Which Tool is Best for Truck Diagnostic & Programming

Have search info for a few days ago because I want to learn about how to set myself up with Truck Diagnostic Tool/programming software and the proper tools to do my own work.

Topic: Looking for a good truck performance programmer

Purpose:
I want to be able to read codes on our trucks, address check engine lights, abd lights and whatever else.

Changing parameters would also be nice to do.

Truck:

We have 5 trucks. 3 of mine all have series 60. From ddec 2 up to ddec 4. He has an isx and an Acert. Our trucks are kenworth, Peterbilt and a intl 9200. Would also like cab side on those.

Budget:

I think a $4-500 one should fit the bill.

(Am I able to find everything I need rather than paying some company $4-5k for a tough book and some programming?)

Diagnostic tools looking for trucks:

I have seen a nexiq also the new NEXIQ USB Link 2 and a drewlinq. I think they all serve the same purpose?

Recommendation for hookup: (credits to Samsquantch84)

Laptop: You can pick up a used Lenovo T410 on the web for like $200. They are durable laptops not the best battery life. but get one that has an i5 processor. They are more than fast enough. If you get a laptop that is a little under powered it makes the programs run slow which is really annoying for doing diagnostics. They are pretty rugged laptops.

Equipment: Definitely the best solution is to buy an authentic Nexiq usb link one or two. But if within your budget, a good Nexiq clone of high quality (now called VXTRUCK) should be OK. It’s $200 around. I have to tell you, you need have luck with Chine clone coz you may have nothing but issues with the clone. Go to a good man of his word to trust.

The only real difference between the old one and the new one is the two is that the usb link two supports newer vehicles like ghg17. You probably won’t need it.

Also be careful buying one online unless it is a reputable source. There are some really good looking clones available that are deceiving. obd2tool.com is a supplier of the HQ NEXIQ USB Link and has great support so that is the only source I recommend. I have used it to program a new chip. Success.

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Software: As far as software goes. Find Detroit DDDL, Cat ET 2017, Cummins insite 8.1 and you should be good to go. All are easy to get for free from forums or other place.  Also, have a try with crack versions tested by professionals. If you start getting into new Pete’s or kenworth’s like 2012’s(my date’s might be alittle off) and up paccar esa might be handy as well. It connects to the body controller side and allows you to control things like if you install led headlights in a truck that had incandescent you have to change a setting in the cecu for it to work. Also keep learning. There is so much help and information available on this forum from some of the right people. you will learn who they are. Congrats on trying to better your self. and if you have any questions just ask. International uses diamond logic build for the cab side. It’s not the most user friendly software, just like their trucks, who in their right minds uses straight thread o-ring to push to connect air fittings…errrrrr. Also you can go on

quickserve.cummins.com and register for a free limited owners plan which gives you access to parts and service manuals for up to 5 engine serial numbers for free. and dependent on your peterbilt and kenworth dealers you can register with them your vin numbers to a fleet e-cat. It gives you access to look up your vin numbers and view wiring diagrams. It can come in handy.