Back in the Old

[JHumphries]

A tighter converter would be nice, but that still doesn't help with an exhaust brake.

I had two different 93 sticks before I bought the 2010.
The 06 I am selling has an exhaust brake on it.
After having driven two sticks with e brakes, I don't know how I ever drove a diesel without one. They are freaking awesome. Oo.
leaving in the Seattle area, the exhaust brakes are nice for all of the hills.
And tail gaters.

 

[cerberusiam]

After reading quite a bit on here last night, I don't think I want to go with a later auto. Trying to add the PCM/stand-alone controller, sounds like more trouble than it's worth.

An RH is a pretty easy swap and you don't need the expensive controller. You have 1 extra wire for lockup that can be controlled by a switch or a realtively cheap controller. The RE's units are a lot harder because of the controls needed. ATS has a controller and VB to solve that but it is rather spendy.



A good TC makes a world of difference, even in a 518. As long as the trans is not making noise in OD you are probably good. The power was generally not enouhg to hurt the trans unless it has been cranked up. The biggest issue with the high mileage autos is the harmonics eventually get to the straight cut gears and the aluminum planetaries and wear them out.



If it hasn't been towed with a lot and abused the 518 will go quite a few miles.



Nice find on the truck.

 

[JHumphries]

An RH is a pretty easy swap and you don't need the expensive controller. You have 1 extra wire for lockup that can be controlled by a switch or a realtively cheap controller. ...

I prefer to have a variable lockup setpoint just like I think the factory did.
Where can I find one of these inexpensive RH controllers?
I assumed this: Commander For Dodge - ATS Diesel was a piggy back controller. Can it be used by itself?

 

[cerberusiam]

Yes, it is a combo controller for EB and lockup. You can add this to about any truck if you can find the correct wires. It basically needs 12V power, ground, VSS, and TPS feeds and it will work. Thats what ATS told me anyway.



IIRC, Art Carr has something similar and I found another one at one point that is essentially the same thing.

 

[JHumphries]

Well, to update this...
I had a guy approach me about buying my first gen this weekend. We sealed the deal yesterday.
I got what I payed for it, so that is good.
When I get back from sea, I will start looking for a good truck with a manual.
This truck just had too much done to it for me. I need something fairly simple for now. (read not heavily modified and not 300,000 miles)

 

[JMDancoe]

Don't know where ZedMikey gets the crappy fuel mileage. I have a 518 in my truck and have documented every gallon of fuel through her and get (just truck) 20 mpg local and 23 to 24 mpg highway. Pulling 7100 plus pound travel trailer from Phoenix to South Fork, Colorado in summer heat I averaged 9. 9 mpg and that is over Wolf Creek Pass. Hope yours does as well for you. Great looking Ride. Welcome back to 1st Gen. I pull a 3. 54 gear. (2WD).