Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) 230,000 need help!

[machinemover]

I pull a 40' trailer,weighing in with truck close to 30,000, Truck is a 2000 5speed duelly, (4) tranys later, Standard transmission rebuilt the last 2, (2) differentials and now it looks like I broke an axial and I'm stuck in Redding, Ca. Trucks paid for and I don't really want to buy another truck. I get suckered all over the country getting towed into the local repair shop or dodge dealers, last month I was charged $2000 for a bad lift pump and transfer pump replacement at the local dodge dealer in western Maryland. With my trailer even my tow bills can go up to $500 as once in Houston to tow 6 miles. I try to do as much maintenance myself when I am home, but it seems some of these things I just can't predict happening. Does any heavy towers run into the same problem as me? I haven't done any upgrades and I am considering doing this now. I'm not sure where to go with this is there help out there for preventitve maitenence. I drive all the time and don't really want to be stuck under my truck all the time when I'm home. My home base is 100 miles south of Las Vegas so I am hoping I can get someone to work with me to make my truck a little more reliable.

 

[Chace TX]

Some suggestions.

If you don't have one, install a fuel pressure gauge. You might consider a transmission and rearend temp gauge too. You need boost and egt as well. Carry an extra lift pump, and get comfortable with installing one. I know lots of folks that tow all the time and the 5-speed is thier main problem. Either put in a 6-speed or get another more reliable transmission. It really sounds like you need an FL 60 or similar larger truck. If you must drive the Dodge, I would get together a list of repair shops that will work on your Dodge, in the areas that you travel. I would not take it to any Dodge dealer that I have ever been to.

 

[Stefan Kondolay]

J&H Performance is my Redding Ca guy, they are honest and will give you a hand if they can.



Ask for Joel or Harvey i will call them and tell they you are stuck, i think they even have a trailer .

1-530-221-1507



Stefan

 

[machinemover]

Thanks for the come back, I already have the truck at a Transmission shop in redding, the guy used to work at Standard transmission in Tx. Turns out I had my Differential repaired in Southern California in May and they sent it out to a third party for repair. I had a leaky seal and just took it back to them and they tried to replace it themselves. They didn't do the right job and it seezed up the axial. I am on the phone trying to get them to pay now, not to willing to pay for there goof up. $2500 for a used Rear !!! Guess I learned who not to take my truck to. I think I will equipt my truck with guages for monitoring when I get back, seems like a good idea. I need to learn where everything is suppose to run at. I have been thinking of T. S. T power max 3 unit with guage equipt. sounds like a good deal. any thoughts?

 

[Chace TX]

For towing I would...

Not go the TST PM3 route. They add tons of power and I have been in several TST trucks that would really run, but... If you are towing you need to keep EGT's down, and it has been my experience that the Edge EZ and Comp will run cooler EGT's at the same power levels, because of the timing adjustment. You can run a comp and a set of gauges cheaper than a TST PM3 with gauges anyway. I'm sure others will disagree, but this is my opinion.

 

[machinemover]

The first thing I am thinking of doing is going with a 4" exhaust. then the airfilter, this should lower the egt's. Someone told me I can get a k&n setup for about $60, does that sound right? I see a afe system for $295 in TDR , which is better? Are all exhaust systems the same or do I need to look into this too. I want to work from the cooling process back first this way I won't be tempted to step on it when a pwrstoke blows my doors off and blow my engine trying to catch him.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

You indicate yer PROBLEM is related to transmission and differential failures - so WHY would you wanna add MORE power, and just break stuff even SOONER?



Looks to ME like ya simply have TOO MUCH load for yer truck, and adding more POWER sure isn't goona make life any easier for yer drivetrain!

 

[Chace TX]

I would address the drivetrain problems first too.

I do not think your rearend is the limiting factor. One failure in 230K is acceptable. Your transmission however is not going to hold up. Address the transmission, then you can move forward with the engine. The NV4500, simply will not handle that load. You are on the right track with an intake and exhaust first for the engine. But, don't get ahead of yourself. Look me up if you get this way, I will be glad to help if you are ever in the San Angelo, TX area.

 

[machinemover]

Well I suppose your right, I been asking what I can do about the transmission and Standard Transmission basicly tells me nothin'. I put coolers on the transmission hoping that will help. I do pull alot of weight, but I kind of figured this rig should be able to handle it. I'll be down your way late November, maybe we can connect.

 

[MikeR]

I agree in adding gauges on everything and add synthetic lubes throughout. However if your are breaking stuff now DO NOT add any more power by any means! You WILL be breaking more stuff sooner! Leave the power stock!



You should start looking for a 6spd trans to convert to. It's a much heavier unit. It also sounds like you may need to invest in a Mag Hytec's rear diff cover and Fast Coolers' big transmission PTO caps. Both items help in holding a couple of quarts of more oil capacity.



Cummins parts are 1/2 the price of Dodge parts for the engine stuff, so stay away from the dealers on engine stuff.



Lift pumps are an easy 30-45min job. Carry a spare pump and you can do the job with just a small 6" cresent wrench.

 

[Chace TX]

I like the NV5600 for towing.

You can purchase the transmission and all the parts needed to make the swap from Enterprise. I do not know what other transmission options you have. I do know that your Dodge is capable of being used for the type of towing you do, you just have to address the problem areas. If you do come down this way, I would be glad to swap stories with you.

 

[machinemover]

I have asked about the six speed and I was told by standard transmission that they are not much better and have there own problems or I would have made the switch. Next time my trany goes maybe I will make the switch. Does the six speed bolt right up? I would like to do that one myself if it does.

 

[Chace TX]

I am not sure what it takes.

But these guys will know, give them a call.

http://www.enterpriseengine.com/orderRamStuff.htm

 

[Steve St.Laurent]

I know this isn't what you want to hear but you need a different truck. You are running your truck way over it's rating. There is some margin built in with the factory ratings but you are running at 50% over the factory weight rating. That is definately outside the built in margin. You really should be using a medium duty truck like an FL60 or 70 for what you're pulling around. They aren't that much more expensive than what you bought and in the long run will be cheaper because you won't have the repair bills you've had.



I agree with the comments above - do not add any additional power, if you're breaking stuff now you'll break a lot more with more power. If you have to stick with the existing truck then a switch to a 6 speed would probably be a good idea, it's definately a lot beefier than the 5 speed. On the rear end I would forgo the Dana 80 and look into a 2. 5 ton axle. They are extremely cheap to purchase and I doubt you'd break one. You can get rebuilt 2. 5 ton axles around $1000. You'd have some other expenses like changing wheels, brakes, etc. You'd probably end up spending about the same as an 80 in the end by the time you are done but would have an axle that wouldn't break.



JMHO

 

[Un-Hemi]

I agree with Steve!

The best thing you could do is convert your Dodge and some money into a HD truck. You're expecting too much.

 

[machinemover]

I appreciate all the replies, this is my first post on this sight even though I have been a member for some time now I never watched this sight. I am finding out maybe I should looks like lots to learn here. Against popular vote I will keep this current truck, I just can't see trading the truck in for pennies on the dollar for a larger truck. I am going to take it one step at a time though. Just found out the rearend will be covered by the last shop that serviced it (supposedly and reluctantly by the shop)

I do have coolers on the transmission and will go for the new rear cover, good idea. Next time the transmission goes I will go for a NV4600. Maybe I can beef this thing up enough to take my abuse. All I can do is cross my fingers and hope. Right?

 

[jsnyder]

Trading your Dodge in for pennies on the dollar would be cheaper than the lawsuit you will be facing when you get in a wreck and the other party finds out what your GCVW was.



Jason