New Cummins owner, intro and inquiry

[Waterloo]

First thing, do the overhead. And I would also think seriously of replacing the damper, unless you know it has been replaced recently. Cummins recommends every 500,000 miles as they do wear out. The viscous fluid in them hardens over time and renders them useless. If not replaced, they can actually blow apart. There were photos here somewhere of one that had done just that. Unfortunately, there is no way to physically inspect them. The only reason I caught mine is due to the fact it started taking out my components and pulleys. I would replace it if you have no history on it, as it is cheaper than alternators, AC compressors, pulleys, belts and the big one, the tow bill.