Removing Mod's

[RonD]

I bought my 2005 1 ton in October 2004, I added a few mods to it, Edge Easy, a BD overdrive lockout, 305 tires, and 2" front leveling kit, all has been removed. When I first bought the truck I only towed the boat, then we recently bought a 35" 5th wheel, that is when the trouble started. The trans was toasted, I think the BD overdrive lockout did it, when it was off when driving with the 5th wheel it wouldn't go to overdrive, after I removed it all was back to normal, I will never install another one, then the Edge Easy would cause the engine to surge at quarter throttle, thats now gone, problem is not there any longer, the 305 tires are to big with 373 gears for heavy towing, I am back to 265 tires, much better, so I guess I will just leave the truck alone and forget about mod's.

 

[HBarlow]

A wise man. Our Cummins-powered Dodge Rams de a pretty good job of hauling a heavy fifth wheel factory stock.

 

[RVTRKN]

I bought my 2005 1 ton in October 2004, I added a few mods to it, Edge Easy, a BD overdrive lockout, 305 tires, and 2" front leveling kit, all has been removed. When I first bought the truck I only towed the boat, then we recently bought a 35" 5th wheel, that is when the trouble started. The trans was toasted, I think the BD overdrive lockout did it, when it was off when driving with the 5th wheel it wouldn't go to overdrive, after I removed it all was back to normal, I will never install another one, then the Edge Easy would cause the engine to surge at quarter throttle, thats now gone, problem is not there any longer, the 305 tires are to big with 373 gears for heavy towing, I am back to 265 tires, much better, so I guess I will just leave the truck alone and forget about mod's.

I fell in love with the 3rd gens after I saw a 3rd gen chassis without the cab or bed, it is what convinced me to wait a little longer for my 4X4 that I always wanted. Compared to my 94 2500HD 360 gasser (there was a difference with the HD,s in 94), it was no comparison, everything was heavier duty. I did want a 2nd gen before they were gone. The Chassis was displayed in 02 when Chrysler had money and they were on a city tour. When I saw how much more of a truck they were, I waited.



Now to the point of this post, in stock form, they don't need any upgrades to handle any load that you can legally throw at them. And with the CTD's stock power and torque theres no comparison from what they were in the 2nd gen setup. Besides I love the look of the stock Dodges and they don't need any bells or whistles. With the stock 4X4 heighth theres no need of a lift, in fact the stock heighth is a little too high for some 5vers. These trucks are awesome when towing and I don't see the necessity for any power or suspension upgrades. The only upgrade I want, is Dyna Trac front hubs, because the uni-bearing setup in all makes are a compromised cheap manufacturing bean counting trick that we pay for when the front hub assembly fails, besides I like the fact you will save fuel and wear and tear. I have had people who have lifted trucks ask me were I had my truck lifted at, and they give me a blank stare when I tell them it is stock. I was looking at 5vers one day when the salesman told me that my lifted truck might be too high for the 5ver I was concidering buying, and it was a 36' Montana. I know everyone has there own needs and wants and like tinkering with there setups, but I think it is waisted when you go to use the trucks as they were intended for, as RonD has found.

 

[meanmatt]

Welcome back to the clean world . A stock truck is a happy truck . Just look at all the stockers on the road that never even heard of tdr. Lots with huge amounts of millage pulling or hauling . Plus it's nice to fit the truck in the garage on those cold winter mornings

 

[MZahn]

Any hints on installing the OD lockout? Looks pretty easy but advance advise is another reason why I am a member. I know you weren't happy with it but it may work with what I need. Thanks

 

[Regcabguy]

After modding my '98. 5 I was determined to leave my '07 2500 standard cab stock. Sadly,after mounting my 2000#slide-in camper(well under the manufacturer's payload) the truck swayed all over the road and bottomed out constantly. Power was way down requiring 5th gear on the freeway grades here also(this was with 285-70-17's,stock 3. 73's and 0. 79 final drive) Hence the aftermarket suspension and Smarty on a whopping sw#1. These two mild mods have restored the trucks handling and efficiency. I didn't have a choice. I'm envious of the owners who have been able to leave these well engineered beasts stock,but minor tweaks were a necessity for me. Free-spin hubs are next.

 

[MZahn]

I guess I'll start a new thread.

 

[jelag]

I own several of these trucks... We've put flat beds on them, and changed to 19. 5" tires, extra tanks, pacbrakes etc... . but left the drive train all stock...

They tow better than the Fords that I took out of service and run better, plus a little better fuel economy... the 5500 is doing great with close to 100K...

I just can't see spending money to change what works... and I need to keep these trucks for 500K miles... so they just go to work every day and work... .

Just my thoughts. .

 

[sid325]

So you think the BD OD lockout caused your transmission problem? I've been running mine since BD released it, 2 years?, and have not had a single issue. I do have a built transmission though. I think when it comes to mods it's all about moderation and common sense. I've been running my current set-up for quite sometime and have zero issues.



sid

 

[Matt400]

when it was off when driving with the 5th wheel it wouldn't go to overdrive, after I removed it all was back to normal

Thats what it is suppose to do. . prevent OD from comming on.

With your size 5th wheel I would think you need it.



I tow a 30' 5th wheel and needed to keep OD locked out so opted to have the factory OD lock-out flash which turns the 05's tow-haul button into an OD off button. Not the greatest thing since TH whould also lock the converter when I needed so remidied that with a BD Tow-Loc which also controls my exhaust brake.



Maybe if your towing is all flat lands you may be ok especially with the 265's but in the mountains an exhaust brake would add safety for that size trailer.

 

[Bob4x4]

The availability of the O/D lock out from the factory has worked for a great many people and can be turned on and off easily with the DRB if you change your mind. Now the 06 owners get both..... O/D off and still get to have the tow haul mode... ... ... ... ..... trans envy:-laf