So I purchased an 03 that had been sitting for two years. Got a great deal and of course did the should I buy thread prior to purchasing so thanks again to all those that were so helpfull. I got the truck over to my friends shop and after a bit of trouble shooting we replaced a crank sensor an fixed the ficm and she was running. That's the good news the bad news is that it was throwing DTC P132b. So per everyone's advice we pulled the turbo and cleaned it per the instructions in the tech section. I haven't seen it yet but my buddy said that there was enough corrosion on the housing that it wasn't completely sealing(didn't see it yet but just passing on what he told me). He put it back together thinking he might have gotten it to seal up with that type of pressure of course there was no way. Anyway the point of all this is what turbo should I buy. I've seen used one's very reasonably priced. I've seen rebuild ones and of course some non OEM new ones. I don't care about anything but stock level performance and reliability. The primary use of the truck is for towing my 5th wheel. What's the best value going out there? Thanks in advance.

One add'l question, the truck has a K&N cold air intake on it. Is that the likely culprit of the turbo damage? Or is it mostly the fact that it sat around for two years?

 

according to the folks on here, yep.

also according to them, the oem filter is good to 500 hp.

 

I'd try to find a good rebuilt one. Since you are staying stock.

 

So come to find out the turbo function is ok but the corrosion is by the exhaust inlet(port that goes to exhaust manifold). It's not totally sealing. Has anyone run a gasket in there? According to my buddy there wasn't one there when he took it out. Suggestions?

 

Are you talking the "y" Pipe? (see picture next to the line for number 2) There is no gasket there. When you put the turbo back in, keep the bolts loose, and then put the y pipe on. Someone didn't get it lined up right the last time it was put in. Be patient, it should line up and seal for you.

 

I went over to take a look and it is at the Y-pipe. He said it was totally seated but there was enough unevenness caused by corrosion that it wasn't sealing. He said when you start it up you can hear and feel the pressure being blown out there. He's taking it back off and I'll post some pics as soon as he does. The guys over at Diesel Tech in here in Southern Cal said they would take a look at it for me to tell me their thoughts. I'll keep you guys updated.