Just got 2009 3500 duallie, any tips?

[GreggNoble]

HI, i just bought a new2me 2009 ram 3500 laramie only 48000 kilometers, mint shape. its my first 6. 7 and my first 68re so i was wondering if there are certain things that if i knew them now i could save a lot of trouble in the future

like the lift pumps on my 2001 cummins rams. i hope the transmission is tougher on these trucks. thanks

 

[Jim W]

Hi and welcome to the world of the 6. 7L Cummins.

You may know this already but I would change all of the fluids as soon as possible. Such as the transmission fluid, the front and rear differentials oil, engine oil and all of the filters fuel and transmission and engine oil. You may even want to change out the coolant also. The transmission has two filters one is a spin on which has a seal that is somewhat difficult to change and install. This way you will have a base line on when all of the filters and fluid where changed on your truck, you do not know how it was maintained by the last owner unless he provided receipts to you.

You will not have to do this for awhile but the CCV filter (replaced) and EGR will need to be cleaned around 108,000 kilometers if my conversions are correct.

As far as the 68RFE transmission to me this is a good design and well built unit for stock to moderate power gains such as 60HP over stock. Any over power gains such as 100Hp over stock and you will need to have the transmission upgraded to support these higher numbers. If you leave the truck stock and maintain the truck per the owner's manual you should get at least 200K (miles) out of the transmission without issues, as other users have.

Jim W.

 

[GreggNoble]

thanks, what about that particulate filter for the exhast,is that a big probelm? mine is just 3 years old so the 1st warrenty is over, do these exhast filters ever need to be rreplaced?
finally . i noticed already that it is a lot more expensive on fuel than my 2001 24 valve,anything i can do about that?

 

[Jim W]

thanks, what about that particulate filter for the exhast,is that a big probelm? mine is just 3 years old so the 1st warrenty is over, do these exhast filters ever need to be rreplaced?
finally . i noticed already that it is a lot more expensive on fuel than my 2001 24 valve,anything i can do about that?

This will depend on the emission laws/rulings in your area.

First the DPF (diesel particulate filter) is supposed to last between 100,000 miles to 150,000 miles before replacement. The way this is accomplished is by regeneration of the DPF. Depending on diving condition and use of the truck the ECM may call for regeneration and this is accomplished by burning fuel to clean the DPF. This can also cause the engine oil to retain un-burnt diesel fuel during the regeneration cycle, search for engine making oil in the 6. 7L section.

Now if you can; depending on your county or Canadian emission rules you can do a delete of the DPF and other items, your choice. You will need to buy a new exhaust system such as a TBE from MBRP or such. You will also need a tuner such as Smarty JR or S67 with the ME download or a Black Max or such from H&S Performance. With the proper tune and driving sensible you can improve your fuel mileage it will never achieve the 2001 fuel mileage but it will be better than what you have today.

PM me for further information on how to accomplish this if you want to.

Jim W.