Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) New member ?'s

[CFast]

Hi I recently purchased a 2001 Ram CTD QC 4x4 LB 5spd. I found this site while I was looking for the truck. The truck has 120,000 miles on it and I bought it off ebay in Dallas. So I don't know the history of this truck, as far as maintence. My questions are what should I do first to this truck? I drove it 1500 miles after I bought it, and it ran great. Mileage was only 16 mpg though. What are some good ways to increase my mileage? I've heard about an EDGE power chip, how good is that for an increase in mileage? Any other suggestions on what would be good ideas for this truck are welcome. I've waited 10 years to be able to afford this truck, they first came out when I was 16 and I've wanted one since. I'll take any advice. Thanks.

 

[dvaughan]

new member

I would change oil and filter as well as the fuel filter if you do not have the history( also axle and trans/transfer oil) on the truck. I would put on a mega cannon air filter on so it can breath better and I put a EZ Tow pro on mine for better towing mileage. I found that before I put the EZ on I got between 20 and 21. 5 mpg (imperial gallon) without towing and about 14. 5 towing. Now with the EZ on I get about 19 to 19. 5 mpg empty( could be I like the power and my right foot got heavier) and 16 mpg towing. Also I would clean your IAT sensor, it will give you better mileage when clean. I never went to a 4" exhaust because mine is still good and don't have the money to replace it so I spent it on the EZ. You can also change injectors with the EZ and will give you better milage, it all depends on how much money you have to spend. I have some good sites if you e-mail me I will send them to you.

 

[Ron Bissett]

what to do first?

Check the truck first ,Brakes ,transmission, wheel bearings , Belt , hose and intake system Oil filter ,fuel filter , Oil change , rear end oil check , Buy the repair Manual for your Year truck about 100 dollars or so . Do the things that can and will go bad first before spending you money on add ons and power up grades first things first need new rubber ? checked the spare? You can get name of the owner and get some info on truck . Lots of luck and the truck should go for a second 150000 miles with proper care . P. S If you do not have gauges get them soon as possible ,read post on fuel lift or transfer pump . Ron Bissett in Metro Louisville KY

 

[csevers]

Welcome to the TDR

I would agree with checking out the truck and doing a full service changing all fluids and filters so you know what the condition it is in. As far as mileage drive it a while and see what kind of pattern you get with you driving it after fuel filter change and the newness wears out you may drive it different, mileage may go up. If you are happy with the power then leave it alone as far as power mods, if you think you want more gauges then maybe an ez/van aiken box start small. Good Luck, you have found the best site for Dodge Cummins trucks out there.



Craig

 

[CFast]

I've already planned on changing all the fluids and filters. I would like some gauges, turbo boost, EGT, and a fuel pressure gauge. What gauges would you guys recommend? Is it possible to get an inside mount fuel gauge? I would like a gauge set on the dash with the 3 gauges. What's an aiken box? is that some type of air filter? I'm a diesel mechanic on Freightliners so I know something about the engine. We don't do after market stuff to them, just basic rebuilds. That's why I don't know what works best with this truck and engine. What happens to the 5th gear on the 5spds? I've heard you lose it somehow. I plan on driving this truck into the ground so longivity is more important than 500hp for me. Any more ideas. thanks.

 

[jerrethomas]

Originally posted by CFast

I've already planned on changing all the fluids and filters. I would like some gauges, turbo boost, EGT, and a fuel pressure gauge. What gauges would you guys recommend?



This is a good gauge package to have. Fuel pressure is a very important one to have so you can catch a lift pump going south before it takes the vp44 with it.



What's an aiken box? is that some type of air filter?



It is a box just like the edge ez, a fueling box. since horsepower isn't a big thing with you, you might want to look into a set of 275 injectors. most report better mileage but not all. all will depend on the engine and driving style



What happens to the 5th gear on the 5spds? I've heard you lose it somehow.



it's not the gear, it's the 5th gear nut. do a search on 5th gear nut and you will get loads of info on it and ways to fix it.

hope this info help a little and more people will add to it.

 

[DKothe]

New member also.........first posting

Hey guys,

I also have a new (to me) CTD. '99 QC, 4x4, 5spd, 136K on it. I did talk to the owner on it and the info he gave me coincided with the info the seller gave me. No problems with the truck, he used the dealer to do the normal maint stuff.

The console shows I was getting 18 mpg the first tank, second tank has dropped to 17. 4... ... ... either bad fuel or do I just like the feel of the boost coming in too much??



The seller changed all the fluids before I got it and other than needing some new rear tires it is in great condition.

I've already got the bombing bug but it'll have to wait till after Christmas before I attempt anything.





Deano Kothe

'99 Quad Cab, 4x4, 5spd, 3. 55, LWB, Driftwood

Tulsa, Oklahoma

 

[dvaughan]

new member

I have installed Auto Meter Gauges, the fuel pressure gauge that I installed has an isolator so you can safely put the gauge in the cab. (model#4313) I have also had to add a Carter pusher pump because my fuel pressure was not very good. I only put the EZ on to inprove my mileage when towing, it had enough power without it. All my improvement were to inprove my mileage, not power as I am planning to keep this truck till it can't run no more.



http://www.solidsteel.ca/

Try this site out if you have any foundering in your steering, I have installed one and it made all the difference in the world. I have about 46500 miles on my truck.

 

[CFast]

That's mostly what I'm looking for, better mileage. A guy I work with put an EZ box on his truck and said he could get 22mpg, same truck as mine except it was the HO 6spd. Maybe that's the difference. dvaughan, what other mods did you make for better mileage? I'm thinking about straightpiping it, i like the way it sounds for one thing. Does one of those air filter boxes help with mileage at all? thanks for all the info so far.

 

[dvaughan]

new member

Cfast, I installed a AFE Megga Cannon filter and it lets the engine breath better. Check this site's out

http://www.afefilters.com/images/06-60007.pdf

http://www.dieselram.com/reviews/properorder.htm

http://dodgeram.org/tech/specs/axle/5sp_vs_6sp.htm

http://www.dodgeram.org/tech/dsl/sensors/IAT/clean.htm

http://www.piersdiesel.com/index.htm

What gear ratio do you have? You should make a trip to BC and buy your parts up here and install them and then go across the border and no one will know, save taxes and you have a cheaper dollar. Make a holiday out of it. If your fuel pressure is low it will not give you good fuel mileage.

 

[CFast]

The truck has 3. 55 gears and 33x12. 5x16. 5 tires. When these tires wear out I'll be putting on some 285's. I think that's part what's lowering my MPG. Thanks for all the info dvaughan. I'll be getting an air filter hopefully soon.

 

[OL RATLR]

New Member

Cfast! Welcome aboard.