Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) 24 valve questions

[cumminstogetya]

Hey.

This is my first post on here. After reading around for a while I decided to bite the bullet and join. I am looking to buy a 2002 Dodge, 3/4, quad cab long bed, 6 speed, 4x4. I currently own a 97 reg cab 5 speed 4x4 and over the past few months, I have gotten pretty good with working on these trucks. I understand all the basics now and am pretty knowledgable with a 12v, but I realize that a 24v is a totally different beast. Here are some questions for you:



1. Is ETH only for some of the 2001s, or could this truck possibly be an ETH also? If so, how can I tell?



2. I noticed on all the lift kits for Dodges, most seem to go up to 2001. I figured that this must be because of the 1/2 ton changeover in 2002. Is there anyone who makes a 2-3" lift kit for this modle? If not, will a body lift kit along with spring spacers work? I know that they say not to use body lifts on diesels because of the intercooler, but there are plenty of guys around here running around just fine on body lifts. Also, what about a dual shock kit for these?



3. I know that many say that a box is a good upgrade. Many people around here have the Edge boxes. I like the adjustability of the Comp, but what is the difference between that and the Edge Drag Comp? The box that TST makes, is it any good? The price is a lot lower than the Drag Comp, but what is the main difference? It just seems that more people are using the Edge products over TST.



4. Lastly, I work at NAPA. Does anyone have the NAPA number for the BHAF?



I know thats a lot, but like I said, these questions have been building up for a while. THanks.





John

 

[Sojourner]

Does anyone have the NAPA number for the BHAF?

I believe that would be NAPA part #2790.

 

[Thomas]

1. Is ETH only for some of the 2001s, or could this truck possibly be an ETH also?

If it's model year 2001 or 2002 and was built with a 6-speed (transmission code DEE inside glovebox door), the engine is the HO.

 

[JL penner]

This probably sounds stupid but what does ETH stand for?

 

[Cummins4Life]

This probably sounds stupid but what does ETH stand for?

ETH is the Chrysler order code for the HO engine.



Tuff country makes a 2. 5 leveling kit and a 3" lift kit for the 02. Skyjacker makes a 4. 5". You're probably right they use 01 as the cutoff because of the 1500 changeover. But some late 02's suffered from driveline vibrations I think, maybe because some late 02's didnt come with the CAD on the front axle.



The difference between the Drag Comp and the TST powermax Comp is that the TST box doesnt have as much built in timing as the Edge box. You need to stack a Edge EZ or Vanaken or the like timing box with the TST to get the full effect.



HTH

 

[Sticks]

The 24v is a low maintenance engine. Change the oil, keep it clean, and you will have a long happy life together.



The big weak spot is the lift pump/fuel system. Fuel pressure gauge is the absolute first thing you need to get. In fact you shoud have the fuel pressure tested BEFORE you buy it. No less than 12 at idle, and 8 at WOT under load.



The VP44 fuel injection pump is the next issue, although on the '02's they pretty much got it as good as it was going to get. A weak or dead LP will kill the VP, and some of them DO NOT like to have the fuel wire tapped (Edge comp/drag comp, TST, VA... ) There is no way to tell. It might last forever after it is hooked up, it might die in five minutes, then there goes another $900 - $1500.



Now, if it is a HO engine, they respond better to injectors than a timing box (Edge EZ). If you plan on using the truck for heavy towing, avoid using the Edge products. They are way to aggressive on the timing, and numerous #6 cylinders have melted because of this. I think the Diesel Dynamics timing boxes are reprogramed to be a little milder with the timing. BD is just a rebadged Edge EZ.



Lastly, beware of the #53 series engine block. Driverside forward, 1" tall numbers above the oil pan. They had a serious casting problem with them and they have a tendancy to crack.

 

[cumminstogetya]

Thanks for all the info. I really should have joined TDR a long time ago. I do almost no towing (only once since October last year), but I shouldn't say that I never tow. This truck has been very well maintained and looks almost brand new inside and out. I will swing by it again tonight and look at it. Mostly this truck will be just a daily driver. Is installing a f. p. guage any harder than a boost or EGT?



John