Recommended upgrades?

[MKinner]

I'm looking for recommended upgrades for a stock '02 3500 4x4,(has FASS) auto that pulls 30K daily. Truck has 239K on it now. The trans has just been replaced about 130K ago. Some of the upgrades I'm looking at are

Pacbrake Max Flow
ATS trans with the pilot controller
possible turbo upgrade

Haven't decided on power upgrades since I hate to add fuel pulling that much weight. Gauges are on the list of essentials.

 

[Simplysmn]

Aren't you a little over loaded for the size of truck ?I would update the truck it would be easier but this is just MO

 

[Midnite]

You should've had gauges awhile back.



If it were me, a good exhaust brake would absolutely be #1 on the list. Then probably a full transmission rebuild by either ATS or DTT. Not far after that would probably be a set of 19. 5" wheels and tires. Those are expensive, but would really help increase your margin of safety when overloaded like that. Maybe a Maxbrake trailer brake controller if you've got a cheaper one, and a good set of air bags if you don't already have them.



Another thing you might look at is a Griffen aftermarket radiator. I don't have one personally, but I remember there was a TDR group buy awhile back, and from what I remember they were good, heavy duty, and provided a nice measure of extra cooling. Consider that your transmission fluid is also cooled by the engine coolant.



Also lots of little things like Mag Hytec diff cover and transmission pan, high quality synthetic fluids everywhere, including the brake fluid.



As you can probably see, my recommendations aren't so much oriented to performance as being able to handle and stop those heavy loads.



Mike

 

[HBarlow]

If you are serious about "pulling 30k daily" you badly need a full DTT or other heavy towing rebuild and upgrade which will allow you to install an exhaust brake.

After those two improvements I would recommend a set of Bosch motorhome RV275 injectors. The RV275 injectors are a mild modification that will provide a noticeable power increase. Radical modifications will get you in trouble pulling such heavy loads because of serious increases in exhaust gas temp.