Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Performance questions, need advice

[PurdellMGP]

Hello all,

I guess I might as well say I am new... just rejoined after being gone for a year...



Here is where I am at. I decided to keep my diesel instead of trading for the new PowerWagon. So now that I will be keeping it around for another 3-4 years it is finally time to upgrade it.



Here is what I have:

2002 Dodge Diesel, Quad Cab, shortbed, auto, 4x4

Mileage is 70,000

Repairs since I owned it:

I have had a new VP44 put in under warranty and thats it.

Solinode switch on transmission

Add-ons none except for a straight pipe.



I put on about 10-12k miles a year (mostly sits in the garage)



I tow anywhere from 2000lbs to 8000lbs depending. And that is hardly at all.



I want to put on a 4" exhaust from the turbo back to a 5" tip, Edge EZ modual, and intake.



My question to all of you is, will this truck handle those upgrades? I am pretty easy on the throttle and tend to baby the truck. I never "drop the hammer" from stop light to stoplight...



I am just looking for a little more HP and nicer sound on the exhaust.



Here is the only pic I have of the truck now, will get more in the gallary later.

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Thanks for the feedback, I do appreciate it!

 

[Chace TX]

Nice truck, good call on keeping it over the PW. I know many trucks running EZ and stock auto, it all depends on how good the trans is now and how you treat it. I would not hesitate to put it on with the usage you described. However, you might want to look at some of the other options, such as a Juice w/ Att (nice box with lots of features, don't tap the wire and you have an EZ with attitude). Or the Smarty or there are ton of other options.

 

[fox]

Exhaust change on a stock truck won't add power.

Some say 3" is fine to about 375-400 hp.

 

[rluft]

Yes, it can handle those upgrades. I assume you are worried about the auto transmission. I have 110,000 with very much the same upgrades plus injectors.

 

[PurdellMGP]

Thanks for the feed back, I appreciate it. Yes I am mostly concerned about the transmission. But from what I am hearing from various people is it should be fine.

 

[AFarmer]

That would be a very safe setup. You'll really enjoy that added power when towing and the gain in mileage from the EZ and the intake.

 

[sgoeing]

Nice truck, good call on keeping it over the PW. I know many trucks running EZ and stock auto, it all depends on how good the trans is now and how you treat it. I would not hesitate to put it on with the usage you described. However, you might want to look at some of the other options, such as a Juice w/ Att (nice box with lots of features, don't tap the wire and you have an EZ with attitude). Or the Smarty or there are ton of other options.

I would also reccomend spending just that slight bit more and going with the Juice w/ Attitude. If nothing else, it's sure nice for all of the gauges and the turbo timer. Especially since this is an auto.

 

[SHughes]

I have nearly the same setup you are looking for.



I still have the stock intake, straight piped 3" exhaust and the Juice with Attitude.

And I have had no problems of any kind. I am a little worried about the auto transmission, but like I said I've had no issues. It's a '99 with a 130k on it too.



The truck is also my daily driver and I drive it like I stole it!