New Guy

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Hey guys!... I've been reading since june and finally decided to join. I will be buying in a few months and want to make sure I order all the right parts. Was thinking of a 2500 5 or 6sp 4x4 LB quad cab. I wont be hauling anything, just love the way the truck sounds and looks. Any suggestions as to the type of transmission/gear ratio i should get?

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Brian
No Truck Yet... ...

 

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Hey brother... You can't go wrong with the ETH/DEE option. I have it in my 3500 and love the engine/trans. If your not going to haul a lot, go with the 3. 54's in the rear. If you plan on doing some heavy hauling or getting larger tires,i. e. , Rickson's, etc. , you might want to consider the 4. 10 rear.

White 2001. 5 3500 ETH/DEE 4X4 Quad cab SLT,tow package and camper prep,Husky liners front and rear,DiPricol pyro and boost gauges,Mopar tonneau,Lund bug shield,PM tractor utility back up lights,Penda bed mat and blow by bottle is bye bye !!!
<A HREF="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=1231655&a=9089608" TARGET=_blank><font color=red>My Truck</font></A><font color="#F7F7F7">

[This message has been edited by Bigsaint (edited 12-07-2000). ]

 

[Archive]

Welcome aboard!

Stick? Go with the 6 speed for sure. For running around empty in Texas, go with the 3. 54 rear.

 

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For starters, I recommend ordering a 2500 high output 24V CTD w/6 speed and 3. 54 LSD. Then read the TDR, do some homework, and explore the possibilities.

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2001. 5 2500 QC 4x4
Cummins ETH 6speed
RAMPAGE!

 

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I'm EXTREMELY happy with mine (ETH). I have a mild gear clash in 3rd gear that many of the 6 speeds have; test drive so you'll know what to expect. I also have a mild wander, but after 21,000 miles have decided it is not really much more than slightly loose steering. Wish it wasn't there, but it doesn't get me fully spun up any more. As to options, some I highly recommend:
#1 Trip Computer. Yeah, it is not 100% accurate, you should still manually calculate your mileage. But it is extremely useful for "relative" information. I can tell immediately whether I'm getting better mpg in 5th or 6th at a given speed, and I also use it to keep track of engine hours and true "average speed" on each tank of fuel. You can see immediate effects of hills, headwinds, speed changes, etc.
#2 Snow Plow Preparation group. Yes, snow plows in Texas. Down here in the South, we call them "brush guards" or "winches". This option sets you up for more weight hanging over the front bumper, and gets you the NV241HD (heavy duty) tranfer case.
#3 Add EGT and boost gauges. I strongly believe in post turbo; others believe just as strongly in pre-turbo. If you are not towing and not BOMB'ing, post turbo is where you want to go to more accurately monitor turbo cooldown, which will take forever on a hot Texas day. Search the old posts on this topic, you'll find the opposing opinions and their reasons. Read between the lines - the strongest opinions for "pre turbo" are coming mostly from those with heavily modified rigs. Lots of trucks don't even have this guage, so if your engine is stock and you're not towing up long hills, then most of the "pre turbo" arguments don't really apply, and what is left is protecting your turbo, for which post turbo mount excels. But like I say, read the posts so everyone doesn't have to respond to this message to tell you how full of it I am. #ad

#4 4WD. Big decision. Major cost adder; major hit to your mpg. But I am willing to pay both prices because this truck is heavy in the front and gets stuck easily. I get a bit over 18 mpg at 70 mph; drops off rapidly as speed increases (about 1 mpg for each 4 mph). Can easily get 20+ cruising at closer to 60 mph, but it takes forever to get somewhere.

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2001 ETH, QC, LWB, 4WD, 3. 54, SPA Pyro & Boost, K&N RE-880 w/foam pre-cleaner, ARE Z-series Cab-high shell, Rear ARB locker, and all kinds of synthetic fluids...

 

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Go with the 3. 54 and if you have a hard time pulling then BOMB IT

 

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Thanks for all the input guys. Since u guys are so full of information #ad
, does anybody have any recommendations for good dealerships in Texas? I dont mind taking a trip around the state if i can save a few grand.

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Brian
No Truck Yet... ...

 

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SA LAW,

go to Bartlisville (Tulsa) Ok. You can take SW Airlines to get their cheep (invoice). It should only take about 8wks to get your truck in. Pull them up on the net at mark roberts motors.

Frank

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01 White, Quad Cab,Short Box ,Sport SLT+,5 speed,4X4,line-x ,Nerf bars,fiberglass tonneau cover

 

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I bought mine at Becker Motors in New Brawnfels, TX. Besides making a great deal, the salesman had two Mopar hats sitting on the dash when we came to pick up the truck. A really nice touch. I think the salesman's name is Charlie.

Wiredawg #ad


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2000 4X4 SLT QC 8' bed; 6 spd, 3. 54 ; BD exhaust brake and 4" exhaust syst; TST PM2; Airlift Super Duty rear air bags; RS 9000 shocks; pyro/boost gauges in 2 gauge a-pillar mount; back preasure gauge mounted under dash; KN air filter; Brown's Welding brush/grill guard, rear bumper & headache rack; nerf bars and aluminum roll top rear cover, Warn front receiver and Hadley air horns

 

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Well, my advise would be to get the most power available, a manual gearbox and the longest gearing available. You will probably want to drive faster than 83mph someday, and a 4:10 rear wont let you! Power isnt really the issue in pulling with a Cummins. . if you need more (who doesnt?) its easy enough to add!
Happy Bombing!!

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97 2500 CC 4x4 3. 54 5spd, #12 plate, 4inch open exhaust, 235/85 Michelins, PrimeLoc, Red Tops

 

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AutoNation Dodge, State Hiwy 360 and I-20. Best deal in the metromess, Ok. and west TX.
I have been real happy with my truck and the deal. I have not used their service yet, so I can't comment about that.

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2001 QC,SLT,4x4,Cummins HO,6 spd. ,Dark Garnet/Pearl, all options but leather/snowplow/Sport, the elusive front license plate bracket,"Cup Smoothie" Autometer gauges on A pilar, LineX bed liner, Cobra CB,Westin nerfs, Power tailgate lock,auto on/off headlights, backup alarm, real backup lights. More To Come! Big Dog on the Mountain! Engineer Pass,Co.