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If you’re a diesel enthusiast and own a truck that you think needs some modding, perhaps it is time to partake in some DIY modding. You might be able to throw these mods in as a way to bond with your children because they’ve likely been just spending your hard-earned money on video game purchases. Give them useful life skills, and perhaps convert them into your very own petrolheads whom you can one day hand down your sick diesel truck to. Be warned though, diesel truck modding is a money pit and will likely suck you (and your kids) in, so here is our guide to four upgrades you can conduct by yourself with some help:

Cold Air Intake Kits

This is the most simple, yet extremely effective mod piece for any diesel engine. With your engine gasping for air on a regular basis trying to power through, cold air intake gives it a breath of fresh air and adds a slight increase in horsepower and overall performance. So grab your kids off their iPads and hand them a wrench, because this kit can be installed by anyone of any age. 

Most intake kits on the market just bolt onto your engine without any drilling necessary or any permanent and irreversible modifications. Even if you are new to installing these yourself, this is a great first mod to study on and get comfortable with installing. 

We give this part a 1/5 in the difficulty scale. 

Tuner & Programming Chips

This is normally a plug-and-play component that attaches right into the OBDII port under the dashboard and can reprogram the way your ECU runs. You will be able to choose if it runs using a performance mode or a power-saving mode. Depending on the model, it attaches to either the dash or the windshield to make on the fly changes, but if not, it can be placed in the glove box for tweaking down the road. 

We give this a 0/5 in the difficulty scale because this is just something you plug into your car’s OBDII port and press some buttons. 

Suspension Systems

This includes the installation of new shocks, strut bars, and coilovers. If you normally take your truck off-road, chances are that your suspension system will receive some form of damage and rust, especially if they are stock and left uncleaned. Bolts are likely to rust and the suspension may feel softer at some point, so take note of these because this means you need to start changing them out. 

While this may seem complicated, just remember that you need a spring compressor to safely strip apart the shock absorber with the coilover. There are also suspension systems that come in a package, so all you need to do is pull out the old system and slap in the new one without a need for a spring compressor. This is a great upgrade to make, and can easily be done by yourself with the help from your son or daughter. 

We rate this upgrade a 3/5 in difficulties due to the need for a spring compressor and the potential dangers if not done properly. Remember that coilovers are compressed springs, and when stripped improperly, these things can fly. 

Catback Exhaust Kits + Headers

Catback kits are mostly bolt-on with clamps and v-bands which mount to the retrofitted exhaust hangars. If you are installing a whole new custom exhaust system, you may need the help of a shop to conduct welding. These can mostly be done in one afternoon if planned right. 

The difficulty of this depends on your car’s model. Some cars just simply need a few bolts and an afternoon, while others are complex and require removing multiple parts to attach. 

Conclusion

Car modding is a good skill to have, and can make your diesel truck run even better than ever. It can also get your kids off the couch this summer and get their hands dirty with modding your truck. With these performance enhancers, you can even start taking them off-roading and into the mountains for a nice trip to see the local scenery. So start modding your truck today!

US Diesel Parts provides the best performance parts and upgrades for your diesel engine and truck chassis. For a truly powerful vehicle that packs a punch, browse our catalog to see our wide variety of parts for your truck.