Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Prospecting an eth dee? ? ?

[Jeff H]

Any body with an 01 eth dee. How do you like it?

Are the lift pumps really that bad on these verses the 12 valve trucks.

Just want too hear some opinions.

 

[Wheaties]

Jeff,



I think it's a great combination. I love my six speed though it took some time to get used to it. The engine rocks! If you are going to bomb, it will respond better to larger injectors than it will to a fueling box. The ETC is the reverse of this. I gather this has to do with the ECM programs being different mostly.



Lift pumps are lift pumps. Some people have problems with them and others do not. If you talk to the dealer, they don't seem to know anything about it. Big surprise... A fuel gauge is a really good idea, then you know what it's doing. You should have EGT and boost gauges as well, anyway. If you find yours isn't cutting the mustard, there's always the alternative of installing a pusher pump back by the tank.



For an engine that will go 400k miles, this is minor.



Matt

 

[Dane]

It's a hot rod right out of the box.

The six speed gears are spaced perfectly.

I love the sound the HX35 turbo makes when I shift.

Mine was built in Mexico and fit and finish is flawless.

 

[dresslered]

Love it! Never regreted getting the 6-speed as there is a gear for every occasion. I commute in some pretty heavy traffic too.



Get a fuel pressure gauge and keep a spare under the rear seat. You can replace a lift pump in about 1/2-hour. My first one made it 30k miles.

 

[JohnE]

Jeff;



I know you are looking for an extended cab, but you said NOTHING about going to the "other" side.

If you're looking to unload those "accessories" I might know a buyer... ...

-John

 

[Bigsaint]

Ditto on the above. Love mine also. Bought it 2 years ago now. No complaints ( other than the lift pump issue), good pulling truck right outta the box.



The lift pump issues plaque alot of the 24 valvers, not just the HO. Best bet to add a permanent FP gauge and watch for erratic psi's and/or slowly dropping psi's. The lift pumps don't just go toes up with no warning.



If you don't know who you are buying it from, I'd pull a DC move and check those pump wires for signs of a fueling box. If the previous owner was running a box and didn't watch the fuel pressure, you may not have the healthiest VP44 injection pump. Also make sure the transmission doesn't have any issues with a good test ride, some of the HO's had issues with hard shifting. Mine was/is smooth as silk.



Scott W.

 

[tarussell]

I have a 2002 ETH/DEE and love it !!! It is fun to drive ALL of the time. The gear split w/the six speed is wonderful while towing. It has great power for a truck in stock form.



On the negative side I have 21000 miles on it and I am replacing my first lift pump this week. I don't trust the tech's at the dealer so I am getting the pump from Cummins and doing it myself.



Get one , You will really like it ... ... Thomas

 

[mgoncalves]

I love mine, epecially the transmission. It is very smooth and perfectly spaced to get going if you've got a heavy load.

 

[Jeff H]

Wants too much for it. I'll keep looking.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Jeff, if you wanted a healthy 4x2 shortbed, I know of one that may be available in the near future (see sig)

Dynoed at 323hp with only DD2s, since then I've added ATS manifold and PDR35-16 & Dam Air. I dynoed on BD before the man/turbo upgrade and did 355 with inj. +van Aaken box. Mileage is always 20+ on highway and around 18 in town.



I'm getting an itch to pull the trigger on an '03 but not sure yet if I will or not.



Vaughn

 

[slo-ryde]

I've had mine since September 7, 2002 and love it. The motor really does hook up nice with the 6 speed transmission. Mine is stock and will probably stay that way until the warranty runs out. On a recent trip through Nevada, Utah, and Arizona I managed to get 22 mpg on one leg of the journey. The rest of the time it was never less than 19 mpg and I was doing 75 to 80 mph whenever I could.



There are numerous posts on lift pumps here, my truck has 7,000 miles on it and seems to get stronger everytime I drive it. I talked with a Cummins tech and he thinks the lift pumps on the newer trucks are actually from Cummins. If you have the engine serial number you can call them and they'll tell you which lift pump is installed on the motor.



The 6 speed takes awhile to break-in, second gear on mine is real difficult to engage at times but it is getting better. Out on the highway it's really sweet! Unless you're going to be doing a lot of heavy hauling or towing I'd go for the 3. 54 rear axle. I test drove a couple ETH/DEE/4. 10 trucks and they always seemed to be needing another gear when out on the highway.



Mine was made in Mexico and I'm very pleased with the fit and finish so far. I'd also recommend staying away from the darker paint colors, there are numerous threads here for paint problems.



There are still a few at the dealerships and I've seen discounts of almost $6,000 in the newspaper. Good Luck!!!

 

[jstyer]

Love It

This is my second CTD, the 1st a '99 ETC. I love it and it is a jet sled. Even when oulling my 35 footer traffic never gets the best of me. I can still keep up with them. As to the lift pump, mine went out at 26500 and at least I saw it coming by the fuel pressure guage and ordered the carter pusher pump and accessories from Summit and it never starves for fuel. I cruise at about 13-14 psi and never get below 9 psi at WOT, even with 275 injectors. You'll love it. As to rear ratios, my '99 was 3. 54's and I like the 4. 10's a lot better. It is not that bad on the highway and at cruising speed you are in the correct RPM range to plant your foot and motor when someone wants to test you.