Gem State Diesel & Truck Repair

This was my first time using this shop. I booked an appointment for my F350 6.7 based off of a couple of referrals from a friend and another mechanic that doesn’t work on diesels. I was happy with the service I got from the first phone call. It had the feel of a small personable shop but at the same time felt like high end professional quality. Nick was very laid back but also listened to what my issues were. They suggested several things that needed attention but I could only afford the coolant leak that I brought it in for. They were very understandable and did just what I asked, and suggested some of the things I could take care of on my own. Nick told me they were a little behind and it might be a few days which I was fine with but got the truck done the next day. That never happens. So far so good. I will take my truck here again. Thanks guys.

The repair I had done fixed my engine code issue. It was done under estimate cost abd promptly. Gem State did a thorough diagnosis and inspection, and provided a list of items that should be addressed which was nice to have. I chose to do some of them myself, which they were fine with. They include a 25000 warranty on their work!

It pains me to write this, but I need everyone in the treasure Valley to be aware of this shop and the pitiful treatment I have been the recipient of. I had used Gem State Diesel in the past for a few small things and always felt well taken care of. Joe was always communicative and trustworthy. Last year, I had an erroneous issue with my 2013 F350 which I brought to them asking for a diagnostic. They found nothing out of the ordinary, charged me $250 and sent me on my way. I again, had a similar incident of power loss- upon which time I went in to speak with Joe on potential long-term fixes. A known issue with these trucks is the fuel pump and being of the early generation - a twin scroll turbo could also be contributing. I talked extensively with both him and the mechanic Taylor and the decision was made to do the DCR fuel pump conversion as well as upgrade to a Ford 2017 turbo with all ancillaries. The upgrades and other small repairs were made to the tune of $21,000. I received my truck back, and within a few days it was leaking all over my driveway. Brought it back to them and the leaks were fixed. I then took the truck for a test tow. Truck again lost power (check engine light came on) and never felt like it had prior to making these upgrades. I was now dealing with Nick who seemed less than interested in being communicative and helping me resolve these issues. Brought the truck back again - and Nick told me that the charge pipe had failed. When inquiring about the original part, he told me it had been thrown away. After speaking with several other repair shops, I found that the charge pipe is a KNOWN FAILURE PART for these trucks and could’ve easily caused my initial power losses due to losing boost if a crack were to open up. At NO TIME during the early conversations- or my original diagnostic - was this ever recommended as a potential repair or upgrade because of the mileage of my vehicle. They charged me another $430 to replace the charge pipe at which time I had to leave town for a very important trip taking my truck to tow a trailer. My truck barely made the 500 mile journey as only 2 miles from my home, there was an explosion under my hood. I was able to limp the truck 2 miles home and immediately called to leave a message with Nick of the failure. I called Nick the following day- and again… no response. On the third day - more than 48 hours after the initial call - I reached out using a 208 phone number and Nick answered on the second ring acting surprised and suggesting that he had meant to call me back, but never found the time. I asked him how he planned to fix this problem and whether or not he would have the vehicle towed back to Idaho. Nick promptly said no, and that an insurance policy Gem State Diesel carries will see to it that my truck was repaired And that I may bring it to a shop of my choosing. He told me I would be covered for the tow as well as any repairs related to the repairs performed by Gem State Diesel. I called a highly recommended diesel shop in Wyoming and spoke to the owner on the phone. Within 10 minutes of explaining my situation - the FIRST words out of the owner‘s mouth were CHARGE PIPE FAILURE. I have since spoke with several other diesel shops in Idaho - and all of them suggested it would’ve been one of the first repairs they recommended after suffering any type of power loss. This begs the question WHY Gem State Diesel failed to make this recommendation - much less even look at this part as being the potential source of my initial problems. I had the vehicle towed to the local shop at which time they opened the hood and found that the charge pipe installed by Gem State had not been installed properly. Said pipe blew off of the intake side of the engine due to improper installation and the clip not being properly seated. To make matters worse, the tow from my remote location to town was $375 and their insurance policy offered me a paltry $125 back which I have yet to receive.

Had my Pickup in to get the AC looked at with the hot months here. These guys are awesome, they were up front and honest the whole way! Found the issue and didn't try to upsell it or make it more expensive than it needed to be and they got fixed it quick.

I am a first time customer. I feel that Gem State Diesel really took care of me. From the get-go they were up front and honest regarding the issues with my truck. Very friendly and easy to talk to. Fair pricing and overall great experience.