Turbo is shot

[jules083]

I have a 99 SD that's all stock. I just pulled the turbo out and it's shot. End play, side play, vanes gouging into the sides. What is a good one to get? I'm happy with the power of the stock motor, I really have no reason to upgrade it. The Dealership is wanting $1600 for a new one, I looked at a GTP38R for $1800. I'd like to spend as little as possible, does anyone know where to get a cheaper one that's still a good unit? I'm thinking about maybe a re-built stocker from somewhere, I don't know how good of an idea that is though. Thanks.

 

[NevrKnow]

A rebuilt from one of the better shops should run about 700. OR you could get Ron's turbo shop a bit cheaper I believe. And if you believe in your own skills you can get a rebuild kit for $125 and do it yourself.

 

[jules083]

I thinking that doing my own re-build is probably a bad idea because of my vanes having contacted the inner housing. They didn't chew it up bad, I don't know how tight the tolerances are supposed to be. I think I'd rather just buy a re-built one and be done with it though.

I wonder how many miles I can get out of a rebuilt one compared to buying a new one?

 

[NevrKnow]

Whichever way you go, the better shops will balance it. As far as mileage?....Some others will have to chime in on that. But looking at a turbo, there's not many parts in it. So not alot to fail with CLEAN air going into it AND the housing has been properly inspected.

 

[rammertide07]

I have a Ford certified mechanic that has his own shop. He bought my new turbo from Ford and installed it for 1200 parts an labor. Maybr if you could find someone that is a ford tech and ask them if they will buy you a turbo and you will pay them a little extra for the favor.

 

[Tail_Gunner]

A few years back, I rebuilt my stock turbo. I got a kit from Bean's. They supplied me with a new compressor wheel as well as a turbine wheel/shaft. This many years after the fact, I don't recall exactly how much it was. But I don't think it was much more than $300.

 

[NevrKnow]

I have one that needs rebuilding too.

Mr TG? Looking at the rebuild kits it's only like 5 parts. Are they that easy to rebuild?

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Mr TG? Looking at the rebuild kits it's only like 5 parts. Are they that easy to rebuild?

Yep. As easy as it is to do, it is somewhat of a shame more more folks don't tackle the job themselves.

The biggest hurdles are:
1) Getting the turbo out of the truck.
2) Getting the exhaust side loose from the center section. You need a 5/16 12 point wrench. If the bolt heads or the wrench are worn, it'll slip and be a big PITA.

There was one small part I was having a little trouble trying to figure out where it went. I called Beans' and figured it out about the same time the guy got on the phone. It was almost a brain fart sort of thing it was so obvious/easy.