Fashionably late to the party…

[APersondek]

Hello everyone,



as you all can tell my post count I am new to the TDR scene..... well kind of anyway..... I must confess that I have been lurking since August of '03 picking up on tons of useful information, everything from questioning the dealer on fluid fill levels of the differentials at delivery to making sure about getting rubber plugs for chassis instead of cheap duct tape. I am a relatively young guy; compared to the average Joe who buys a truck like the one I have... heck this is my first new vehicle I have ever owned or ordered for that matter... This truck will be my daily driver and in the winter used to two anywhere from a 2 to 4 place snowmobile trailer to northern MI to go riding cross country (U. P. and Canada) Oo.



I ordered my (everyone option in the book + extras like ground effects package, running boards, spray in Rhino liner etc. )



2004 Black Laramie Sport Quad Cab 2500 4x4 HO 3. 73 short box 6 speed on 08/18/03, it was built on 09/12/03 and I picked it up from Century Dodge in S. E. Michigan on 10/14/03..... all I can say is WOWZERS what a truck!!!! I put over 2500 miles on it in the first month I had it. I am now pushing 4500 miles and trying to decide if I should do the first oil change at 5k miles or go the full 7. 5K miles like the book says.



I look forward to contributing anyway I can to the TDR and I am interested in finding out how to join up with guys / gals from GLTDR chapter in S. E. Michigan

 

[lil red cummins]

here goes that oil change discussion again.



according to my salesman, because i live in this "area", (i am in northern ohio) i should be using Maintenance Schedule "B" listed in the maintenance logbook. according to that schedule, the first oil change is at 3750 miles. i am still not sure what i am going to do, since i don't have nearly as many miles as you yet. suffice it to say, i will probably follow closer to "B" than "A" till around 20k miles. that seems to be the point where those that prefer to, will switch to synthetic oil. there are atleast 1000 threads on this issue. :--) he also made a big point about filling out the Maint. log and attaching receipts for the oil and filter to maintain the warranty.

FWIW

jim

 

[mgonske]

Originally posted by lil red cummins

here goes that oil change discussion again.



... Maintenance Schedule "B"... first oil change is at 3750 miles...

Jim,



Look at the owner's manual again--in the column that shows the 3750 mile oil change, you'll see a little dagger symbol; if you go to the end of the table, you'll see that the corresponding footnote says that this is applicable only to the 235 HP (CA SO) engine.



Cheers!

 

[CKruse]

Welcome aboard!! Sounds like you are enjoying a great new truck. As far as the oil changes goes, do what you feel is right. I changed mine twice in the first 5k, then every 5k. I realize this is 2500 sooner than it calls for, but I do a lot of in town driving, short trips, etc. If I were doing all highway miles, with occasionally towing, I'd probably opt for 7500.



Above all, enjoy a great truck and this resource! Generally a very content and helpful group.

 

[Dean Upson]

Welcome to the TDR.



I changed my oil twice in the first 7500 miles, I will be changing at 7500 mile intervals.



Dean

 

[APersondek]

Thank you for the warm reception everyone. I do drive 40 miles round trip to work each day on the highway so I am thinking about running the full 7500 until the first oil change... . If I happen to notice any blue or black smoke or a drop in MPG before 7500 then I will change it then..... If Cummins / DC says it will go 7500 between changes then I really don't see why not start it out the way on the first one... ... thanks again thanks for everyones input on the subject



Note: attached picture was taken on 10/12/03 when the truck first got to the dealer... even before the protective film was taken off on the paint... . and before the premium Mopar black running boards and ground effects were installed)

 

[XcumminsX]

Nice looking truck. Welcome aboard!!!

 

[lawdog]

Thought I was looking at mine there for a minute... Oops needs bigger tires. .

Congrats on the new ride... . Nice color too

 

[Casey Balvert]

Well come to the TDR neighbor. My compliments on your excellent taste in choice of color. I am located about four miles from the Ambassador Bridge. Canadian side. Next time to you go this way, give me a shout and we will have coffee.



Virtually every truck meets the requirements of schedule B. The only ones that don't probably are wrapped in bubble plastic and sitting in a warehouse some where.



Anyway, my personal recommendation is to follow schedule B but cut the interval in half for the first change. First change at 3750, the second at 7500, and then every 7500 miles. The oil stays really clean in these new trucks. I use Rotella dino.



Enjoy your new truck. I sure have enjoyed mine. Casey



#ad

 

[Prairie Dog]

Jeez Casey, I'm gonna have to go find a drooling happy face to add to this post. Your fiver must be plenty heavy - even has duallys!

By the way, Welcome APersondek!

 

[Steve M]

I changed mine at 7500, 15k and it almost due for 22,500. Rotella 15w-40 and Fleetguard filters has done me well since my first DC in '95.

 

[rbattelle]

I change at 3000, which, I know, is absolutely ridiculous. But I'm just a bit obsessed!#ad