Healthy Truck

[SlyBones]

So before I start BOMBing I want to make sure the truck is healthy and I have fixed any problems. I have been building a checklist from things I have read here. What else should be done.

1. Have fuel pressure checked. Verifies Overflow Valve and Lift Pump. Both are common problems.
2. Just flat replace the fuel return line. They leak some day or another. Its 4yrs old so it goes.
3. New fuel filter and clean strainer.
4. Test TPS
5. Check throttle cable adjustments
6. Boost runs at 18psi at full throttle. So I dont think there are leaks? Its stock, this is about right?
7. Injector Timing Checked/Set
8. Idle is low, set properly
9. Smoke is OK, small puff 50%+ throttle off the line
10. Replace that annoying thermostat with the updated model. Yeah I know its normal. Its gone anyway.

Adds to the list??


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1997 2500 4x4, CC, Auto, 3. 54 LSD, 66K, Everything inc Leather, K&N, 4" BD cat-back, otherwise stock, Isspro Gauges(3), 285/75/16 on Alcola's, RS9000's, Canopy, BedLiner, and tons more.

 

[R.ebel]

My '97 with a 5 speed would pull 24 psi in 4th and 5th gears WOT. (when it was stock). Don't know about an auto???

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1997 2500 SLT 4X4,5 spd,3. 54's,Pacbrake,Rancho 9000's,Centerforce,K&N,Isspro,TST #11(280hp/680tq),AFC medium spring, Jardine 4", 370's and 16cm housing.

 

[illflem]

If your AT shutters now it will get worse faster when you bomb. Stock my boost was around 24, but it took a good load and a hill to do it,now it hits 40. You already got the cat, you should be ready.

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95' 25004X4,AT,Driftwood,Banks Stinger,Warn fender flairs and running boards(work truck)
95 3500,5 speed 3:54,BD E-brake,Driftwood,Banks&Psycotty,34,000 GCVW apple and tractor hauler(works harder truck)

 

[John_P]

SlyBones:

I would definitely recommend "upgrades"
to your automatic transmission BEFORE
you do anything as "illflem" said.

At LEAST a good valve body or shift kit.
If you have 66K miles on the truck you
may be too late. Have a good reputable
transmission shop pull the pan off and
thoroughly check the transmission. Like "illflem"
said the stock transmission can't take the
"upgrades" in power.

Good luck!

-------
John_P

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Red '96 4x4 2500 Auto 3. 54, TST #5, Major Pump Mods(By "Scheid Diesel") 370 Diamond B Injectors, Gov. Spring kit, AFC Spring kit, Banks Exhaust, Prime Loc, Cummins Chrome Kit,Psychotty Air Filter, Pro-Torque Converter, BD Valve Body, BD Pressure Loc, Isspro Gauges, Sendel 16" Alum Wheels w/ 33" BFGs

 

[SlyBones]

I was definately going with the transmission as my first upgrade, once I have the get healthy checklist completed. The drive to visit and meet Bill K. is only 2hrs for me. I figure him and his team can handle the job. Then maybe a exhaust brake, not sure. TST plate, AFC & Gov kits should make it by end of summer, I all goes well.

And I should add when I got the truck about 6mo ago, Dodge did a complete service, with valve adj. So those items are not on my list above. And I was planning on "amsoil thoughout" as time permits. The big picture is
1. Make sure were healthy first
2. Amsoil thoughout
3. transmission
4. Exhaust brake
5. HP
6. Search for a cure for BOMBaholism.

Thanks!

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1997 2500 4x4, CC, Auto, 3. 54 LSD, 66K, Everything inc Leather, K&N, 4" BD cat-back, otherwise stock, Isspro Gauges(3), 285/75/16 on Alcola's, RS9000's, Canopy, BedLiner, and tons more.

[This message has been edited by SlyBones (edited 03-25-2001). ]

 

[turbonatr]

Definately have the trans squared away before heavy BOMBing. My truck (94 auto) has 101k on it with a stock trans on a BOMBed Cummins, and the trans is NOT enjoying life. Truck went 15. 06 at 87mph today with the converter slipping the whole way. Don't neglect the transmission!

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94 Dodge Ram Cummins Turbo Diesel (owned since new) warmed over by Auto Wurks... 15. 06 @ 87mph on 285/75/16s
10 second 87 Buick Grand National
11 second 87 Buick T-Type
Exhaust Driven!!