Sugguestions for my new ride!

[redbeardhawk]

Hey everyone, help with some sugguestions if you can. I just bought a 98 24V Quad cab, 2WD, LWB, auto trans, Rode my Valkyrie to Florida from WV to buy the truck sight unseen. We got stuck in the worst thunderstorm I have ever been in just a few miles from the dealership. :{ We loaded the bike in the back (barely fit, I had to leave the tailgate down, glad it wasn't a short bed) and headed home. The truck really rides nice and is very comfortable. The power is not bad, however the throttle response is very sluggish. The fuel economy was not at all what I was hoping, (16. 5mpg, but we were running around 85mph too ) although I know 4. 10s aren't good for fuel milage. I would like to change them to at least 3. 55s maybe even 3. 07s? I don't do much hauling and towing, just once in a while. I guess I am comparing two horses of a different breed, but I have a 93 D250 Cummins 2WD auto w/OD, which is cranking around 28lbs boost and gets at least 24mpg. (unfortunately I am probably going to have to sell her to be able to make the payments on the 98) :{ The 12V is very quick and responsive, although roughing it up too much caused a transmission rebuild, it was worth it though because there were alot of dissappointed "muscle" cars and trucks that got left in the smoke. I plan to "improve" the breathing of the 24V with an open K&N. And I would really like to change the gears and add a slightly taller tire, (235s now, would like to go as tall as I can) So help the new kid on the block, if you will and give me some sugguestions of what all I can do to make my 98 the best I can make her. Oo. Of Course my wallet is of concern too. Thanks ! and Happy Rattlin'

 

[RBSOB]

Welcome

RBhawk, [RB in my user ID is redbeard, you can guess the rest], welcome to TDR. You normally will find lots of help and advice here but this seems to be a slow week end! If you are going to taller tires do this first before changing gearing! Most on this forum like the 4. 10 for any type of working or towing and taller tires will effectively put your final ratio in the mid-upper 3s. I have 3. 54s with 285/75 tires and would never consider going any "taller" like 3. 07s you mention. I'm fairly sure up to 35" tires fit under 4x4s but no idea on 4x2s. You should re-post your question as a "Max Tire Size" type in "Accesories" and get more input, you may end up happy[and wealthier] with that 4. 10 and tall tires Good luck with your new ride, Jim G.

 

[Lsfarm]

Welcome! and Upgrades

Welcome to the TDR!



As for your '98. 5, you are much better off using a BHAF [do a search, and sit back for a lot of reading], rather than a K&N.



The next recommendation I would make is to put on an Edge EZ fueling/timing box. this will make HUGE differences in your throttle response. and It may improve your mileage if you can keep your foot out of it.



The large tire from Dodge is a 265/75. I think you can go up to 285/75/16" tires without rubbing on the front end. These will get your overall gear ratio close to the 3. 55 ratio for a lot less $. On a 4x4 you could go to 305/75's.



I wouldn't recommend going to 3. 07 gears, the 24v likes to run above 1800 rpm.



Just start reading, you will find hours if not weeks of reading on this site. I would recommend gauges, and most important of all a fuel pressure gauge for the lift pump.



Good luck with your new ride!!



Do you realy get 24mpg at the same speed and load with the '93 truck??



Greg L

 

[redbeardhawk]

Thanks Guys!!

Thanks guys for the input, I will start looking for some good 265/75s, an EZ fueling/timing box, and a BHAF. I had thought about making my own air filter set up, after looking at some of the pics I think I could get the guys at work to fab the parts I need. As for air intake I was also wondering about a hood scoop (mild of ocurse) with real air induction. I saw the Edge EZ boxes on Ebay the other day for around $385. As for the gauges, yes I will definitely get them (I love Gauges ). I am probably going to take off the turbo boost and Pyro on my '93 before I sell her and I have an outside mount fuel pressure gauge (don't know if that will work) from my racing days. Oo. Thanks again and I look forward to getting to know all of you as friends. Oh and yes lsfarm, I do get 24mpg with my 93! and she runs strong and fast! I really hate to get rid of her, but I will have to sell her to keep the 98. 5, I am sure. Take Care Ya'll