Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Expedition Rig

[BDMiller]

Hello All,

I've been reading/thinking about a diesel rig for about a year now & last month I bought a '99 2500 5 speed.

Next month I will be driving from New Hampshire to Banff in Alberta Canada. This is about 2800 miles. I want to make a couple upgrades on my truck before this. In it's stock condition I am very impressed with the power but you can always use a little more. I will be hauling a lot of photographic equipment but will be no where near fully loaded. I am leaning towards gauges- pyro, boost, & fuel pressure, mostly because I am concerned with the fuel pump & exhaust temps. Are exhaust temps something I should be worried about on a moderately loaded stock vehicle?

What other mods should I consider?

And anyone else ever make this drive? Any cool places I should check out on the way?

Thanks,

Brian in NH

 

[rfcom]

In stock condition, I don't think you can overheat the EGT if you tried, even while towing. There are no big hills between you and Banff. They start west of Banff. You will need to make sure your tires are in good condition, the snow is already starting here.



Jim

 

[BDMiller]

You alrerady have snow? I expected to see some snow while I was up there but I didn't expect it to already be there.

I have brand new tires, ready for anything.

Thanks for the reply,

Brian in NH

 

[rfcom]

There is no snow on the ground here right now, it is just in the forecast and likely will be gone by the weekend even if we do get some. I use this site for local weather info. When are you coming out?



Jim

 

[BRUTUS]

Save it

Brian,



You might want to hold off on those mods. You don't need them for this trip.

You will need the money when you get there if you don't stay with friends or relatives...

Les

 

[Sticks]

The only thing that I can recommend is the 5th gear nut. Find out if it has been done. Do a search on it to see what I am talking about.



Otherwise, ditto the above, hold off on the mods 'till you get back. If anything add weight to the truck so it rides a little smoother.



The only gauge that I would say you should have for the trip is a fuel pressure. If anything, buy a Fuel pressure tester and check you pressure before you leave and about half way there and back.

 

[BDMiller]

Thanks Guys

Thanks for the info guys.

Jim, that weather site is going to come in handy. I will be out that way from mid October to early December. I was going to bring my flyrod but I guess I should bring my skiis. I'll be at the Banff centre as artist in residence.

Les, yes saving $$ is a plan but it isn't going to cost me much when I get out there. The Banff centre is covering my room & board. But I am sure I'll need extra cash so I was hoping to spend as little as possible on the truck.

Sticks, I was resolved to deal with the fuel pressure, don't need any lift pump problems. I'll also check out the 5th wheel nut.

Thanks again,

Brian

 

[jGiacobbe]

Have you been here?



www.earthroamer.com



This guy had a Dodge w/a zillion modifications. Must be fun.

 

[BRUTUS]

Roamer?

Why would anybody want to buy a Ferd thats 10 feet tall, weighs many thousand pounds and looks like a delivery van?

Can you imagine driving that off road in the boonies and pruning all the branches off the trees? The solar panels better be armored for what they cost.

That seems more like someones undry dream...

IMHO



Lucky guy Brian ! Enjoy!



Les

 

[jGiacobbe]

Look at the Exhibition Vehicles tab, then the Proof of Concept vehicle. It's a Cummins.



Believe me, I would never build or buy one of these. Even if I wanted to, I couldn't afford it.

 

[10-G]

Stock vehicles make fine expedition vehicles.



I have had two and they have both been across the Rockies several times.



checklist



fuel pressure check

fluids and filters check

tire check



lumbering down the highway is what these things were made for.



if you are going off-road you may need more gear



have fun

 

[BDMiller]

Thanks for all the info guys.

The Earthroamer idea is pretty cool, but I went with the poor mans version ie. a Lear Commercial cap. So far I installed a 1500 watt inverter & factory tow hooks. Fuel pressure gauge is next.

I'll post pictures later.



Brian