2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission There are only a couple of questions

[Mabrown]

my favorite was my 97 moss green. i would still have it if i hadn't totaled it. my BIG problem with the 2002 is the chirpy type squeak that others have also reported. i've greased, hammered, chiseled all to no avail.

 

[GFoley]

Pigpen,



Fix your steering before you head down the power upgrade slope. If you cannot keep it on the raod there's no sense in making more power.



I have a Luke's Link on my truck too. It made a HUGE improvement when I put it in new. The flat round rubber bushing between the link and the mounting flange tore a long time ago. I got repair parts from LL at no cost but I cannot get the d*** stud seperated to replace the thing. Five links seems a bit like overkill to me. These links are really messy when greasing them and one is hard enough to keep the excess cleaned off.



Prepare for transmission repairs once you start adding power. I don't recall if you have an auto or manual but the auto will cost about $5000. 00 for a full replacement to take whatever else you might do to the engine. I don't have any manual trans experience to offer.



Glenn

 

[Pigpen]

Thanks Glenn for the advice. I am going to replace all five links. Johny says they will last as long as the truck, plus you reinforced it by saying that replacement parts are cheap, VERY CHEAP!



I have the ol' hand shaker, I just replaced the clutch so I don't want to do that again for a little while. I am not adding too much, I hope, just going with the edge ez. Then I have my neck collar that is going to shock me everytime I mention anything about upgrading or adding more power because more power means more money. Thanks for the advice though!!!!



Jake

 

[EBottema]

just wondering what you mean about loving it better than 3rd gen? I've got a 2002 2nd gen and was considered getting an 05 but have pretty much decided to keep what I've got though i'm wondering why you feel the 2nd gen. is better than 3rd?

Don't get me wrong, there are some improvements to a 3rd gen such as the braking and front 4x4 suspension of the 2nd gen. All which you can upgrade for the right amount of money and make the 2nd gen much better in stock form. The sheet metal is thicker in a 2nd gen, i feel it is built better with less plastic. Has a real injection pump instead of the common rail injection like a gas engine has. The new 05's have a fuel pump in the tank. More complex electrical and computer system controlling the engine. The new engine doesn't even sound like a diesel at idle YUck!

Finally, the 05s have a thing called drive by wire, instead of a throttle cable, electonic servo controlling the throttle, if it breaks your screwed

 

[JBlock]

i can't help with the steering issues. i need to address them myself.

the dealer replaced my steering shaft under warranty at 83,000 miles. it helped. if it was out of pocket i would have picked an aftermarket shaft. i have had four 4x4 2nd generation rams and all have required at least one shaft under warranty.



i can tell you that i have a 4x4 2001. 5 with an afe intake, 4in exhaust and edge ez. i am pleased with the performance. you can get the edge comp box and just not tap the wire on the vp-44 and you are left with basicly an edge ez (i'm told??). it might be the route to go if you plan additional upgrades.



if you do the upgrades make sure to add gauges. the egt's climb pretty quick with my set up. they are not out of hand but it is a good thing to monitor. mine is an auto so i could not install the boost elbow. i think that will help some with egt's on your application. if you install a fuel pressure gauge it is likely you will find a weak lift pump too.



my truck runs well and can still get 20mpg on the highway.

You can install a turnbucke, an S clip and spring, and get the boost up 30 psi with that setup and slove the cooling issyes.



Joe #ad

 

[Pigpen]

Ok, all five Luke's links are installed and all I have to say is WOW!!!!!!!!!! what a difference. I also installed new rancho shocks in the front and rear. The rearend now feels bouncy when going over bumps, but the front end does not. I did find a loose ball joint, so I will have to replace that. The DSS should be shipped out tomorrow, so that will be next. I am so impressed by how much the steering has improved.



I am wondering if anyone else has installed the Rancho 5225 shocks in the rear. The truck rides much better.

 

[Pigpen]

Ok, figured it out, they gave me the wrong shocks. The right number is RS 5274. I am going to try these out, if they don't work, then it is back to stock shocks. I will let everyone know.

 

[JHardwick]

You will love your truck much better than a new cummins 600 2005 3rd gen, trust me

How do you know what he'll like best? I'm guessing you use restraints for your woman ... ... ... ..... you WILL like it!!

 

[BDanner]

My steering sucks revisited

There is not a single bullet fix for our crappy steering, but do read the thread "My steering sucks" www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?t=114584&highlight=sloppy+steering or find it thru the search. It upwards of 8 pages and includes a cool video of what's happening with the crappy suspension. Alot to digest but well worth it if you love your truck.



I have in my livingroom a collection of front end parts. This includes upper and lower ball joints, a PSC Steering Box from www.offroadsteering.com, DSS thru www.solidsteel.biz and all those Advanced Auto Parts www.partsamerica.com (tie rod ends & drag link) inorder to switch to an "Inverted T" vs. "Inverted Y" Steering link configuration. In addition front and rear Edelbrock Shocks thru www.eshocks.com.



The guys that have done the "T" steering conversion along with the DSS claim it to be tighter than new. Except for the ball joints it does not look like you loose much skin on this fix.



I will add the new Adjustable Track Bar as it becomes available towards the end of March from Solid Steel.



I'm just waiting for the weather to break, 70 yesterday and snow & 20 today in Virginia!









"Still Gettin the Dodge out of my Cummins"



2001 3500 DTT, Exhaust Brake, 4" Stainless, Airaid -No more power until I can STEER!