Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) New guy in Tahoe needs help!

[BBettencourt]

New guy needs help!

Help for New Member.

Greetings fellas. I’m a previous member who just renewed. Own a 99 Ram/diesel/ext cab/long bed/power edge module installed at 36K mi. No other modifications at this time. I have put 20K on this vehicle. Periodically tow a 24 travel trailer.

Just had valve body rebuilt due to a chatter occurring while crowding the throttle in overdrive. Seems to have fixed problem. I have decided to keep this vehicle rather than upgrade for little quieter engine. Gee saving myself 20K) I have a couple basic questions hope someone can help. Have been out of the forum thing for a while so bare with me until I get back into the TDR lingo.



MILEAGE: I am getting 15 around town 17 on highway, no towing. 70mph steady.

I am getting 13 to 14 towing the trailer at 55 to 65mph.



What is the best or most reasonable way to gain some silage? Should I do 4"exhaust package?



MINI TRIP COMPUTER: Don’t have one. Would like one. Dodge tells me $1,500 to $1,800 to install. I have the slot but not the wiring for the kit. Can I do?



Any help you guys can give would be greatly appreciated. (bbbett@aol.com

 

[pwr2tow]

Can not help you with the mini trip computer but if your makeing 13-14 MPG towing I would consider yourself lucky, many guys are not even getting close to that. I know I tow more weight and have more wind resistance with my camper ( see signature ) but the best I have got is 11 MPG towing at 70 MPH in OD.



I do think I will get better mileage this summer since I believe the truck is finally broke-in with 52,000 miles on it now. This is another story for another time.



Ron

 

[mberry]

What is the gear ratio in the differentials? If you have 4. 10's that's just about right for mileage unloaded. Don't forget the "winter blend" fuel they make us buy around here also.

 

[Wolfgang]

Ditto what they said.

 

[willyslover]

4x4 high altitude and winter fuel... feel blessed your at 17 on a good run..... I'm at 4000 on the other side of the hill and get 15. 5 / 16 normal and good run is 17 [depending on heavy foot control]... but I'm also 8800 lbs... 3500 4x4 with 3. 54 gears. .



as to the overhead computer. . waste of time and $$ IMHO. . they do not read accurately and worse when the rig is BOMBed

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

Most folks running 275 RV injectors or Diesel Dynamics Stage 1s report about 1. 5 mpg better if they drive the same way.

 

[CFAR]

Check out these two threads. Don't know if it will work on a 99 though, I put one in my 01. 5



https://www.turbodieselregister.com...hreadid=26784&highlight=trip+computer+install



https://www.turbodieselregister.com...hreadid=60020&highlight=trip+computer+install

 

[jldhelms]

I have the same truck as you and use it almost the same way. This is my experience. I am stock except a K&N air filter, removed muffler/resonator and run with a mild puck (295HP). I pull a 13,600#RV. and just returned from a 2500 mile trip, pulled great. Averaged 13. 6mpg with onboard computer. I drive about 60mph and loose . 75mpg per 5mph increase over 60mph. The same applies to in town driving. Your towing mileage is good, town is bad. I can get as much as 22 in town but must keep my foot out of the gas with the puck to maintain either mileage and normally get about 20mpg. The puck was installed at 85,000 and I have 95,000 on it now. I am just suffering thru my first mechanical failure, the dreaded fifth gear probalem plus my trans is probably completely shelled out, metal everywhere. Love the added power the puck gave, don't know if it has any relationship to trans problem. Love the onboard computer. Drove a 03 and performance of mine is equal, maybe mine has a bit more power but hard to tell with the 6 speed vs my 5 speed. If I had the $20K+ to trade, I would surely order the on board computer again. I have the stock 3:73 diff. Great truck. Will reinstall the resonator because of noise.

 

[Wolfgang]

I think you will find that with the on puck your on board computer is giving you mileage that is anywhere from 2 to 5 MPH high. Mine was right on until I added an EZ then it showed high by 2. With the DD2's and the Comp it can be off by as much as 5.

 

[Amianthus]

Originally posted by willyslover

... but I'm also 8800 lbs...

And his truck is pretty heavy too.



Seriously, injectors are a great way to get some mileage back. A timing module helps also. However, it's hard to recoup the cost of the added equipment enough to justify the initial expense. Between the two, you might be able to pick up around 2-2. 5 mpg. Everything has to be right though. Lotsa luck.

 

[Mtngoat]

This may be a dumb question, but what is a puck? A fueling box?



Robin

 

[rashwor]

Mileage is about right...

I run 13 - 14 mpg towing 12,000# and 15 - 16 mpg empty at 70 mph. No change in mileage, but considerably more power with the addition of the EZ. I don't have the trip computer and would not waste my money on it. My $0. 02 and experience.

 

[BBettencourt]

rashwor

Thanks I agree... .

 

[jmtandem]

'99 at Tahoe, mileage

BBettencourt,



If'n you get to Carson City sometime lets chat some. Give me some lead time.

 

[RankRam]

jmtandem I'm in Carson, I will chat with ya.

 

[jmtandem]

Rankram,



I think we work for the same department. I am in Planning in the Landmark Building.

 

[RankRam]

jmtandem, I work in the building next to headquarters. Also known as the Materials division.