First timer... Info needed

[AUrban]

I'm a new, first-time owner of a 99 Ram CTD, auto, 2wd. This is also the first diesel I've owned. So far, I absolutely love the truck.



I've found information on filter types and maintenance schedules but I've not seen anything on general reading for Ram maintenance. I'm looking for recommendations on service manuals... should I invest in the factory DC service manual or is a Hayne's manual ok for CTD/Ram maintenance work?



Thanks for the help. I'm trying to rapidly assimilate all the information I'm finding here and it's already helped (ordered my fleetguard filters!).



Tony

 

[willyslover]

take a look a Dave Fritz's page... a ton of info there be sure to browse it all [and all the links]... Daves site is one of the very best site for CTD related info and service notes

 

[willyslover]

oops sorry forgot link



http://dodgeram.org/support_pgs/diesel_ix.htm

 

[Gene Arnold]

Go with the factory manual. They're pricey but complete and model year specific. I have both and I seldom open the Haynes.



Scheduled maintenance will vary, depending on how you use your truck. I've used the advice gleaned from this site to set my own schedule. Also, there are some warnings you'd do well to heed, such as, use only Cummins oil filters to avoid the possible debris clogs in oil passages caused by the possible disintigration of other types of filters.

 

[elamb]

I haven't used the Haynes manual, but the factory manual has a ton of information in it. I just got mine last week and I couldn't believe all the info that was in it.



Eric

 

[AUrban]

Originally posted by Gene Arnold

Also, there are some warnings you'd do well to heed, such as, use only Cummins oil filters to avoid the possible debris clogs in oil passages caused by the possible disintigration of other types of filters.

So, I shouldn't use the fleetguard oil filters?

 

[elamb]

The fleetguard filters are sold by Cummins. Thats what I use. I think Cummins owns Fleetguard. I might be wrong there though. I believe most people on the site use these filters.



Eric

 

[Joe G.]

The oil filter to use is a Fleetguard 3894 Stratapore. The best price I've found on these filters is at the local Peterbilt shop. So it would be a good idea to check the big rig shops in your area.



Cummins doesn't make filters as far as I know. They own Fleetguard who makes Cummins and Fleetguard brand filters.

 

[AUrban]

Thanks for the clarification on the Fleetguard filters.



Regarding service intervals (for oil anyway), my driving is mostly highway and some local stop-and-go (seldom doing dirt/dusty roads). I've read that a good maintenance interval is 25% less than the factory recommendations. That would put me somewhere around every 5000 miles, I would think. Does this sound reasonable?



I'm going to dig around for a 99 service manual. Thanks for all the tips. I'm sure I'll have more questions... .



Tony

 

[elamb]

I change mine every 5000 miles. Here is the link where you can get a service manual.



https://techauthority.gltghosting.c...rHome?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10051



Eric

 

[AUrban]

I checked the link and found a BR service manual... is that the one I want? I would think the mechanics would be the same for my QC.



Tony

 

[Joe G.]

That's the one.