test for STOCK'er

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I bought my 2001 based on comparisons with Chevy 3/4 tons, Ford 3/4 tons and Toyota Tundra. I decided to buy DC because as equipped it was very comparable in price (inc the Cummins) plus or minus $1-2k. That is not enough money to worry about on a $31k truck over a 6 year fianance period, so I decided to go for the dependability and economy of diesel. I had no knowledge of this board and I thought a BOMB was a military term until this fall. Since August, I have gone back and forth (yo-yo) based on my reading post on this BBS.

As of right now I have decided to stay totally stock, NO POWER ADD-ON's at all. I am running about 19. 7-21. 4 mpg with appx 8000 mi. I have decided to not use any fuel additives or synthetic oils for the engine. I am spliting the difference between schedule A and B maintenance periods. I am very satisfied with the tire size, power and drive train configuration as is.

I am not having any problems with this truck at all (I LOVE THIS TRUCK), but I don't tow much. I have a small 20' camper (may trade for a 10+' slide-in) and 18' boat. I drive the speed limit + 5mph, I don't accellerate quickly, I use it as a normal 3/4 ton country hauler.

It will be interesting to see if my truck develops some of the problems commonly addressed on this board... in the next 492,000 miles? I will keep you all informed.

QUESTION: Are there any other BORING stock'ers (like me) out there that want to see how it goes and compare notes at this time?

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2001. 5, QC, 2500, 2wd, auto, 3. 54, 4 disc, long-bed, all the stuff, heated leather, patriot blue over silver, stock4now!

a real "country cadilac"

[This message has been edited by Pine Sap (edited 11-29-2000). ]

 

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Good Luck! I had delusions of the same intent when I purchased my '98. Whittled away by some alloy rims here and a exhaust system there... ...

 

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coming up on 2 years almost totally stock, did add K&N air filter, no problems with it yet! Love the truck, we take her on long road trips. Would like to do Alaska someday, I think I would change the stock fuel tank for a 60 gal before I undertook that trip. Good luck with yours.

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1999 3500 quad cab, auto aero fendor trim and running boards,
bugflector II, K&N filter, Geno's monster tip

 

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I have the same truck except 5spd and short bed. Also very happy with stock truck and get similar mileage as yours. I may end up with some minor enhancements or gear splitter to assist with gaps in transmisson ratios when towing (the primary use of my truck). I am going to wait until I have towed in more varied conditions before making a decision. Only have 2000 miles to date. I am going to install gauges including a fuel pressure gauge,and that may be it. These trucks will do most anything needed in stock form.

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01 2500,SB, Club Cab, 5spd,3. 54 LS, Bright White, Camel Leather. 01 Sunnybrook 27' 5ver--All Stock

 

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Originally posted by Pine Sap:
I bought my 2001 based on comparisons with Chevy 3/4 tons, Ford 3/4 tons and Toyota Tundra. I decided to buy DC because as equipped it was very comparable in price (inc the Cummins) plus or minus $1-2k. That is not enough money to worry about on a $31k truck over a 6 year fianance period, so I decided to go for the dependability and economy of diesel. I had no knowledge of this board and I thought a BOMB was a military term until this fall. Since August, I have gone back and forth (yo-yo) based on my reading post on this BBS.

As of right now I have decided to stay totally stock, NO POWER ADD-ON's at all. I am running about 19. 7-21. 4 mpg with appx 8000 mi. I have decided to not use any fuel additives or synthetic oils for the engine. I am spliting the difference between schedule A and B maintenance periods. I am very satisfied with the tire size, power and drive train configuration as is.

I am not having any problems with this truck at all (I LOVE THIS TRUCK), but I don't tow much. I have a small 20' camper (may trade for a 10+' slide-in) and 18' boat. I drive the speed limit + 5mph, I don't accellerate quickly, I use it as a normal 3/4 ton country hauler.

It will be interesting to see if my truck develops some of the problems commonly addressed on this board... in the next 492,000 miles? I will keep you all informed.

QUESTION: Are there any other BORING stock'ers (like me) out there that want to see how it goes and compare notes at this time?

My truck is totally stock so far and my mileage is about the same as you are getting, I did just start using a fuel additive, Lubri-Diesel, with my last fill-up. May upgrade transmission as I pull a 5er. Good luck with your truck.

 

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Pine Sap

My rig is just about the same as yours. only difference I got a 5spd and 4x4. I'm getting about the same mileage as you also. Roughly 20 something unloaded city/highway. it has plenty 'o power for my needs towing the 26'TT. I LOVE MINE ALSO!Haven't had any trouble with it at all. I've now got about 8,600 miles on it. The only things I have done to it are what's listed in my signature. Don't know if this constitutes BOMBing or not. I don,t have any plans in the near future to do any mods to the engine,but will probably add a boost and pyro gauge maybe next year. The truck seems to be fairly bulletproof in the engine and driveline department,I am happy knowing that I made a good purchase and is money well spent #ad
. This truck will last quite a long time and I'll take good care of it and it will take care of me.

Phil

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`01 2500,QC,LB,4WD,ETC,5SPD,
3. 54 LSD,Tow Pkg. Snow plow pkg. ,Forest green PC,Mopar alum. side steps,Mopar mud flaps with Cummins logo,Mist grey seat covers,Tekonsha brake controller,Hadley air horns,Pacbrake.
Built in St. Louis
THE BIG GREEN MACHINE

Phil Stuart

 

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Pine Sap:
I just took delivery of 01 Ram just like yours except I didn't order leather. I plan to leave mine stock also. I traded a 96 V-10 in for this machine and sure hope I don't live to regret it. I tow a 34ft 5th wheel and never had a problem with the V-10. I had always heard the diesel would pull more or equal weight to the V-10. After I ordered it and received it I read the owners manual and it say's this truck is rated at 3000lbs less gross than my V-10. What a bummer. The 26 Dec. I'm heading south,guess I will soon know. Good luck with your truck. If you know of anybody that has towing experence with a truck like ours I would like to hear about it.
JimP

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I'm 100% stock at this point. I only pull a little 2,000 pound pop-up trailer, so no need to bomb right now. When I get a bigger trailer (which will most likely be after the warranty is up) I may look at beefing up the transmission - the weak link, as I see it. I'm running a fuel additive right now for cleaning and cold weather (since I'm still a diesel rookie and I don't want to find out the hard way that I should have been adding an anti-gel). #ad

I also split the A and B schedules as a maint. guideline. 6,600 miles so far on mine. Even though we're driving stockers, there's nothing boring about 'em! #ad


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2001 2500; SLT; 4x4; QC; LWB; Auto; 3. 54 LS; 265s; Camper; Tow; Sliding Rear Window; Travel Convenience Group; Cab Clearance Lamps; Forest Green

 

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I appreciate all of the comments. I'm not anti-BOMB... I just decided that I'm not gonna spend a lot of time and effort keeping this rig running, its tempting, but thats not why I bought it. If the engineers didn't get it right then I'll just have to suffer. But if they did their job right and I follow their limits, then I think I'm gonna like the truck for a long time to come.

Additives and synthetics are operating cost I don't feel I should have to incur... no apologies there, I never did it for a gasser. If its absolutley needed for the diesel... oh well?

Whatever I decide to pull, I'm gonna make sure its under the rated limits for this rig and not attempt to build this truck into something is ain't, especially with the transmission problems I've read about. I'll buy a different truck if needed (doubt I'll need it). I found out (today) from Lance that I would be better off not to go with the slide in, but a 5'er would be a better option since my GVWR (8800lb) is already shot because of the weight of the truck and engine (bummer).

Some options aren't really mods, such as CB radios, antenna, mud flaps, etc. I'll be adding these items as with any other truck I've owned.

If I change my mind, I'm sure you'll all rub it in to help me get over it #ad
#ad
#ad


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2001. 5, QC, 2500, 2wd, auto, 3. 54, 4 disc, long-bed, all the stuff, heated leather, patriot blue over silver, stock4now!

a real "country cadilac"

 

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PineSap - I'm about as stock as it gets! 16,000 miles on it and find it exciting every time I climb aboard. I don't plan on doing any mods, and don't think I'll every buy any sythetic oil. I think if you change the lubricant when you're supposed to, you should see good service for the life expectancy of the truck. Therefore, sythetics seem like a fairly expensive premium for not a whole lot of gain. Just my 2 cents.

I'd love to trade stocker info with you. Mine gets about the same fuel mileage as yours.

- JyRO

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Y2K 2500 Cummins ETC/DEE, SLT+, 4X4, Quad, LB, Intense Blue Sport, 3. 54 anti-spin, rear aux. springs (camper special), sliding rear window, all options except cab clearance lights including agate leather, totally stock, some ring fell off, whistles louder since & D/C must have screwed up on the wiring cause the fogs stay on with high beam. Since everybody else listed their toys, I will too.
1995 Kawasaki ZX6-R (For Sale)
1990 Toyota Celica
1983 Mazda RX-7 GSL (For sale)

 

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Originally posted by JyRO:
PineSap - I'm about as stock as it gets! 16,000 miles on it and find it exciting every time I climb aboard. I don't plan on doing any mods, and don't think I'll every buy any sythetic oil. I think if you change the lubricant when you're supposed to, you should see good service for the life expectancy of the truck. Therefore, sythetics seem like a fairly expensive premium for not a whole lot of gain. Just my 2 cents.

I'd love to trade stocker info with you. Mine gets about the same fuel mileage as yours.

- JyRO

Sounds good to me... if the forum moderator is reading, how do we go about getting a forum established for STOCK TRUCKS ONLY?



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2001. 5, QC, 2500, 2wd, auto, 3. 54, 4 disc, long-bed, all the stuff, heated leather, patriot blue over silver, stock4now!

a real "country cadilac"

 

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I second the motion for a stock only forum. I have purchased some diamond plate protective add-ons, exhaust brake and gauges. Other than that I intend to remain stock. We pull a 30' travel trailer and expect to move to a 5er in a few years when I can swing retirement. I figure this truck in stock trim will last a long time. We have a 1/2 ton '95 RAM with 43,000 miles. I like the Dodge RAM and didn't hesitate when buying the second one.

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'01 3500 QC SLT, 5-spd. , 3. 54 LSD, Tow Pkg, Camper Pkg, White w/ Camel. (St. Louis) - Jacobs E-brake, GaugeWorks dual gauge pod, ISSPRO EGT & Boost Gauges.

 

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Hey pine sap

I have a new 2001 2500HD 4x4 Quad Cab Slt White Clear Coat / Light Driftwood, loaded every thing but leather. I LOVE MY TRUCK.
Compaired to my old 1992 dodge slt, This truck is already Bomb. I have a little over 8000 miles, on my new truck, and have had no problems at all. I never had any problems with the old truck, My brother>inlaw has the old truck now, and he loves it. I to will remain stock, the hp of the new truck is great. and I don't want to become my own warranty sation.

Question> I live in richmond va, any other members in richmond, or va.


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Thunderball,
I'm about 2 hours north of you in Fairfax Co.

 

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I'm far from stock but can appreciate you guys getting by and wanting to stay stock. I do feel though that Boost,EGT&AT temp gauges should of come stock with the CTD and should be added since they didn't. They will give you a window to what's really going on with your truck besides giving you something fun to watch while driving.

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95' 25004X4,AT,Driftwood,Banks Stinger,Warn fender flairs and running boards(Play truck)95 3500,5 speed,Driftwood,Banks&Phscotty,34,000 GCVW apple and tractor hauler(work truck)

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95' 25004X4,AT,Driftwood,Banks Stinger,Warn fender flairs and running boards(Play truck)95 3500,5 speed,Driftwood,Banks&Phscotty,34,000 GCVW apple and tractor hauler(work truck)

 

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Hey Phil

Nice to know there at lease two of us in va, I don't get up north very much, because of my business, But if you come my way let me know, and maybe we can get together.

Hey illflem

You may be right about the gauges, I just thought if we really needed them they would have come in the trucks, as for me personality, I don't know how much fun they would be, ( maybe more of a worry ) since I would not know there meaning much less how to install them, maybe i'll get lucky and somehow meet some members who can show me there benefits.

Question> How do i make a Signatrue, I check the box, But i guess i miss something when i became a member, thanks.

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Thunderball,don't ask me about the signiture,mine went on twice in the above post and I don't know how I did it. No really,just go to the top of this page and click profile,you'll see what you need to fill out.

 

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Originally posted by Thunderball:
Hey Phil

Question> How do i make a Signatrue, I check the box, But i guess i miss something when i became a member, thanks.

in your profile screen, look at the very bottom... there you will find the signature box... fill it in!



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2001. 5, QC, 2500, 2wd, auto, 3. 54, 4 disc, long-bed, all the stuff, heated leather, patriot blue over silver, stock4now!

a real "country cadilac"

 

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Hey Guys

Thanks i found it, hope it's not to long, But i'am proud of this truck

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2001 Ram 2500HD 4x4 Quad Cab, Slt, Auto, Long-bed, 354 Anti-Spin Differential, White Clear Coat / Light Driftwood Satin Glow, Trailer Tow Group, Snow Plow Prep, Camper Special,Brakes Pwr Disc/Drum, Rr Anti-Lock, every thing but leather.

 

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Thunderball,
I'll definitely keep you in mind next time I'm heading down south of here!

Hey illflem, I got to agree with you on the boost and pyro gauges. A mechanic where I work said that they are not necessary. He works on diesels all the time. I don't really agree with him. I believe that they are a good way of keeping on top of how well the engine is performing not to mention the troubleshooting aspect of it.

Phil

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`01 2500,4x4,QC,LB,ETC,DDX,DHG
3. 55 LSD,Tow Pkg. ,Snow plow pkg. ,Forest Green PC,Mopar alum. side steps,Mopar mud flaps with Cummins logo,Mist grey seat covers,Tekonsha brake controller,Hadley air horns,Pacbrake.
Built in St. Louis
THE BIG GREEN MACHINE

Phil Stuart