2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission How do I get best mileage and longevity?

[bbradford]

I recently purchased a 1997 3500 CTD from the original owner who never towed more than his bass boat. Everything is near perfect on the truck, and on a 10 hour interstate trip I got between 20. 4 and 22. 6 mpg depending on speed. (Surprisingly, it got better mileage between 75-80 than it did between 65-70) I don't intend to tow with the truck either, maybe later I'll put a camper in the bed, just put a lot of interstate miles on it visiting my grandkids. The truck is completely stock. I realize that the mileage I'm getting is about as good as I can hope for. However, are there any add-ons that would give me the absolute best mileage and increase the longevity of my engine and transmission?



Thanks,



Ben



White 1997, 3500 CTD, 2WD, LWB, Auto, SLT Laramie, Leather, 99,000 miles, (KDP to be corrected next Tuesday), completely stock.

 

[Forrest]

I'd say the easiest is get the largest transmission pan & rear diff cover & get synthetics in there. Also synthetic for engine oil.

 

[WestTN]

There are more than one documented trucks that ran over one million miles on Shel Rotella T 15W40 conventional oil. I'd say spend your money on the rest of the truck and save the extra expense of synthetics in the engine. .

 

[WBusa]

1. Get a couple of Optima batteries in there... easiest to find at Sears. Unlike all conventional batteries, they don't leak ANY acid. Trust me, leaking acid from your conventional 'sealed' batteries is slowly destroying your wheel wells, not to mention the wiring harness under the driver's side battery.



2. Install a few gauges, to help you treat your beast right and spot trouble before it happens. Exhaust gas temperature, transmission temp, and fuel pressure ought to do it.



3. Keep those filters changed, and use Fleetguards. With the kind of driving you do, I'd say change the oil and filters every 6K

 

[Joe G.]

One thing to note is that many of the million mile trucks work hard. Hot shotters put a lot of miles on their trucks towing heavy on the highway. These engines were made to work. Light duty with a lot of stop and go won't do the engine any good. "... original owner who never towed more than his bass boat" would worry me a little.



Keeping up the maintenance is extremely important. Keep an eye on front end component wear.

 

[Eric_77]

Best mileage will be achived with the narrow tires and max pressure (80/50?). Also run constant throttle as opposed to constant speed or cruise control. Other added MPG adder would be a tonaue(sp?) cover