a couple years ago i picked up a usb to obd ii scanner that plugs into my computer. ive lost the software and drivers for it though, it was a generic off ebay. its CAN compatible. does anyone know where i can get software and drivers for it?

 

All I can say is search the Brand name and model # on the unit. There still should be some kind of model # even if it is generic.

 

I bought an Elmscan tool from Amazon a few months ago. It is OBDII/CAN and came with a program called OBDwiz that has quite a few useful features. Other software is supported by the device. I think the ELM interface is the most widely used but there is another interface that works better (more details/writes to trucks memory). I am on ther road now but if your device is ELM, I can e-mail a driver to you. You have several options for software once the device is communicating with you laptop.

 

I've been looking at some of these. Will any of them pull codes out of these 6 liters or do you have to be careful which one you get?

 

Sure, they all pull generic codes but if I undestand correctly, you need a CAN device to pull manufacturer specific codes. I bought a handheld scanner (Innova 3150) first and figured it would do. After a few time of using it realized it had a few cool features (ABS, System tests) but no data logging.
I talked to some of the guys on here and they said Auto Enginuity was the way to go. AutoEnginuity® - OBD2 Scan Tool - Professional PC and PDA Diagnostics
Looks great, but kinda pricy for me (I'll end up buying anyway ).
I found the ELM device on Amazon for $38 + free shipping and so far it works well. It pulls and clears codes and does data logging so you can select different parameters to graph while driving/running. It also does freeze frame (saves data when a code is set) and has a dashboard that you can customize with what ever parameters you want to watch. It shows the trucks software versions on all three modules as well as VIN# and other truck info.
If you have a decent laptop, I think this is a good way to get you feet wet and learn a little and do some basic troubleshooting for cheap. But it will not "write" to the trucks computer and I'm sure it lacks many system specific test the AutoEnginuity offers.
If you have one of these devices allready I think they are pretty much the same. you just need a driver so it can communicate with your laptop. you can use one of several different programs to look at the info it gets from the truck. Mine came with this software: EasyObdII - ScanTool.net OBD-II Elmscan Interface Software (Powered by CubeCart)