Tripple Pulling - What Modification?

[Hohn]

Originally posted by drhebert



New Questions:

E brake ; Is this needed if I don't plan on going over passes? any suggestions, what kind, where to buy, price range?



Fuel Presure Gauge ; what does a presure gauge do for me other than let me watch the pres. What do you do if pres isn't right? Remember, I'm not much of an engine guy.



transmission Upgrade ; This is one of my biggest concerns. Do I really need it? if so, what king, where to buy, price range?



Air Filter ; Seems like I read a lot about K&N filters. Any suggestions, kind, model, price range? I assume this is an easy install.



Again, Thanks for the help !!!



David

I'll post what i have gleaned from others:

1) Fuel pressue gauge is CRITICAL. These things eat lift pumps, and that's the only way to keep tabs on it. lf it isn't right, replace the lift pump (under warrantee). For a long-term fix, install a pusher pump

2) The E brake and Trans should be installed together, as the stock auto as far as I know, can't handle an E-brake. Both ATS and DTT have excellent reps in the transmission game, and are bulletproof. Either Bill or Don can hook you up. Expect to pay over 3 grand, and never have to worry after that.

3) You only really need the trans upgrade if you are pulling very heavy or increasing the engine's HP. Stock auto are quirky and have hit-or-miss durability. You could probably get away with a valve body upgrade and a replacement torque converter. The TC is the weak link in the stock auto, and a LOT cheaper than a whole new trans.

4) There are two ways to do the airfilter: replace he element only and keep the stock housing, or replace the whole thing with an "intake system". If you choose to keep the stock housing, avoid the K&N as it doesn't fit quite right and leaks. Go with AFE or such. If you want to replace the whole thing, try either the BHAF (from NAPA), or an intake system like the Mega Cannon. The BHAF is less than $50, but the Mega Cannon can top $200.



Hohn

 

[Mad Bomber]

for towing

the ex brake is great BUT must upgrade transmission. The comp is great because it is adjustable in cab. You might want to think of DDII's. Then to keep it's cool think of a PDR HX 35 along with the other stuff you said. Eric

 

[Big A]

David,

Get the transmission 1st. You might be surprised as to how much better it will pull that kind of load. Trust me, I know from experience that the transmission will fry even with no engine mods. ATS will be your best choice for a transmission. Not only do they have a stout setup, they're also local. After you upgrade the transmission and add an exhaust brake(a must have),then you can add the power goodies. If you hurt the stock transmission,it will cost you more to upgrade it, than if you upgrade it 1st.

Just a thought!

Alex

 

[hmickelson]

If you boat is over a certain weight you will also need boat trailer brakes if ou don't already have them. Agian ask the Highway Patrol.



In Calif the max length is 60 feet.



Good luck



hmickelson

 

[Snow man]

David,your truck is pushing it with an EZ,without trans mods. The tow weight is the problem. the towing limit for your truck is around 9000lb,since you have the 3. 55 gears. Those gears are tough on a transmission when towing heavy. I suggest trans mods,guages,the EZ/dd2 injectors,and a pacbrake/controller

 

[Mtngoat]

warrenty

Maybe someone mentioned it, or you know this already. There are somethings that will void your warrenty, such as the Edge Comp box, if its hooked up. Might check into these things before you buy and if warrenty is important to you. I can't add much else coz I am still new to the CTD and am learnig fast, thanks to the TDR.



Robin

 

[Len]

If I'm understanding correctly, you plan to be towing 13,500lbs. Add in 7500 lbs for truck and passengers and you have a GCW of 21000. I may be mistaken, but isn't max GCW rating for auto and 3. 55 gears 16,000lbs? At any rate, your stock transmission is the weak link. And if warranty is important to you, that usage voids your drive train warranty.

I'm in the camp that believes the first step is transmission mods, followed by an exhaust brake. Put synthetic lube in the differential ( a finned aluminum cover wouldn't hurt either), and clean the magnet frequently.

For moderate power upgrades, the stock air filter system is fine. The stock muffler and resonator are restrictive. For towing that much weight, monitoring pre-turbo EGT (limit to around 1200, 1300 absolute max) is a must if you do any engine mods.