Need Advice..........

[Barry]

I think it is time to cycle off my '06 3500 SRW with 235K. Been a great truck and I have never driven a single vehicle this far. .



Long story short: There is a Ford dealer that has a 2009 2500 QC LWD 2WD with an automatic and 3:73 gears... ... ... ... . 57K on miles but like new.



My question is... ... ... ... . real world, what is fuel mileage on these new 6. 7s? I have heard horror stories about fuel mileage.



Also any other tips or problems to look for... ... ... ... ... ... ... I will be looking at this rig tomorrow morning... ... ... ...



Thanx in advance.

 

[firemansdiesel]

My mileage varies, but on an average it runs 13-15 mix and 16-17 highway unloaded. Towing or hauling mpg will be in low teens. Your 2wd will get slightly better since mine is a 4wd and bigger aftermarket tires installed.

If you decide to buy this truck make sure they do the EGR/EGR Cooler cleanings and CCV filter change. Maintenance is 67,500 for that cleaning (close enough). The only flash you need is the J35 that was released about 1. 5 years ago. Get a history report if possible also.

Other than that look at the basic components and wear.

 

[TLane]

I get 18-20 mpg empty, running around 65 mph; I get 10-12 towing the travel trailer in my signature (around 63 mph). All hand calculated. Faster speeds result in MUCH worse mileage. 4WD models seem to get worse mileage. The newer automatics seem to do very well and get the same mileage as the manuals, 3:73 gears and 2nd overdrive on the automatic is almost the same RPM as 3:42 and (the only) overdrive on the manual.

----Just my observations, your mileage may vary!

Check the history of the truck before buying, check for all recalls/flashes being done. Since it's an '09, it should be OK, but always check. You can enter the VIN in Dodge's web site and check for recalls.

 

[Barry]

Thanx guys for the input. I am not a fan of 3:73 gears in automatics. Since I do a LOT of towing, and we run 62 mph loaded, will I be running in 5th or 6th?

 

[LBARTLETT]

you'll probably be running in 5th, I love the wife's 08' with the 68re transmission and I think you will too



you'll get along very well with the 6. 7, 68re and 3:73 gears pulling anything you want to hook to the truck and get better mileage empty



I wish I could get the 68re behind my 5. 9, I'd have the perfect truck (except for the seat)



also 100% agreement with everything stated above



wife's truck just hit 100k so dpf delete here we come

 

[HBarlow]

Barry,

Someone who tows extensively as you do would be much better served by a truck with 4. 10 gears. Wait until you can find a nice used one with the right gears for towing. If you buy one with 3. 73 gears you'll learn what I mean - too late.

 

[Barry]

Well, its too late... ... ... ... . I bought it. Bone stock, pure as the driven snow. The trailer brake adapter is still in the plastic bag in the glove box.



I have looked so long for a replacement truck with my specs. I can change the rear end ratio for $750. Cheap compromise.



However, what I did check on the test drive is 5th gear at 60 mph is the same rpms as my old truck was in 6th(G56)



I will start rigging on Monday. Need to swap all of my equipment that will fit from the '06 to the '09... ... ... ... ... gonna be a job.



Hello, is this Geno's garage?



Thanx for all the help!

 

[LBARTLETT]

good luck with your new truck!!! I think you love the 6 speed auto with the exhaust brake

 

[Barry]

Thanx, thus far I am really impressed. With all the horror stories I have heard about the fuel mileage of the 6. 7, I had made up my mind to avoid them like a plague... ... ... . but,



Coming home 120 miles from where I bought it, the Lie-O-Meter ended up at 23. 9 when I pulled into the driveway... ... ... ..... mostly highway at 65 mph.



My first automatic in 10 Dodge Cummins... ... ... ... . ya'll better be right!



Even if the L-O-M is 25% off, I am still happy. View attachment 78488

 

[Barry]

Here is the shocker!



It is amazing what we become accustomed to. I was shocked when the morning came and I looked at both trucks side by side.



My '06 is on the right sitting on Vision/Michelins 225/70/19. 5 wheels and tires. It is a 3500 SRW one ton and the '09 is a 2500 3/4 ton sitting on bone stock wheels and tires with 57,000 miles on them. Yet the '09 sits at least 3 to 4 inches higher than my '06... ... ... ... ..... suspension on my little '06 is tired!View attachment 78489

 

[LBARTLETT]

gtood looking truck, keep us posted and let us know what was on the 06' that won't fit the 09', I think there would be very little that doesn't fit

 

[Barry]

None of the engine enhancements fit... ... ... ...

 

[Barry]

BTW, this morning I measured the OEM wheels and tires(30. 0") and the 19. 5 Visions along with 225/70. 19. 5 tires(31. 5")... ... ..... with the help of Rickson's nifty little confuser, it said I would gain 3 mph at 60 indicated. 5% gain!

 

[SWithrow]

Here is the shocker!
... the '09 sits at least 3 to 4 inches higher than my '06... ... ... ... ..... suspension on my little '06 is tired!View attachment 78489

Also could be the rims and tires in the bed... I know when I hook my 2 horse trailer (bumper pull) I drop at least 3-4 inches and that's with out the mules. I went with the Firestone bags they have worked great. By the way NICE truck.

 

[Barry]

Thought about that. Took the tires out y'day. No change.

But you have brought up a very interesting subject. Given a choice, I would liked to have had another SRW 3500. But finding one with LWB and 2 WD is a needle in a haystack.

Therefore: I am really interested in the air bag system. Please tell me more because as I understand it, other than the overload springs and the data plate on the door, there are no other differences between the 2500/3500. So if I had the A/Bs and my 19. 5s, I think I would be back close to where I was before.

 

[Barry]

The transformation has begun... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... View attachment 78581



Vision 81s with 225/70/19. 5 Michelins... ... ... ...

 

[Barry]

As you can see by the pix, I have installed a set of Vision 81s with 225/70/19. 5 Michelins.



Now the TPMS light is on and won't go off. After reading the OM, I discovered there are sensors in the wheels to monitor tire pressure. With the after market wheels, with no sensors, the light won't go off!



NowwhaddoIdo?... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .

 

[HBarlow]

Yep, the TPMS sensors have been in the wheels of Ram 2500s for a few years now.

Another reason why I buy duallies.

You probably have two choices. Find a dealer service department that knows how to use their computer system and ask them if they can turn off the reader that searches for the sensors or put the OEM wheels back on. Perhaps you can install and use Dodge sensors in your 19. 5" wheels but inflation pressure has to be higher in the 19. 5" wheel/tires. I don't know if the sensors look for a minimum pressure only or a range of pressure.

 

[Bob4x4]

The system can not be turned off,but if you install the oem sensors in your new wheels you may be able to find some one who will adjust the psi setting.

Off the top of my head I would guess your truck ask for about 50 front 45 rear ??

 

[RDeFayette]

Pull the bulb, piece of tape over the light!

Couldn't help myself.