Ask the Engineer LIVE Chat - THIS IS THE PLACE!!

[Steve St.Laurent]

Here we go folks, post up your questions here and refresh your screen to watch for your answers. Dodge & Cummins engineers will be here for the next hour and a half answering your questions. I'll be filling in questions that we've gotten over the last few weeks when there are lulls in activity. If I haven't gotten to your question feel free to post it!



12/08/09 Ram HD 2500/3500 with Cummins Diesel Engineering Event Participation Guidelines:

• Direct your questions to the Ram and Cummins Engineering teams.
  
• Please allow "RamEngineers" and "CumminsEngineers" to supply the answers to your questions.
  
• We ask that you try to keep all questions on topic and related to the 2010 Dodge Ram HD 2500 and 3500 with the Cummins Diesel engine; off-topic posts run the risk of being removed by forum moderators.
  
• Review existing posts to avoid repeat questions
  
• There is no need to repost a question. At the end of the session, we check for unanswered posts; an answer will be posted in reply IF the question is on topic AND is not redundant.
  
• Questions are not answered in order of post; so allow time for a response.
  
• Limit each post to 1 or 2 questions and be as brief and clear as possible.
  
• We can’t answer questions regarding Specific Dealer concerns or Future Products.
  
• We’ll do our best to help, but we are not always able to diagnose specific vehicle issues over the internet.
  
• If we don't get to your specific question, we'll do our best to re
  
• If you have something to say to another member, we ask that you communicate via PM or within another thread discussion.
  
• We cannot answer overall business questions relative to Chrysler Group LLC.
  

Thanks, here's to having an informative Q&A session; we hope you have a great time at the event!

 

[Steve St.Laurent]

First questions:

From Stark_Ent9802 11-11-2009 08:46 PM

Hello Engineers. My Question is about the snow plow prep package.
I understand that the 2010 HD trucks have a improved GAWR of 5500lbs from 5200 in the 09 truck. Will this or does this have an effect on wether a Quad Cab Long Bed with a cummins diesel can be equipped with a "snow plow prep package"? If no then can you please explain why this can't be done on a QC LB CTD? And Can you confirm that if a truck does not have a prep package, then putting a plow on voids the factory warrenty? Thank you in advance.
-A. J.

 

[firemansdiesel]

I see that the 2010 CTD will have the top mounted fuel filters like the '03-'07 style (similiar). Will you guys in the future have a conversion kit to get rid of the current design on the '07. 5-'09s??? PIA to change the filters in the current style.

 

[Tylerp]

Will the new V8 des engine be designed for easy overhaul? Interval?

 

[dodgediesel2500]

Why doesn't Dodge offer electrical locking differentials in the 2500/3500 series work trucks? Can or will the Powerwagon be offered with the diesel engine? There are many people that have to use their vehicles off-road and not get constantly stuck with open differentials.

 

[Brian Sullivan]

I have a 2500 and love it also have a 08 gc w/3. 0 love it q. will it be offered again in the future

 

[FDavid]

I currently live overseas. The local dealers are saying there is no Dodge with Cummins available (only with a Hemi), perhaps due to us not having low sulfur fuel? Is there an export version available or can a US version be modified so that I can import one?

 

[CumminsEngineers]

I see that the 2010 CTD will have the top mounted fuel filters like the '03-'07 style (similiar). Will you guys in the future have a conversion kit to get rid of the current design on the '07. 5-'09s??? PIA to change the filters in the current style.

Serviceability of the fuel filter is easier for the new 2010 trucks. Unfortunately, we have no plans for an upfit kit at present. However, with the new style replacement filter launched earlier this year for the MY07-09 6. 7's, you have the same filter-in-filter technology as used on the MY2010 engine.

 

[DodgeWarlock]

mileage???

Ram Engineers... . What is being done to increase the fuel mileage on these trucks. I know the trucks have had to get heavier to meet safety standards and have been overburdened with emissions and Dpf. But the big holdup for my new truck purchase is the awful economy of the newer trucks. My 90 4wd got 22mpg, my wife's 01 4wd gets 17. 5 with the new fuel, and it just seems to keep getting worse. I bought these trucks for durability and efficiency... I don't need 650 lbs of torque or tire-shredding power ,as much as I need it to get good economy.

 

[RamEngineers]

Currently the diesel is not offered in the Grand Cherokee, however being associated with Fiat and their passion for diesel techology, anything can happen in the future. Unfortunately we can't discuss future product plans.

 

[RamEngineers]

I have a 2500 and love it also have a 08 gc w/3. 0 love it q. will it be offered again in the future

Currently the diesel is not offered in the Grand Cherokee, however being associated with Fiat and their passion for diesel techology, anything can happen in the future. Unfortunately we can't discuss future product plans.

 

[Steve St.Laurent]

From wcjp 11-12-2009 12:23 AM

How many miles are the injectors rated for?

What changes have been made to detect bad fuel before complete system destruction?

 

[kcv67]

What have you done with the front suspension ball joints that is a big problem.





Casey

 

[RamEngineers]

Hello Engineers. My Question is about the snow plow prep package.

I understand that the 2010 HD trucks have a improved GAWR of 5500lbs from 5200 in the 09 truck. Will this or does this have an effect on wether a Quad Cab Long Bed with a cummins diesel can be equipped with a "snow plow prep package"? If no then can you please explain why this can't be done on a QC LB CTD? And Can you confirm that if a truck does not have a prep package, then putting a plow on voids the factory warrenty? Thank you in advance.

-A. J.

Our axle expert is running late this evening. We will try to get you an answer when he arrives... .

 

[dodgediesel2500]

Are there any plans to develop an Off-Road 2500/3500 CTD truck equipped with 37" tires, 4. 56 gears, and diff locks?

 

[Steve St.Laurent]

From Bob V 11-11-2009 09:06 PM

Whet tests are used, and how exactly is the GCVW and GVW calculated?

 

[DF5152]

Hi I ordered a new a new 2010 3500 crew cab with the long bed my first question if I have a superhitch... Brand name that bolt to the frame of my 03 3500 has there been changes to the fram of the new truck that not allow me to use this hitch? Also and inverter was added which is a nice feature but why with only a 2 prong plug?

 

[CumminsEngineers]

From wcjp 11-12-2009 12:23 AM



Quote:

How many miles are the injectors rated for?



What changes have been made to detect bad fuel before complete system destruction?

The fuel system is designed to last the life of the vehicle. However, that is dependent upon proper fuel filter maintenance and proper, quality fuels. We have made incremental improvements to the fuel system components over the years to enhance durability, and have also enhanced fuel filtration as well, but proper maintenance and good quality fuel will always be essential to ensuring long life.

 

[Brian Sullivan]

cummins engineer I recently purchased an 09 what should the egt read at the 3 sample points be under normal and regen conditions thanks

 

[Steve St.Laurent]

From BDaugherty 11-13-2009 09:06 PM

I'm curious about Cummins' decision to use a DPF in the Dodge application instead of urea injection. I have read some of the pros and cons of each, but I would like to hear your comments.