Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Just bought my first Diesel...Advice Please..

[WilliamTaylor]

Hi,



I just bought my first Diesel this week and this is my first post to

this forum. I bought a 1998 Dodge 2500 Ram with 5. 9 24V Cummins, 77K miles, auto transmission. As far as I can tell its all stock, no mods.

The first thing I want to do is change all the fluids/filters as I have

no idea when they were last done. After a couple days of reading

on this forum I have come up with the following products I am

planing on using. How does this look to you guys?

Any advice appreciated... . Also, I live in Mississippi where the temp

never gets very low.





Amsoil SAE 15W-40 Synthetic Heavy Duty Diesel and Marine Motor Oil

STRATAPORE OIL FILTER (24-valve) - LF3894 - all years



FLEETGUARD AIR FILTER - AF25541('94 - '02)

FLEETGUARD FUEL FILTER - FS19598 - (1997 through 1999)



Amsoil Synthetic Universal Automatic Transmission Fluid

Mopar - Transmission Filter and Gasket Replacement Kit ('98 - '04 trucks)





Stanadyne Performance Formula Diesel Additive - To clean injectors.



Fleetguard ESXtreme Antifreeze (If I can find it???)



Anything I am forgetting? Anything else you guys would do to a

stock truck you just bought?



Thanks so much,



Russell

 

[fyrescott]

Welcome to the TDR world. Looks like you have the first part figured out. As far as the bombing go's, be careful. Once you start there is almost no stopping.

 

[justinp20012500]

I think I would use the S3000 (I think its called that?) the 5 w 40 Amsoil.



I would stay away from Amsoil in the Trans. I would use Mopar ATF 4.



Stanadyne is good stuff.



Amsoils in the diffs too. You will pick up a 1/2 mpg.



Only Mopar all climate power steering fluid. Or equavalient. (The power steering system runs the brakes. )



Other than that. You will need EDM injectors, Compound turbos, and a wicked trans. and a fueling box from hell. O ya don't forget the gauges.



Good luck.

 

[WilliamTaylor]

Thanks, I don't plan on doing and mods in the near future.

I just want to get the stock truck in top notch shape.

Its not going to be my daily driver. I'll take it out a couple times

a week and use it to pull my small travel trailer. I hope to upgrade

to a small 5th wheel in the future. I do plan on installing a

transmission temp guage before I tow.



Russell

 

[justinp20012500]

Originally posted by WilliamTaylor

Thanks, I don't plan on doing and mods in the near future.

I just want to get the stock truck in top notch shape.

Its not going to be my daily driver. I'll take it out a couple times

a week and use it to pull my small travel trailer. I hope to upgrade

to a small 5th wheel in the future. I do plan on installing a

transmission temp guage before I tow.



Russell

I would do a Pyro first. Every diesel needs one of those. Pre turbo too!!

 

[WilliamTaylor]

Yes, I am considering that along with a cool down timer so I won't shut her down when she is too hot. Prolly come in handy when towing expecially I guess. Thx!

 

[Hackamore]

I'd do gauges especially the fuel pressure.

 

[Oil Burner]

As Hackamore says, definately a fuel pressure gauge. Every vp equipped truck should have one, stock or modified. It's relatively cheap insurance on your injection pump.



-Jason

 

[911RAM]

justin20012500

Just wondering why not to use amsoil In transmission Is It bad for It? I don't have any In mine but thougt I would go to that (unless Its bad for It) Thanks for any Info

 

[WilliamTaylor]

Originally posted by 911RAM

Just wondering why not to use amsoil In transmission Is It bad for It? I don't have any In mine but thougt I would go to that (unless Its bad for It) Thanks for any Info

911RAM, I am wondering the same thing. Unless I am mistaken I have read several posts saying that Amsoil transmission fluid is great.

Confused...

 

[Duluth Diesel]

If you're going to run a Fleetguard air filter, get the AH19037 and use it to replace your entire factory airbox. The factory hose hooks right up to the AH19037. Also known as a BHAF. This Big Honkin' Air Filter mod is cheap (40 to 50 bucks), gives more air flow, produces lower EGTs, and filters to Cummins specifications.

 

[DirtyDodge]

I am getting ready to service my transmission tomorrow. I plan on putting Amsoil in it along with the front and rear diff and xfer case. It is a good product.

Derek

 

[SEmerson]

A trans filter for a old 727 is better. Much more open element.

 

[fox]

Here is my opinion on the synthetic trans fluids. It may be all wrong, but I still believe it!!



Two things that are important in a trans fluid , lube and friction control. There are others such as cooling, but I'm staying off of that one.

We need the lube for the bushing and planetaries. The more/better is best. This where a synthetic really shines.

Now for the friction. If it is too SLICK the clutches can slip more. They are designed to slip some to control the shift feel.

This is where the arguments get started, some people, myself included, have had issues with stock trans slipping when synthetics are used.

Guys who have a built up trans are/can run this fluid and not have issues.

 

[rblomquist]

He has a 98, I see no reason for him to buy expensive Mopar +4.



My trans builder says Amsoil is completely fine to use in the transmission.



No offense to anyone but before telling someone to stay away from anything we should have something tangible to fall back on rather than just our own preference and/or feelings (or at least be very clear and upfront about it being just a feeling).



Note: I'm not an Amsoil dealer and I don't have it in my trans at this time.

 

[fox]

Ok, when I had my 95 Cummins, the trans was rebuilt by a top name Drag racer near Indy. He, nor I knew about the improved torque converters. The trans was good until I tried Mobil 1 trans fluid and then it would slip the converter. I had it taken out and inspected - $400 bucks - and all looked fine. Slippage had to be in the converter.

Use Dexron III.

His trans is stock .

Aftermarket trans have better pressure settings. This may be why they accept the super fluids.

One other reason why I don't support the synthetics is people want to not do the fluid changes. They are important.

 

[Turboman]

Wait jest a dern minute here!!!

I normally don't jump in on things like this but, I'm really kinda tired of people throwing out opinions without a shred of thought behind it.

I would stay away from Amsoil in the Trans. I would use Mopar ATF 4.

1. If Amsoil ATF was not working there would be a jillion post on here saying it is crap. I don't see them. 2. I have never heard of Amsoil ATF not working very well, on the contrary, everyone I know of that has used it has been very pleased with it. 3. I have an off road truck with a 4 speed Allison behind 400hp with over 8000 hours of severe duty, with hundreds of full throttle shifts a day, that is in perfect running order. If you know of a problem with Amsoil ATF , let's here it. Thats all I'm done now.

 

[340Mark]

Just one note of caution. If you have not changed a diesel fuel filter before. Make every effort to get ALL the air out of canister. Follow the service procedure. Air in the injector lines is no fun!



Mark

 

[rblomquist]

Originally posted by fox

One other reason why I don't support the synthetics is people want to not do the fluid changes. They are important.

I fully agree with the statement that many folks think they can go long long periods of time between changes just because they are using a synthetic; this is wrong (just ask a trans builder). BUT, saying not to use them because some folks don't change it out enough is kinda like saying we should ban 3-wheelers because "they" are dangerous... ... oh wait, we did that.



Anyway, my point is the data shows that synthetics are supererior to dino juice, that's just hard science. You still have to change the stuff out and if you don't then it's on you (not the product).