Lack of power, or do I not know how to drive?

[willy1947]

I just replaced a 1994 2500, 4x4, 3. 54 gears, auto, with a TST upgrade (230hp/605ft-lbs), and 4" exhaust, with a 2004 HO, 6 speed, drw, and 3. 73 gears. I tow a 9-10K, 22' cargo trailer.



I've noticed that I have to push my new truck harder than I did my old one. The 6 speed is great to get me up to speed, but it doesn't hold my speed well around 60mph. My old truck worked pretty hard to get up to speed, but once the torque converter locked up... it was off to the races I figured my new one would hold its speed better, but I find myself downshifting a lot on long, small grades.



I did choose the 3. 73 over the 4. 10's because of fuel mileage and I new I wasn't going to be pulling much over 10K.



I never thought I actually got the 605ft-lbs out of the old truck, but maybe I did



So, do I not know how to drive or should a tweak the new CTD a little I'm going up to the Indiana Dyno Day to see what other people have done. However, I am thinking about adding the new TST box (for growth purposes), a Pacbrake, guages, and maybe upgrading the exhaust. Thoughts?



I know I need to do more to get the max of out of the TST box, but I thought I would go overkill here and have something to grow into. I can keep the box turned down... . I think.



I am still very happy with my new truck though!



Thanks,

Dave

 

[fox]

Your old truck was broke in and loose. The new truck is tight, just give it time or better yet some mods!!

 

[Snow man]

The old truck with the plate simply had a lot more low end torque. The 12V loved to be run at 1600 -2000,the 24Vs and ISBe's like a little more RPM,IMO. Like was mentioned the new one will loosen up a bit,but dont expect it to hold top gear like the 12V did,thru the hills. You'll need a fueling box,and that will take care of that problem.

 

[willy1947]

Fueling Box? What does this do and how does it help? Which one would you recommend?



I'm a Jeep man, so this Diesel stuff has taken some time to learn. I learned a lot with my first Diesel and have learned even more since I've gotten involved with TDR.



Being part of the Jeep cult is expensive and time consuming, and now I've added "bombing" to my list. My wallet is going to hate me



Thanks for the help and advice!Oo.



Dave

 

[Glen]

I wouldn't want to remove the justification for bombing your truck but what is wrong with shifting to 5th?

 

[willy1947]

Nothing I just kind of thought I wouldn't have too. I've only got 4500 miles on my truck, so it's still very new to me.



I don't have a lead foot. I tend to try to keep my vehicles at low RPM's and just let them lug along. So I guess I should modify my driving style a little.



I'm also being tempted by the Bombing bug



Thanks,

Dave

 

[JRihani]

Dave, when is the Indiana Dyno day? I didn't see it in Feb/March on the events calander? You mentioned it in your post and I'd like to attend.



Any info is appreciated.

 

[willy1947]

It is this weekend, Feb. 28th. I think you can search the forums for Indianapolis Dyno Day. This has some detailed information.



Thanks,

Dave

 

[TCDiesel]

POWER

When pulling on a regular basis always get the 4:10s even with the six speed if don"t like to down shift. Now weight should not be the only factor in determining the gear ratio. Example my two place enclosed cargo trailers, pulls almost as hard as my car-hauler,because of the surface area you are pulling[surface area =mass ,is much greater then weight], add wind or a steep grade to this and a small enclosed trailer will pull harder then 10. 000 LBS.

 

[Snow man]

Dave, I know you like to let them lug along,but the driving style that is best for the motor trans is to let it rev up into the 1900-2900RPM range on hard pulls. I know it sounds unhappy,but after a while you'l learn to like the sound of it working hard. The isbe and 24V are different animals thn the 12v the powerband is shifted up a tad,downshift and let her rev if needed. The only thing ive found is it hurts fuel economy. With a 6 speed /3. 73 you should be able to hold 6th gear down to 62 or so and not lug the engine as long as your not pulling big hills. a fueling box is the TST box,or the Egde EZ pressure box. either of them will give you the low end your looking for,but can hurt the clutch if you use too much of a good thing.

 

[willy1947]

You're probably right. It was a hard decision when I bought my truck. I tow a heavy load about two weekends every month. Most trips are about 400 miles round trip. So, I just figured the 3. 73's would be a better choice over all. I only have 3. 54's in my previous truck. I got the dually to help with the sway and I want to get a gooseneck again someday too.



Oh well, I'm not complaining just looking for some opinions... and some bombing encouragement



What kind of RPM's should I be shifting at? I've been pushing it to around 2500, when normally I shift at less. I see where people say to drive the diesels hard, I just have a hard time doing it. But I have been trying to. I don't want any build up in the motor



Took it to Ohio about 2 weeks ago. LOVED IT!!! It is by far the best traveling truck I've every owned. Got about 19 MPG.



Thanks,

Dave

 

[DCaswell]

Dave

We have pretty much the same driveline except I opted for the 4:10 & added the Edge EZ set on 3. Mine is much happier at or above 2000rpm. The EZ makes a huge difference when pulling but if I were you I would just go to 5th & 65mph should be no problem. Also it is easier on the driveline to run in 5th when pulling.

dennis

 

[MO'Donnell]

My truck seems to run like a scalded dog. The day I picked it up, I found myself doing 80+ on the way home up a long grade that my 1500 gasser had a hard time pulling @ 60-65. Luckily, the state boys were running their radar trap elsewhere that day!

Just lean on the go pedal a little bit and it will cruise right along!

 

[SNOWMAN-47]

OMFG :--) Another snowman and another 1947 Willys owner in the same thread. Go figure







Cheers Fellas.



Oh yah and I almost forgot that you need to rev that biotch? 60 on the freeway? Is your other ride a Rascal scooter?



#ad

 

[SOLER]

It is bad to work the engine hard below its peak torque. It peaks around 1900, so 2000-2300 should be adequate. Now, with your gears (I have the same ones), you either need to run 65 mph, or dowshift and slowdown a bit. I usually tow around 65 mph. But if the speed limit won't allow it, you'll have to drop a gear.



I have the same problem in the power dept. I lost my 2500 HO/6 sp with stage 2 injectors and an EZ and got my new '04 HO. I sure miss the power and the "broke-in" motor. I just need a few thousand mile to get it broke in and loosened up, and then I'll put some goodies on it.



SOLER

 

[R.M.THOMPSON]

Hey Soler,

Where did you end up getting yuor new rig ?

Mark T.

 

[SOLER]

Originally posted by R. M. THOMPSON

Hey Soler,

Where did you end up getting yuor new rig ?

Mark T.

I got mine at Country Chrysler in Oxford, PA. I was doing some searches in recent posts which I have been following. I just realized you suggested I call Country a couple of weeks ago. Thanks. It worked out pretty well.



Steve Lam sold it to me.



It's about a 1. 5 hour drive from Dover.



SOLER

 

[SOLER]

Man, this truck is a dog right now. I hooked up the 5er last night, and was not impressed. I must have had more power in my old truck than I thought! It took forever to accelerate. I'd hate to see this in the hills. Oh well.



Let the bombing begin



EZ, then injectors. I have the exhaust in already, so I just need to send a lot of black stuff thru it



I think I'll get a smitty III intake, too.



That should do it until I get a Southbend



SOLER

 

[Big_Daddy_T]

I was under the impression that peak torque was at 1400 rpm on the 03s and 1600 on the 04. 25s.

 

[DPKetchum]

Mine pulls a 4% grade at 62 mph with 10k goose-neck with cruise on and will accel with no problem in 6th gear. I think the difference between 4. 10 and 3. 73 is the biggest factor.