Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) New Member and CTD Owner

[NavyDoc]

Hi All,



I am a proud new owner of an 01 2500 Automatic Long Bed with only 36K miles. I would appreciate anybody's advice on what things I should be on the lookout for to do to the truck. I have had powerstrokes in the past and have made the jump to a Cummins, as I have wanted for a long time. Can't wait to play with a real Diesel!

 

[LBARTLETT]

welcome! go the the 2nd gen forums, you will find a wealth of advice and information

 

[pcarlson]

Doc,



Sounds as though you made a terrific find with only 36k. When you get time do your signature and let use know what is on the truck (any mods that you know of, 2001 or 2001. 5).



There are some weaknesses on these second gen trucks but aftermarket vendors have addressed most if not all of these with good fixes. Two that I would address first would be:



1. Lift pump

2. Steering



If you do want to make power you may have other modifications to do like the auto if you try to go too far. Again aftermarket addressed this.



Ask your questions and search through here and you will get your answers. From other users who know what works, product developers, professional diesel folks and the list goes on. You will have what I like to call expert answers and if it is an opinion they will tell you.



Geno's Garage is a good place to start and others are listed in the sites links page. The magazine will be a bookcase filler, as it is always filled with good articles tip and tricks. This will be the best investment next to your trucks purchase.



No offense to your past PowerStrokes but this motor will blow you away when tuned for power and you will wonder how you have gotten a long without the Cummins for so long.



Welcome!!

 

[BILLUA]

Welcome

Doc, first of all, thank you for your service to our country and for your vital position serving our troops!



Next, welcome to the world of Dodge Cummins and the TDR... Although Ford builds a great truck, there is NO Substitute for a Cummins engine!



You will find everything you need to know here at the TDR...



The very FIRST order of business with a second gen is to install a fuel pressure gage... When the lift pump goes bad, you may not notice it until the injection pump eats itself...



Beyond that, there is as many things to do to increase horsepower, modify the chassis etc, as your checkbook will allow. .





Have Fun!



S/F



Bill

 

[blacksheepdiesel]

NavyDoc,

Welcome to TDR and the beauty of the Cummins!

Thank you for your service to our great country (and the rest of humanity as well!).

BillUA is correct, very first thing ASAP is fuel pressure gauge. Anything less than 5 psi at any time means replacing the fuel filter assuming you tap sending unit between filter and VP44 injection pump. If still 5 psi or less it is time for a replacement fuel lift pump of some kind. Hopefully your truck does not have an in tank lift pump. I highly recommend an AirDog lift pump after 320,000 miles on mine with zero issues. There are many alternatives for the lift pump, do a search on the 24v forum and you will literally have days of reading.

That truck you bought is barely broken in with only 36,000 miles! My BlackSheep now has 691,000 miles so you have a long way to go yet!

Will this truck be a daily driver, commuter, towing, hauling or combination of the above? This will help determine how to add performance products to your truck.

Have fun!!!

Godspeed,
Trent

 

[KLauber]

Your truck only has 36,000 miles on it, so you shouldnt have any problems w/ the transmission 3rd/4th gear shifting issue, yet. It is a noise filter you install on the ecm or pcm (whichever is on the passenger side firewall), the problem is a certain frequency emitted by the alternator that causes the transmission pcm to think it needs to downshift. The installation is really easy.

 

[NavyDoc]

Thanks to all

Thanks for the warm welcome - so good to hear so much pride out there for our folks in uniform. I am proud of the Marines I serve and the sailors that help keep them in one piece - they deserve all our respect.



I am looking forward to all the future discussions on here and all the fun ahead! I'll keep you posted after I fly to Missouri to pick up my truck and head back to Camp Lejeune this weekend, most likely via I-40.

Catch up with you all soon.

 

[NavyDoc]

NavyDoc,

Welcome to TDR and the beauty of the Cummins!

Thank you for your service to our great country (and the rest of humanity as well!).

BillUA is correct, very first thing ASAP is fuel pressure gauge. Anything less than 5 psi at any time means replacing the fuel filter assuming you tap sending unit between filter and VP44 injection pump. If still 5 psi or less it is time for a replacement fuel lift pump of some kind. Hopefully your truck does not have an in tank lift pump. I highly recommend an AirDog lift pump after 320,000 miles on mine with zero issues. There are many alternatives for the lift pump, do a search on the 24v forum and you will literally have days of reading.

That truck you bought is barely broken in with only 36,000 miles! My BlackSheep now has 691,000 miles so you have a long way to go yet!

Will this truck be a daily driver, commuter, towing, hauling or combination of the above? This will help determine how to add performance products to your truck.

Have fun!!!

Godspeed,
Trent

Trent,

Seems like you've go a whole lot of time behind the wheel of these great trucks. My truck is now sitting with 38,500 miles. Ready to play a little. Looking at 4 inch MBRP cool dual exhaust, FASS 95gph, edge juice with attitude, and some intake. Haven't bought anything yet and am planning to have an ATS dealer near my hometown of Charleston SC do the work- he came recommended highly by ATS. Any advice or opinions would be highly appreciated.

 

[blacksheepdiesel]

Hey Doc,

On the air intake I am partial to the AFE, stage 1 or stage 2 depending on how much of the roar of air rushing into the engine you want to hear (2 is louder).

Have you checked the price of the FASS vs AirDog? The initial cost is less and the replacement Fleetguard filters are much less expensive than FASS filters. Either one is much better than the stock pump or the in tank pump.

Merry Christmas!!!

Godspeed,
Trent

 

[Joe Mc]

NavyDoc - Welcome. And thanks for serving our fine country and supporting the other that do likewise. I'm an ex Navy Machinist Mate 1980 - 1985, USS Raleigh, LPD #1.



DUDE! 36k!!! That's awesome!Oo.



Anyway, no offense intended to anyone out there but, do a bit of shopping before you bite off a big $$$$ bullet like a trans - check out Gorearend, DTT (my choice and serving me well from mile mark 129k thru present 172K), Suncoast and the like. There's plenty to choose from for sure - think customer service when you call to chat, customer service goes a loooong way.



Happy Motoring!

 

[LBARTLETT]

I agree with customer service, especially on the big ticket items, I put a Goerend in my truck a year ago, thinking about an exhaust brake now and sent them an email to Goerend yesterday morning with some questions, within 3 hours Dave personally called me to answer my questions and explain things, talk about customer service!!!!



Again welcome home, good luck and thank you again for your service to our country

 

[MN Cummins Lvr]

NavyDoc,



First of all, welcome to the TDR and THANK YOU for your service to our country.



My advice is the truck you bought is junk and you should sell it to me ASAP!!!:-laf:-laf:-laf The others have given you great advice but I would recommend checking out Goerend's for any transmission mods.



Merry Christmas!



Paul