2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission New member with new truck..with questions

[MErickson1]

Hello,



I'am a new member to your forum. This really looks like the place for Dodge Cummins info on the net. I just purchased an 2001 2500 QC, 4x4, Sport, auto trans, 3. 55 ratio, with just over 50,000 miles. It really is as close to mint as you can get. I added the 2" leveling kit along with 315/75/16 Nitto Terra Grappler AT's. It's looking pretty darn sexy... .



My question to you all is "what are the must do's" after buying this truck?. I don't mean in hp upgrades just yet but things that should be done, things that could save me some grief down the road. The transmission oil looks nice and pink and it doesn't smell burnt, but I was thinking of doing a flush anyway?. I had the truck inspected at a Dodge dealer and other than some minor things it checked out great. Does anything else come to mind?... ... any no brainers that I should have done ?.



Your help would be greatly appreciated !



Matt Erickson

 

[Fishin Guide]

Hello,



I'am a new member to your forum. This really looks like the place for Dodge Cummins info on the net. I just purchased an 2001 2500 QC, 4x4, Sport, auto trans, 3. 55 ratio, with just over 50,000 miles. It really is as close to mint as you can get. I added the 2" leveling kit along with 315/75/16 Nitto Terra Grappler AT's. It's looking pretty darn sexy... .



My question to you all is "what are the must do's" after buying this truck?. I don't mean in hp upgrades just yet but things that should be done, things that could save me some grief down the road. The transmission oil looks nice and pink and it doesn't smell burnt, but I was thinking of doing a flush anyway?. I had the truck inspected at a Dodge dealer and other than some minor things it checked out great. Does anything else come to mind?... ... any no brainers that I should have done ?.



Your help would be greatly appreciated !



Matt Erickson

First of all, congrats on the new truck.



Now the good stuff. I would check the fuel pressure before anything else. The lift pumps are notorious on these trucks.



The trans probabaly got new fluid, but what esle was done if anything? Oil is cheap, change it, the filter and adjust trhe bands. Check for leaks at the output shaft. Whiule you are under there, grab the driveline near the differentials and check for U-joint play. Any at all, replace immediately. Also, check the differentials or better yet, replace the fluid with a good synthetic. Also, drain and refill the transfer case.



Change the oil and filter. Throw that Fram unit in the garbage and get a Fleetgaurd filter and run high quality oil. You can take your pick here. I run Delo 400 becasue CostCo has it handy.



Change the fuel filter. Again, fleetgaurd.



Check allt eh boost hoses for proper torque and make sure that there is no holes rubbed through the boots. Also, pull the airbox tube off the turbo and check for play in the shaft and look for oil on the blades. Both are bad.



If you need an air filter, this is a good time for an upgrade. BHAF, AFE and the like are widely used. I prefer to stay away from oil element filters, but that's just me.



Jack up the front of the truck and get a long bar under the tire. Reef up and down on it looking for movement. You'll actually feel it if it's there. If it moves, get some Moog ball joints and replace.



Back under the truck. Have a helper turn the steering wheel left to right while the tires are ont he ground. Look under the truck at the track bar. If it moves on either end, replace or upgrade to one of the many options. Such as the DT bar, Thuren, Lukes Link, 3rd gen bar ect.



I would also recommend installing at least a gauge or light to warn of lift pump failure. If you plan on adding power, at any level, you need gauges. Also, your trans will not hold up to power upgrades. Especially with that tire size and gear ratio. More power equals more better trans!



And above all else, avoid the dealer. The items they carry are quite often available elsewhere in a different box for half the money. Ask lots of questions and get lots of opinions.



This was mine.



Dave

 

[MErickson1]

WOW..... Thanks a lot Dave... . !



I think I better print your list of things to do. I run fleetguard filters in my GMC 5 ton (Cat), I have been happy with that brand.



What should the fuel pressure be at, what's the norm ?



I was thinking down the road that I might want to maybe move to a 3. 73 gear ratio. It's just a bit to long legged. I was thinking that the trans would be fine with those tires and gear ratio if I kept the trans fluid changed on a regular basis ?. I'am not sure what else I could do to drop the RPM down a bit other than changing tire size?.



Anything that is a great add-on at a reasonable price?.



Your help is greatly appreciated !



Matt Erickson

 

[C. Harlan]

I think you will be fine with the 3. 55's... I have them in my truck, run 285's, and everything is good. . As stated above, there are several air cleaners to go with, but unlike the previous post, I prefer to go with AFE filters (Stage one Megacannon) and run a pre filter on the outside. To me, the paper filters just restrict too much airflow to justify using them.



Normal fuel pressure on an ISB motor should be anywhere between 10-15 PSI, and when you hammer on the go pedal, it will drop down. Basically you are trying to avoid seeing it drop to zero. I have an older 12 valve (6BT) motor, and the fuel pressure on these things is alot higher. One reason being my lift pump is gear driven, and yours is electric. You can also get aftermarket lift pumps which will help as well. FASS (Fuel Air Seperation Systems) setups are pretty nice, though a little pricy as well. .



Now on to motor oil. I have always used, and will always use Rotella T 15-40. I used it in my 91 D250 for all the years I drove it, and now The same with Black Betty. . Nothing but Rotella. I sometimes run a Ford FL-896 oil filter, just because it is Cummins approved, and I go to pick up parts for work at the Ford house more than I get to the Cummins House. Not to mention that the FL-896 is Cummins approved, and cheaper than the LF3894 filter from Fleetguard. The Fleetguard is a stratapore filter, and the Ford is a micropore filter I think. Anyways, ROTELLA all the way in my opinion!



Good luck and Welcome to the TDR!



-Chris-

 

[Grizzly]

Welcome to TDR Matt and congratulations on your new ride. Only thing I can add to all the good advice from Dave is check your tires for blisters, cracks and whatnot. Make sure they are properly inflated.

 

[Joe Mc]

Matt,



Welcome to the land of much knowledge, and sharing of same, also congrats on your new ride. I, like you, purchased my truck used and learend a great deal about it here on the TDR. This site is addicting



I can add something to all the excellent info already mentioned - look in the back of your owners manual and find the phone number or net address to purchase a real shop manual. This book will pay for itself the first time you need to use it by saving you whatever the going labor rate is. And, above all else do gauges before any power mods - Fuel psi, Trans temp, egt & boost. in that order (MHO).



Oh and as far as the trans holding up, I purchased my truck w/75k and had to wait until it started acting funny @ 143k before I was able to make myself afford the DTT trans so I could put the power to the ground with no worries. Now it Bombs away. Good luck with your new ride.

 

[MErickson1]

Thanks very much you guys !



I'll print this thread off and tackle all this stuff on the weekends. I'am trying to get out of the Doghouse as I have spent so much time on the net looking for a truck and then flying into Seattle to pick this one up.



" It's all about trucks trucks trucks" blah blah blah... ... !!!



Yes it is sweetheart ! She will like me even less after finding this website.



" The land of much knowledge" couldn't be a better way to describe everyone on here... . WOW.



If the first thing I should get is the Pillar pod or whatever you call it for the three gauges, where is the best place to pick those up?. The truck has that small Infinity speaker in the pillar, I'am not sure if that poses a problem?.



Thanks Again Everyone !



Matt

 

[C. Harlan]

for a gauge pod, you may want to try www.piersdiesel.com, www.genosgarage.com, or www.dieselmanor.com. . glad you like he site!!



-Chris-

 

[Fishin Guide]

for a gauge pod, you may want to try www.piersdiesel.com, www.genosgarage.com, or www.dieselmanor.com. . glad you like he site!!



-Chris-

Don't forget Rip Rook at Source Automotive!



Where are you located at? Check out NW BOMBers!



Dave

 

[Joe Mc]

MErickson1 check out tri pod on A pillar - nothing fancy just gets the job done and allows you to keep the tweeter. Got my pod & gaiges from Geno's Garage.



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