Attention: TDR Forum Junkies 
See sig for options and equipment. So far, everything is wonderful. My observations:
Oil consumption is almost nil, even though I did things "wrong" and went to Redline 15w-40 @9K. Immediately noticed higher boost numbers and much improved smoothness in the engine, with an big difference when the engine was cold. I am convinced the RL is a great oil, if not cheap (`$30/gal). I will probably switch to Valvoline PB extreme or some other syn to try them out. I haven't ruled out a dino, though. .
Economy is steadily and slowly improving. Installation of EZ and DD2s seemed to have cost me a bit of economy, which I attribute to having fun. I still get almost 20 with the CC set at 75.
Changing the diff lube to Mobil 1 with little diff additive seemed to help the LSD bite a little more. It slips like an open diff from the factory.
Changing the NV5600 fluid to Redline MTL has improved shifting in all cases.
The Fitch Fuel Catalyst seems to work well. The difference is more subtle than it was on my gasser car, though. On the Maxima, it improved mpg by 3-5 and made the car noticeable peppier. On the CTD, it seems to help mostly by reducing smoke quite a bit. MPG increase has only been about 1. 5 to 2. 5 overall. It's also much more expensive for CTDs, and I don't feel that it has proven to be cost-effective yet (it's almost $450). That's too bad, I was a huge fan of it after installing one on my gasser car.
The factory Michelins are proving to be better than they were when new. They still suck off-road. Tire pressure seems have a big impact on mileage-- as much as 2 full mpg. I run them down at 45f/40r empty in an effort to soften the ride a bit. They have good braking traction in the front, but poor acceleration traction at the rear, primarily when wet.
The suspension is proving to be a great basic design (track bar is a notable exception) ruined at execution by cheap parts. The stock shocks are really pathetic. The rear springs are hopelessly too stiff, and it take a half ton of weight to soften them up. Off-road performance has been remarkable in non-washboard terms. The truck is VERY tough- even when bottomed very hard, nothing breaks. It doesn't take to well to jumping and being airborne- topping out the stock shocks kills them. Thank God for the aftermarket.
The stock clutch is holding in there with ~345rwhp, but can't last too much longer. As it has worn, shift quality has gotten worse, but it's still pretty decent.
The seats are more comfortable on long trips than I thought they would be. I can drive for 5-6 hrs without feeling it much. Adjusting the seatback closer to vertical helps a lot. It's nice to have an interior designed to accomodate someone a little taller (I am 6'1"). Agreed, Willyslover?
Too bad the mist grey color is so ugly.
It's a dream for towing, especially light stuff around 6K. At that weight, I still managed to get almost 16mpg @70mph moving out to Cheyenne. Towing is also where the ETH/DEE really shines. I love the setup, but I get a little tired of shifting around town. I will still take it over a stock auto.
Overall, it's been great. I am slowly replacing/upgrading the things I think Dodge could have done better on (shocks, bumpers, seats, fueling box, injectors, turbo(s).
Someone explain to me again why these things don't come OEM with twins??
I love this truck, but it doesn't love me-- not the way it treats me over rough pavement
Justin
Oil consumption is almost nil, even though I did things "wrong" and went to Redline 15w-40 @9K. Immediately noticed higher boost numbers and much improved smoothness in the engine, with an big difference when the engine was cold. I am convinced the RL is a great oil, if not cheap (`$30/gal). I will probably switch to Valvoline PB extreme or some other syn to try them out. I haven't ruled out a dino, though. .
Economy is steadily and slowly improving. Installation of EZ and DD2s seemed to have cost me a bit of economy, which I attribute to having fun. I still get almost 20 with the CC set at 75.
Changing the diff lube to Mobil 1 with little diff additive seemed to help the LSD bite a little more. It slips like an open diff from the factory.
Changing the NV5600 fluid to Redline MTL has improved shifting in all cases.
The Fitch Fuel Catalyst seems to work well. The difference is more subtle than it was on my gasser car, though. On the Maxima, it improved mpg by 3-5 and made the car noticeable peppier. On the CTD, it seems to help mostly by reducing smoke quite a bit. MPG increase has only been about 1. 5 to 2. 5 overall. It's also much more expensive for CTDs, and I don't feel that it has proven to be cost-effective yet (it's almost $450). That's too bad, I was a huge fan of it after installing one on my gasser car.
The factory Michelins are proving to be better than they were when new. They still suck off-road. Tire pressure seems have a big impact on mileage-- as much as 2 full mpg. I run them down at 45f/40r empty in an effort to soften the ride a bit. They have good braking traction in the front, but poor acceleration traction at the rear, primarily when wet.
The suspension is proving to be a great basic design (track bar is a notable exception) ruined at execution by cheap parts. The stock shocks are really pathetic. The rear springs are hopelessly too stiff, and it take a half ton of weight to soften them up. Off-road performance has been remarkable in non-washboard terms. The truck is VERY tough- even when bottomed very hard, nothing breaks. It doesn't take to well to jumping and being airborne- topping out the stock shocks kills them. Thank God for the aftermarket.
The stock clutch is holding in there with ~345rwhp, but can't last too much longer. As it has worn, shift quality has gotten worse, but it's still pretty decent.
The seats are more comfortable on long trips than I thought they would be. I can drive for 5-6 hrs without feeling it much. Adjusting the seatback closer to vertical helps a lot. It's nice to have an interior designed to accomodate someone a little taller (I am 6'1"). Agreed, Willyslover?
Too bad the mist grey color is so ugly.
It's a dream for towing, especially light stuff around 6K. At that weight, I still managed to get almost 16mpg @70mph moving out to Cheyenne. Towing is also where the ETH/DEE really shines. I love the setup, but I get a little tired of shifting around town. I will still take it over a stock auto.
Overall, it's been great. I am slowly replacing/upgrading the things I think Dodge could have done better on (shocks, bumpers, seats, fueling box, injectors, turbo(s).
Someone explain to me again why these things don't come OEM with twins??
I love this truck, but it doesn't love me-- not the way it treats me over rough pavement
Justin
