Essential Gear Every Modified Diesel Owner Needs to Carry

The Tesla Semi is an all-electric heavy-duty semi truck designed for long-haul freight with electric power instead of a diesel engine. It’s significant because it represents a major shift in how commercial trucking can be powered, and it can come up in discussions about real-world operations and breakdowns. In the podcast, it’s referenced in the context of having used a semi truck and dealing with breakdowns.

A single rear wheel means the rear axle uses one wheel per side instead of dual wheels. That changes tire contact, load distribution, and how the truck handles bumps compared with a dual-rear setup.

A dual rear wheel chassis uses two wheels on each side at the rear axle (dualies). It’s common on heavy trucks because it spreads weight over more tire area, improving traction and reducing tire stress under load.

A “13-speed” refers to a multi-gear transmission with 13 forward ratios, typically used in heavy trucks. More gears help keep the engine in its efficient power band during acceleration and climbing.

“PT pump swaps” refers to replacing a diesel fuel system component with a different style of pump—commonly swapping to a mechanical-style pump setup. In modified diesel circles, these swaps are often done to change fueling behavior and, in some cases, bypass emissions-related equipment.

The Cummins 855 is a well-known heavy-duty diesel engine family used in older semi trucks. Here, the hosts describe taking an 855 Cummins injection system and converting it to a mechanical setup for a simpler, emissions-free configuration.

Mechanical injection is a diesel fuel delivery system where fueling is controlled mechanically rather than by modern electronic controls. Enthusiasts often prefer it in older builds because it can be simpler to tune and may avoid emissions equipment, depending on the conversion.

A dyno (dynamometer) measures engine output by loading the drivetrain and recording power and torque. It’s commonly used to verify what a modified diesel actually produces at the wheels.

“Rear wheel torque” is the twisting force measured at the driven wheels (the output at the wheels), not at the engine. On modified trucks, it’s often used as a real-world indicator of how much usable force the drivetrain is delivering to the ground.

The Dodge Spirit is a compact-to-midsize sedan from Dodge’s lineup, typically associated with everyday driving rather than modern performance. In the podcast context, it’s mentioned alongside turbo-related parts (like Garrett turbo models), which suggests someone was building or upgrading one for more power. That kind of discussion often comes up when people talk about engine swaps, forced induction, or older project cars.

Garrett is a turbocharger brand, and the “GT 55” family refers to a specific turbo model line used on modified diesels. Turbochargers like this increase engine airflow by using exhaust energy to spin a compressor, which helps make more boost and power.

In turbo/diesel plumbing, “boots” and “couplers” are flexible hoses and connectors used to join sections of intake piping and charge-air plumbing. They’re important because they must seal boost pressure and handle vibration and heat.

In this context, “fabrication” means custom metalwork—cutting, shaping, and welding parts to build or repair components. Diesel modifiers often rely on fabrication when off-the-shelf parts don’t fit or when they’re building a one-off setup.

“Junker Dragtrik” appears to be a specific modified diesel project/build associated with Will Terry Fab. The name signals a drag-focused, highly customized setup where fabrication and turbo/boost plumbing are tailored for performance and reliability under racing-style loads.

A “stack” on a modified diesel is the vertical intake/exhaust extension that changes how exhaust (and sometimes intake air) is routed. The “five inch” refers to the diameter, which affects flow and how the truck breathes under load.

“Double wall” refers to building the stack/pipe with two layers of material. This helps it resist heat and pressure and reduces the chance of failure when exhaust temperatures and flow are high.

Las Vegas Motor Speedway is a major drag-racing venue in the Las Vegas area, known for events where trucks and cars run hard and fast. The hosts use it as a visual reference for what a tall “chimney/stack” looks like in the stands.

This describes a roadside failure scenario where the truck is stranded far from help, so the owner relies on carried tools and parts to keep the vehicle running. For modified diesels, exhaust/stacking and boost/pressure-related issues often require quick, improvised repairs to get home.

Silicone couplers are flexible hose-like connectors used to join sections of intake/exhaust piping. They’re often used in modified diesels because they can tolerate heat and vibration better than some rigid connections.

“S curves” describes an S-shaped routing in the exhaust/stack piping. That kind of bend can be tricky because it can affect exhaust flow and make it harder to fit and seal the system reliably.

“Sealing up” the exhaust system means eliminating leaks at joints and connections so exhaust gases flow through the intended path. Even small leaks can let soot and unburned byproducts escape and can also reduce how well emissions hardware functions.

In a modified diesel context, “the filter” here is almost certainly the diesel particulate filter (DPF), which traps soot from the exhaust. If it gets damaged or clogged—like from soot leaks or improper exhaust sealing—it can cause power loss and force the system into derate or regeneration issues.

A “flange” is the bolted interface that mates turbo/exhaust components. A “T six flange” being present (or not) is a fitment detail—if you mate the wrong flange to the wrong turbo/downpipe/exhaust section, you can end up with misalignment, leaks, and soot escape.

“Borg 475” refers to a BorgWarner turbocharger model/size commonly discussed in diesel performance circles. Turbo “flange” and rotation details matter because they determine how the turbo physically mounts and how exhaust gases flow into it.

“HT three B” appears to be a turbocharger variant/model designation used in diesel performance setups. The key point in the discussion is that this turbo’s flange/fitment characteristics differ from the Borg 475, so using mismatched mating parts can create soot leaks.

“Drill and tap” is a metalworking process where you drill a hole and cut internal threads so bolts can fasten securely. In turbo/exhaust fitment, doing this to change stud-hole locations is a sign the parts weren’t matching correctly, which can still leave alignment/sealing issues.

A die grinder is a handheld rotary tool used to grind, shape, or remove material. Using one to “grind the turbo” for stud-hole alignment suggests the turbo/exhaust parts were not designed to mate cleanly, increasing the risk of exhaust leaks and soot escape.

“Soot leaks” are exhaust leaks that allow trapped soot to escape at joints or seals. On modified diesels, soot leaks can accelerate clogging of the diesel particulate filter and contribute to power loss symptoms.

“Roadside fixes” are quick, on-the-spot repairs you do after a breakdown—often with limited tools and no lift. For modified diesel owners, this usually means carrying parts/gear that let you address common failure points before the vehicle is towed.

“Lag” in a turbo diesel context is the delay between when you ask for more throttle and when the turbo spools up enough to make boost. Less lag usually means the engine responds more quickly and feels “happier” during acceleration.

“Turbos” are turbochargers that use exhaust gas to spin a turbine and force more air into the engine. On modified diesels, multiple turbo setups are common, and they strongly affect boost response, power delivery, and how quickly the engine can recover from throttle changes.

“Stranded” here means the vehicle becomes immobilized due to a mechanical or fuel-related issue—common in diesel builds when a failure prevents the engine from running or moving. It’s a key risk category for modified owners because some problems can’t be fixed quickly without the right spares.

Running a diesel out of fuel can introduce air into the fuel system, which may require priming/bleeding to restart. On modified setups, fuel system plumbing and lift pump behavior can make this more annoying than on a stock truck.

The speaker mentions putting “engine oil” into the tank, which implies using oil as a fuel substitute (often discussed in diesel circles as a DIY approach). This can be risky because engine oil isn’t formulated as a diesel fuel and can cause heavy smoke, deposits, and potential damage to injectors and the fuel system.

A “sump” is a low point in a system where fluids collect—here, likely referring to a diesel fuel/oil collection setup that helps keep fuel available during hard use or low-supply conditions. In modified diesels, sump design can affect pickup reliability and how easily you avoid starvation.

“Diesel” is the fuel being discussed, and the speaker contrasts it with the improvised substitute (“not actually like the right color diesel”). Fuel quality/grade matters because the engine is calibrated for proper diesel properties.

“Boots” here are the protective rubber pieces used on diesel turbo/boost plumbing (often called turbo boots or charge-pipe boots). When the speaker says they “blow boots,” they mean the rubber seal fails under boost pressure and heat, letting air leak or the boot separate.

Towing is a high-load condition that increases engine and turbo demands, especially on grades. For modified diesels, sustained load can raise exhaust gas temperatures and boost pressure, which stresses rubber charge-air connections and makes boot failures more likely.

Ambient temperature is the outside air temperature around the vehicle. Higher ambient temps reduce air density and can worsen heat-soak, which increases thermal stress on turbo/charge-air components and can contribute to seal/boot failures under boost.

“Boost” is the extra air pressure a turbocharger (or supercharger) forces into the engine’s intake. “Making boosts” means the turbo is producing elevated boost pressure, which increases stress on charge-air piping and the rubber boots that seal those connections.

Tie wire (safety wire) is thin wire used to mechanically secure components so they can’t loosen or separate. In this context, it’s being used as an improvised way to reinforce a failing rubber boot connection until the issue can be properly fixed.

Duct tape is being mentioned as an improvised reinforcement material for a failing boost/charge-air boot. While it can temporarily hold a split or loose connection, it’s not a durable repair because heat and boost pressure quickly degrade tape adhesion.

The “hot side” refers to the turbo exhaust/charge-air plumbing area where temperatures are highest. On the hot side, intercooler boots and couplers are exposed to more heat, which can degrade rubber/silicone and reduce sealing strength. That’s why the host emphasizes using good boots there.

Intercooler boots are the flexible couplers (usually silicone/rubber) that connect the intercooler to the intake piping on a turbocharged diesel. They seal the charge-air plumbing so boost pressure doesn’t leak, and they must tolerate high heat and vibration. If they fail or pop off, you can get boost leaks and a roadside failure.

“30 pounds” here is shorthand for holding around 30 psi of boost pressure for an extended period. Sustained boost increases thermal load and pressure cycling on the intercooler boots and clamps, making failures more likely—especially on hot days or long grades. The advice is to match boot quality to the boost level you’re running.

In diesel/turbo talk, “compound” usually means a compound-turbo setup (more than one turbo arranged to work together). Compared with a single-turbo system, compound setups can produce more boost and different heat/pressure dynamics, which increases the likelihood of intercooler boot failures if the couplers aren’t up to the job. The host is warning that compound setups are harder on the charge-air plumbing.

A single-turbo setup uses one turbocharger to pressurize the intake air. Even with a stock single turbo, sustained heavy towing or climbing can generate enough heat to soften the rubber/silicone in intercooler boots and cause them to blow off. The point is that heat management and boot quality matter regardless of turbo count.

“Boot torque” refers to tightening the clamps on a rubber boot (typically a protective cover over a joint or linkage) to a specific torque value. The idea is to clamp the boot securely so it stays sealed and doesn’t tear or let contaminants in.

In this context, clamps are the hardware used to secure a rubber boot to its mating surfaces. Proper clamp tightness matters because a loose boot can split or allow contamination, which accelerates wear of the components inside.

A “spade” here likely refers to a spade-style electrical terminal (a flat blade connector) used on the alternator’s trigger/wiring. If that terminal cracks, it can cause intermittent charging or no-charge conditions, so the connection needs to be repaired or replaced.

“Hot-wired” means bypassing the normal electrical connection and temporarily powering a circuit directly to get the system working again. In this case, they bypassed a small alternator-related connector/terminal using spare wire to restore function for continued travel.

A “six-speed” refers to a six-gear transmission. Gear selection is central to engine braking on diesels because downshifting changes RPM and how the engine resists motion during deceleration.

Engine braking is slowing the vehicle by using the engine’s internal resistance (often by downshifting). On diesels, it can raise engine RPM and cylinder pressures, so holding higher RPM for too long under certain conditions can contribute to mechanical failures.

“Unloaded RPM” means the engine is spinning fast without the usual load (like heavy towing) holding it in a stable operating condition. Sustained high RPM while unloaded can create harsh stresses—especially if the engine is already working hard or has been modified—raising the risk of catastrophic failures.

Rod bolts clamp the connecting rods to the crankshaft, helping keep the engine’s rotating assembly securely together. If rod bolts fail or loosen, the connecting rod can move internally and cause severe engine damage, like the “windowed block” described here.

“Windowing” the engine block means a catastrophic failure where internal parts break through the block casting. It’s typically the result of severe bottom-end damage (like rod/bolt failure), and it usually requires a full engine teardown and replacement or rebuild.

LBZ is an engine code used by enthusiasts to refer to a specific Duramax diesel generation (the 6.6L LBZ). People talk about LBZ vs other Duramax codes because they can have different fueling, calibration, and characteristic sound/behavior when modified.

“Roadside breakdowns” in this context refers to being stranded and needing help on the shoulder, which becomes more likely as you modify a diesel. The episode is framing why modified owners should carry essential gear for quick diagnosis and safer waiting for a tow.

Aftermarket quality parts are non-OEM components sold by third parties, often designed to improve performance or replace worn items. In modified diesel builds, the quality and engineering of aftermarket parts can vary widely, which affects reliability and how well the part tolerates higher fueling/boost demands.

OEM quality parts are components made to the original equipment manufacturer’s specifications. The host contrasts OEM-quality parts with aftermarket parts, emphasizing that not all aftermarket components match OEM fit, durability, or design intent—especially on heavily modified diesel systems.

A CP3 pump is the high-pressure fuel pump used on many Duramax diesel setups (CP3 = “common rail” pump family). The host is pointing out that some aftermarket parts can’t be identical to OEM in function or design, and that the CP3 pump is a specific example where upgrades are often needed to improve performance/reliability.

High pressure fuel lines are the rigid fuel pipes that carry diesel fuel under very high pressure from the pump system to the rest of the fuel delivery hardware. On modern diesels, these lines are stressed by vibration and pressure pulses, so cracks or breaks can quickly turn into a no-start or limp-home situation. Carrying a spare line is a practical “get you home” move for a modified truck that sees heavy use.

Rubber isolators are vibration-damping mounts or sleeves used to reduce how much engine/road vibration transfers to components like fuel lines. Less vibration can mean less fatigue cracking over time, especially for high-pressure lines that see constant pressure cycling. The discussion suggests isolators (or bracing them) can be part of a workaround to prevent repeat failures.

The “T” refers to a T-fitting (a junction) used to connect two pump feed lines into a shared path. Junctions like this can create extra mechanical stress and vibration points, particularly if the lines aren’t well supported. The speaker is using this to explain why the line breaks may occur away from the rail-to-injector runs.

“19 mill range” is almost certainly shorthand for a 19 mm wrench/socket size, which is a common metric tool size used on many automotive fasteners. For roadside repairs, having the correct socket/wrench size is what lets you actually remove and reinstall fittings like fuel-line hardware. The segment frames this as part of the “tools to install the spare line” checklist.

“Five eighths” refers to a fractional inch tool size (again, for sockets/wrenches). It’s used here to describe the maximum size included in certain tool kits before the speaker switches to a set that goes larger.

“11 sixteenths” is an inch-fraction tool size (commonly for sockets/wrenches). The speaker is contrasting it with metric sizes, implying some tool sets stop short of the larger range they want.

“Three quarter” is shorthand for a 3/4-inch tool size (socket/wrench). The speaker is specifically looking for a toolbox/tool set that includes larger fastener sizes up to 3/4-inch.

GearWrench is a tool brand known for ratchets, sockets, and specialty hand tools. Here it’s mentioned as the specific brand of toolbox/tool set the speaker chose because it includes larger socket sizes.

A Crescent wrench is an adjustable wrench (often with a knurled screw or lever) that can fit different nut/bolt sizes. It’s useful for roadside or event repairs when you don’t know the exact fastener size ahead of time.

“Channel locks” refers to adjustable pliers with a locking jaw design (often used for gripping and turning rounded or odd-shaped parts). They’re commonly used for quick loosening/tightening when a wrench won’t fit.

A lug nut is the threaded fastener that clamps a wheel to the vehicle’s hub. If you’re carrying the right tools, being able to remove a lug nut matters for roadside wheel changes.

JV Weld is a two-part epoxy adhesive used for emergency repairs. In this story, it’s used to seal a damaged radiator fitting on the side of the road so the vehicle can keep running until it’s properly repaired.

A turbo pipe is part of the charge-air plumbing that carries compressed air from the turbo to the intake system. If a turbo pipe or its connections fail, boost pressure can escape and the engine may run poorly or not at all.

Hydro lock happens when liquid (not just air) gets into a cylinder and can’t be compressed, potentially causing severe engine damage. The speaker is implying the line/fitting helps prevent liquid from entering in a way that could create that condition.

MPT typically refers to a tapered pipe thread (often “NPT” in the U.S.), a thread standard used on many fittings. The speaker is describing that the damaged connection no longer had the proper pipe-thread size to seal correctly.

To tap a hole means cutting internal threads so a bolt or fitting can screw in. In the roadside repair described, tapping is part of making the new/temporary fitting interface sealable.

This is a late-1990s Dodge Ram with a 12-valve Cummins diesel—an engine family known for strong low-end torque and a huge aftermarket. The “12-valve” refers to the cylinder head design that affects airflow and combustion characteristics, which is why it’s a common base for diesel modifications.

A “line rupture” means a failure of a fluid or fuel line under pressure, which can quickly create leaks. On a modified diesel, that can be catastrophic if it sprays onto hot exhaust components or causes a loss of drivability.

A transmission line is the high-pressure hydraulic line that carries fluid to/from the automatic transmission. Bringing a spare “PDT transmission line” suggests the host is preparing for a common drag-racing failure mode where a line gets damaged or ruptures under heat and vibration.

A torque converter is the fluid coupling inside an automatic transmission that transfers engine torque to the transmission. In diesel drag racing, torque converters can fail from heat and stress, so carrying a spare is a practical “get-you-back-running” strategy.

ATF (automatic transmission fluid) is the hydraulic fluid that lubricates and controls an automatic transmission. Using the correct ATF matters because it affects shifting, cooling, and torque-converter operation—especially under hard towing or drag-racing loads.

Overdrive is a higher gear ratio (or gear mode) that lets the engine run at lower RPM during steady cruising. In an automatic transmission, losing overdrive usually points to a hydraulic/pressure problem or a failed line that affects gear selection.

Transmission fluid is the hydraulic medium that powers clutch packs and gear changes in an automatic transmission. When fluid volume drops, system pressure falls, and the transmission may be unable to hold certain gears.

A transmission hose is a flexible line used to route transmission hydraulic fluid to components like the cooler and transmission body. Carrying replacement hose and clamps is practical because a ruptured hose can strand you quickly by causing fluid loss and gear loss.

A transmission cooler line routes fluid to a heat exchanger (cooler) to keep transmission temperatures in check. The speaker describes a factory steel cooler line that rubbed against something, eventually wearing through and causing a rupture.

Compression fittings are plumbing-style connectors that seal by tightening a nut onto a ferrule (a shaped ring) around a tube or line. In a roadside repair, they’re useful for quickly reattaching or sealing a damaged steel line without specialized tools.

“Transmission’s blown” is a common enthusiast shorthand for catastrophic transmission failure—typically internal damage that prevents normal shifting or causes severe slipping/overheating. The speaker contrasts that with a simpler fluid-related issue that can sometimes be resolved by topping up fluid.

A tow truck is the vehicle used to haul a disabled truck/vehicle when it can’t safely drive under its own power. In this segment, the speaker mentions leaving the tow truck at a gas station after unloading and street-driving the “junker drag truck” to the event.

“Coast off” describes moving the vehicle by letting it roll without power—typically after unloading or when the drivetrain can’t be trusted. It’s a practical way to reposition a vehicle to safety, but it doesn’t fix the underlying mechanical problem.

“Power Stroke” is Ford’s diesel engine family, best known for its use in heavy-duty F-Series trucks. In this story, the head mechanic uses a Ford Power Stroke truck to haul tow trucks across a long distance to rescue the speaker.

Push rods are the link between the camshaft and the engine’s valvetrain, transferring motion to operate valves. In this segment, broken push rods cause severe “hammering” because one cylinder’s valve actuation is disrupted.