Help with new 2500

[CAbrams]

Hi everyone:



I am a new subscriber and proud owner of my 2nd Dodge 2500. My first 2500 was a 97 fully loaded. My new 2500 is a 2001, 4X4, 139"WB,5. 9L HO Cummins, 6Speed HO Manual trans, 4. 10 Axle. & include every option that Dodge offers. I have some questions that hopefully you more experienced owners can help me with.



Thank in advance for your help.



Chuck



1: Fuel Mileage: My 97 12 Valve, which was configured the same as my 2001, got 20MPG right off the lot. My 2001 is getting 16. 5 to 17 MPG after about 7,000 miles. What can I expect or do ?



2: Exhaust Brake: I installed a B&D exhaust brake on my 97 as I ocassionlly tow a 32' 5th wheel travel trailer and wanted the security of an exhaust brake as I live in the mountains west of Denver, with many steep grades. I know this engine has some type of "retarder" as I can feel the deceleration when I take my foot off the accelerator or downshift. I have checked all the literature that came with the truck but find nothing mentioned about this. Anybody know what this is?



3erformance Improvement: Have seen several advertisements, especially "computer chips" that will improve horsepower/torque. Would appreciate "feedback" on what you have found gives the best bang for the buck. I have installed a K&E air filter and noticed a difference right away.

 

[Sky]

Welcome to the TDR!!



I had 2 other trucks at 94 and a 97 that both got 20+ mpg. My truck now gets around 19 with bigger tires and the 24v. I know others are getting more. But Id say let your truck break in more you should see a rise in mileage. As far as exhaust brakes I cant help you with that. For more power get a edge EZ or upgrade your injectors id say. For the fasted most simple upgrade go with the EZ you will love it!

 

[jstyer]

exhaust retarder

Welcome aboard. You have just made the best investment in your truck possible, by joining the TDR. My daughter thought my 01. 5 HO had an exhaust brake on it when I bought it due to the sound and it did deccerate more than my '99. Needless to say it doesn't have an exhaust retarder. The good news is that when I put the pacbrake on this one, it really backs off. The bad news is that they should install a connection to the brake light circuit to prevent getting hit in the a$$ when you let off.

 

[boonsur]

I think your mileage is pretty average for having 4. 10 gears. Most that get 20mpg have the lower ratio.



Best "first BOMB" is probably the EZ box, made by Edge Products.



Use the "Search" function (upper right hand corner) and you should have plenty of bathroom reading material to last a while. Look for EZ and mileage.



Best of Luck!

 

[Fred Swanson]

Can't beat the EZ for bang for the buck. Easy to install, too.

 

[Alan Reagan]

I get 22 with the 4:10s. I started off getting about 18/19. One thing that you will see is at about 10 K miles, the truck will seem to become stronger and your mileage will probably increase. I did find on my 01 HO that at about 5-10 K I needed to take the torque wrench and snug all of the intake manifold bolts. My clamps for the boost system were not very tight either. Of course a "box" should give you about 1-2 mpg if you keep your foot out of it.

 

[ftb87]

Cabrams,



Mine is set up a little different than yours however, I averaging about 20. 8 mixed city/hwy (see signiture).



Frank