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New Truck Observations

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Another rear brake adjustment story

Brake Dust

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Hello. I've been quietly watching the website for the last few months to learn more about these trucks. Picked up the new truck Thursday night. Drove it to Maine and back over the weekend putting about 350 miles on it. Checked the mileage - looks like about 16. 7 MPG - including about 20 miles in 4 HI in Friday night's snow. #ad


Did a number of searches looking for answers to questions / what to get and the previous posts have been a big help. The dealer looked for availiable trucks in all of New England and this is what we could find - the choice came down to 2 trucks - both basically the same (1) Dk Green with 4. 10's, LSD, fold out mirrors and the steering wheel radio controls. (2) Dk Red with 3. 54's, opens, electric mirrors and camper package. Drove the green one and as many here have said - found that the 4. 10's were going to be just too much for day-to-day use. I don't plan on towing much more than an occasional car and trailer - though my friend has already allowed that if it tow's his boat to Lake Ontario I get to go fishing too #ad
Also, I wanted the electric mirrors because they would be more useful in a commuter truck. Really wanted the Limited Slip though, had to make the decision on whether to order a truck or make do. Decided just to get the red one and put in a Sure Grip down the road - just wish I could do it for the $285. 00 they get at the factory. Any suggestions on what would be a good one to use? (Detroit, Power Lok, or some of the ones that can installed on the existing carrier?)


So far I'm really pleased with it. Noticed that I've gotten an occasional gear clash while trying for 3rd gear (only). I thought it was me not getting all of the clutch pedal but after paying close attention, it's not. Also has a slight pull to left in the fast lane - Almost like the front end camber is set to compensate for normal rod crown.

Spent some time looking over the engine - Is it me or would it seem that the engine could benefit from improving both the intake and exhaust manifolds. They both appear very restrictive. I know Banks makes a inlet elbow and some people have mentioned ATS has an exhaust manifold, but I don't see them being installed until much later in the bombing sequences. Why? Comments?

Anyway, I just wanted to say Hi and thanks for the info I've gotten here even if you didn't know someone was looking.

TTYL - Jason
 
I picked my truck up Friday. I've noticed the same shifting problems you have, and I've seen others have the same. To tell the truth, I think it's your left foot. I know that's my problem. It's not a performance four gear. I've got about 900 miles on it so far and love everyone of it. Of course I heard tons of B. S. from my friends saying I'm nuts for buying on of these. To freak'n bad, they don't know what there missing. All of these people with there coffee shop, back and forth drive'n half-ton, extended cab, SHORT BED, $30,000 PLUS SO CALLED TRUCKS. I SPENT TOO MUCH MONEY!!! HA
 
Hey Jayman, Congratulations!!!

The dark garnet is a fantastic color, a great choice, not to mention going with the 3. 54. From what I've read on the TSB, the limited slip isn't all joy anyway; it takes some playing around to get the amount of friction modifier right.

Sorry I can't help more on adding a locking diff. Have you checked out dodgeram.org?

I'm no expert, but if what I've been reading is true, the turbo boost more than compensates for the manifolds--it's all under pressure anyway, so the restriction is negligible?? I've even read that the exhaust is so turbulent just downstream of the turbo, that the addition of an exhaust brake changes just about nothing.

Lots of good driving in that beautiful truck!

Matt
 
Jason, sounds like a great truck!!!!!!
Go for one of the soft lockers that way you will be able to drive it on the street with no problems and yet it will help you when you need it most. .
The ATS manifold is great and I will get one someday.
Enjoy youre new truck,,, it will be a long love affair... ... ... ... Pete
 
Welcome to the family. This is a great forum, as I'm certain all have discovered.

I too had the intial 3rd gear clash, not really a grind mind you, but as though it doesn't want you to shift into 3rd. It seems to have gone away/smoothed out with time, although it will happen on occasion. I have discovered 3rd is a gear you cannot rush into. If there is any wheelspin at shifting time(i. e. snowy driving in 2X), clash is guaranteed, no mater how you work the clutch.

Don't feel bad about not getting the LSD. (I haven't been to Fritz's in a while so I'd best check out the TSB). My $285 differential will only work well enough to require 4X on icy roads... My dealer did order a new clutch pack along with the center console (even though differential torque was "in specs"). We'll see...

My Mexican baby, born August 30th turned 9000 miles on the way home from work today. I have been pleased overall. (While not from a stop, I have surprised my friend on the road against his 454/Allison Y2K 2500 C/K)

Enjoy your truck!

Chris

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Chris 01. 5 2500 ETH/DEE 3. 55 LSD 4x4 QC/LWB SLT Patriot/Silver Camper,Trailer,Snowplow prep...
 
Picked up mine Thursday night. 550 miles on it when I got home from work. I've got some kind of a flutter noise at around 2000 rpm that I only notice on the highway. Can't tell if it's the engine or the dash vibrating. Other than that I'm very happy with the truck. I got 16. 5 mpg according to the trip computer today (~200 miles); I'll calculate it myself next time I fill-up. I had a 2500 V10 before this truck, and this truck feels much more solid and drives great. I was pleased at how quite it got on the highway at 75 mph (~2100 rpm). I love it!

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2001. 5 3500 QC 4X4 6-speed HO 3. 55 black
1998 Jeep TJ black http://www.nm4w.org/members/puffer.htm
 
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