drive without insurance.

https://youtu.be/sa7EkXpy8jE

When it rains it pours. Like you say it is better than payments. Valve lifters do go bad. I had a Ford with a 460 engine. A few days before we were about to leave for Montana from California, a lifter stopped working. Some older motors the lifter can be removed without removing the manifold. Mine was not one of them. A big pain days before a long trip. Stan

What model and year is your truck?

If I were conspiracy theory kind of guy I would be suspicious, Look at the facts, they use enough salt to preserve meat on the roads and that causes the vehicles to rot in place almost overnight. The inspection process forces you to spend a lot of money keeping vehicles in order that they're trying to destroy. When you buy a new vehicle the state gets sales tax (and in many states a hefty tag fee) and you have a shiny new vehicle with computers that can be turned off via remote control and can report where you're going and have been.

Yes maybe global warming is the greatest threat to us, only because our government can use it to seize our liberties and rights and force us to do business only with people they approve (which could be only the folks that support a specific political agenda)

Trick on the e-brake is to use it a couple of times a month. Then it will not rust up.

If your doing the lifters you might as well do a compression check, maybe get the cylinder head rebuilt.

I certainly won't dispute your assertions. We have to pay sales tax on all used vehicles, too. A vehicle that gets sold several times throughout it's lifetime, well you do the math. NY is bad enough, but some states (like Maine) require rust spots to be repaired before they can pass inspection, too.

04 Dakota, 4.7 V-8. 116,000 miles.

Last I knew Alaska didn't have vehicle inspections either, but that may have changed by now.

From some of the other things I have read about Oklahoma, unlike most of the country right now, the state seems to have their act together.

Wisbaker,I think you hit the nail on the head!

I local fellow only parts out Dakota's and Durango's. He says to stay away from any of those engines that end in 7 as they are JUNK. Now the ones that ended in 9 were very good and lasted a long time.

No problems with my 2000 Dakota 4.7, would still be driving it except for a 19 year old that did not know what a stop sign ment. Wanted a 4.7 in replacement truck but could not find one so bought a 3.9, think engine will be good but just not enough power. I pull 16' implement trailer a lot. Friend had a 2000 3.9 the engine could not be kept running in, replaced it with the larger engine and had that truck totaled setting in parking lot at store and never found what destroyed it.