Inherited my dad's truck earlier this year...here's what I've done so far.

[Irish_Texan]

Some might remember my earlier thread in February when I inherited my dad's 2004 2500 long bed with CTD. This truck has been nothing but a joy to me, really. I've done a lot to it to put my own fingerprint on it, so to speak. Remember, it sat for like 6 years before I got it up and going. Here's what I've done so far and some pics, too.

• Initial maintenance work:
  • changed engine oil and filter, transmission oil and filter, brake fluid, fuel filter, air filter, dropped fuel tank to inspect diesel
• Along-the-way maintenance/repairs:
  • replaced thermostat, replaced front and rear shocks, had to replace radiator and fan clutch when the fan clutch wiring broke loose and punched a hole in the radiator
  • When I installed the front leveling kit, I went ahead and did the U/L ball joints, upper control arm, inner and outer tie rods, sway bar links
• New tires, Cooper Discoverer ATP II
• Shorty antenna to replace the one that seemed 8 feet long. Lol
• Airbag warranty issue repaired
• Replaced the broken bed rails with new Bushwacker bed rail caps
• Installed Alpine double DIN head unit with screen [had to modify behind the dash a little to fit, but it was super easy to do]
• Installed a tailgate assist shock. The heavy-ass tailgate used to drop like a rock, now it gently lowers and won't break your arm.
• Removed the chrome badging, painted it all black and re-installed.
• Replaced chrome grill with black grill
• Installed front leveling kit
• Steelcraft front and rear bumpers
• Bed coating
• Camlocker bed toolbox
• and just yesterday, installed overhead cab lights.

My next project is to convert it from SRW to DRW. Doing that for the additional towing capacity for the 5th wheel we'll be getting in a while.

And now for the pics...before and after:

 

[Dredger]

You did a great job! That's quite the transformation!

 

[mikeru]

I like the changes you made. Nice job!

Converting to DRW may make it more capable of towing more but it won't increase the tow rating for your truck. Legally you're stuck with the tow rating it had when it was built.