First Week with Our New CDT

[joreilley]

First Week with Our New CTD

Hey Folks:



After a long search, I'm suddenly the new owner of a beautiful Dodge 2500 4x4 CTD (Details below). I think I got a great price on this truck (18K, NADA wholesale with the options), but it was a) owned by a rich kid who liked to go mudbogging, near as I can tell and b) has a healthy set of miles on it (125K). My wife and I want get this baby fixed up and ready for a tour around North America with our 1968 Airstream Overlander.



My questions for you:



1. This truck was not "cleaned up" by the dealer. It just came in on trade-in. I did have it checked out by another authorized Dodge dealer: they gave it a very clean bill of health. I don't know when the oil/transmission fluid, etc. was last changed. What should I be prepared to do to this truck to make sure it's in top shape?



2. What can I do myself? I'm a "5" on the TDR scale, i. e. capable of passing wrenches. But I need to learn this truck to prepare for our trip. I'd like to graduate to "4" as soon as I can. What should I read to get started?



3. The truck has been getting poor mileage (14mpg) according to the mileage computer. I presume this is not trustworthy, but I've not had a chance to do the math myself. but I suspect this kid had this truck chipped. How could I check for that?



Thanks for your help! Glad to be a new member of the TDR family.

 

[RHamner]

Welcome! I have a similar 6 speed



Many chips plug in. Look on the drivers side of the engine.



Mileage varies With a lot of things. Over my 70000 miles I positively get from 10 mpg towing 10000#at high speed on a windy day in the hills to 20 empty on the level under 65. So to say I get 15MPg +or -5 would be accurate but meaningless.



I'd start getting familiar with what's been added and think about replacing fluids befor significant towing

 

[WadePatton]

Congrats on the new ride. I was in your shoes June 8th 2002.



Here's what I recommend doing/having done. I do it all myself. Where's that scale thing? And there's plenty of guidance available here.



Anyhoo, assume that nothing has ever been changed. So start with engine oil and filter. Use a Diesel Rated oil (most common is Shell Rotella and it is fine--but let's not get into that here) and use a high quality filter. Fleetguard is the boss there. Fuel filter is next. Pretty easy on a 01, but you will get fuel on your fingers. DO NOT buy the filter at the DC store, they get 45. 00 when Geno's and everywhere else gets about 12. Change air filter*. Drain/Flush cooling system and replace with 50/50 DISTILLED water and regular old GREEN coolant. Change transmission oil and differentials--especially differential because you say it's muddy. Water and Crud could have gotten in.



You might also want to have tires balanced/replaced if necessary and Front End/brakes checked out by same shop.



*If kiddo had a fueling box on it, he probably took it with him, but he might have left an aftermarket air cleaner or filter. That might give you a clue. Also look for plugged hole in manifold where a pyro probe would be located. (on top where 3 and 3 come together. ) Use of a pyrometer is a GOOD sign.



You can get a DC service tech to pull a "history" and it will show any DC service done in the last 24 months. You can also have them pull a "build sheet" for your VIN and find out lots more about your truck.



At some point in time I'd change the brake fluid by opening bleeder screws and pour fresh in the top until fresh comes out the bottom. PS fluid change is a little more complicated and I've not gotten around to that one.



You've come to the right place for info and help and advice and oil wars . Learn to use the "search" feature here. (hint- check the "search titles only" box to cut back on the results) Read Read Read.



Buy good tools, a factory service manual, and don't rush any job.



Mileage. Replace the IAT sensor. Check to make sure the PCM is calibrated for the tire size installed (by running a measured course and seeing if odometer reads correctly). And forget the Computer calculate by hand.



That artta keep you busy for a day or two.

 

[joreilley]

Thanks!

Hey RHammer and WadePatton!



Thanks a lot for the great advice. I'm ready to dive in on my first week's work on the BFT (my new acronym for the truck).



BTW, I found an ever simpler explanation for my mileage "problem": the US/M switch. :-laf The mileage looks a little better when it's actually calculated in miles. Let's keep that one between us... .



Jude



P. S. Wade, if you were asking me where the TDR scale is, that's my recollection of the scale on the TDR Travel Companion for members to rank their technical expertise.