papaindigo wrote:
Your very 1st priority is being sure the timing belt job has been done and when. All else comes later.
As to your torque converter. Chances are that it's the stock CRD TC (not the very early 05 one but the one used from after that to the end of the 06 model run). Whether or not it was replaced as part of the F-37 really doesn't matter unless you can find a record that somehow, extremely rare but not unknown, the service was done after the 07 models came out and the TC was "accidentally" replaced with a Euro TC. IMHO if the TC that's in there now doesn't shudder under load then at most you need a fluid (ATF+4) and filter change after which drive it and service it until it fails at which point upgrade to a Euro or Suncoast. No need to swap out now unless you have $s laying around or get the GDE stage II turbo like I did.
If and only if you confirm the TB job has been done then I'd get a GDE ECU tune of your choice, the EcoTune is a good one and my son's 06 quite happily did a cross country run fully loaded inside including 2 adults pulling ca 2,500 lbs of loaded Uhaul trailer with that tune. The GDE TCM tune is nice in that it restores the pre F-37 shift pattern but won't produce much mpg gain unless you spend a fair amount of time driving below 57mph. I'd put off the TCM tune until you have done more obvious things like Samcos, brakes, tires, airbox to turbo hose if torn on bottom just in front of turbo, etc.
I know that the TB service is crucial. In the other thread as well, I mentioned that the Dodge/Jeep dealership that is implicated in performing service for the original owner has been contacted. The nice lady who unfortunately took my call seemed happy to put those records together for me and email them over. So I'll know if the TB was performed by a factory service dept here by the end of the day.
Thanks. for all your help.
I have the cash to do whatever it needs and the tools and time to get it done right. So throw it all at me. This is going to be a daily driver for work. Reliability and economy are most important. I don't expect to do much off road driving if any. Maybe wet grass or dirt.
Do you have an online supplier that you recommend for the motor mounts? Motor mounts are definitely on my menu. I can tell that these are shot.
Shocks, brakes, tires, alignment, tranny fluid, transfer case fluid, front and rear diff. I'm on deck for all of it.