Trouble Free Miles with Upgrades

[MKenison]

Who has the most trouble free miles, once they have started upgrading? I am just trying to get an idea on reliability. Or should I just stick with the stock engine?



Mike

 

[Patriot_RAM]

I have about 25k with the Edge EZ with about 15k having the TST PMCR stacked with it.

 

[champspa]

does that include 12 valvers, 184678 miles 164,678 with mods :-laf

 

[Jengle]

Long term reply here. 170k, had the truck bombed since 22k. Replaced one water pump and u-joints, just replaced a CON-O-FE from SB that had 150k on it. Went to a Valair DD. Still on the break in period. Bombs include TST PMCR, CP3 stage 2, MBRP cool duals, and the old Glacier Diesel fuel pump. Still holding 21mpg average, around town.

 

[steved]

Loaded question:



Some guys could destroy a completely stock truck in short order, while others could drive a heavily BOMB'd without a single issue.



Typically BOMBing means running harder...

 

[Jengle]

I wouldn't say I baby it. Haul some loads close to 15k sometimes, more often about 3k in the bed, some off roading, not hard core, and some street racing. I do crank up the box to max and hammer it, on occasion.

I am conscious of EGT limits, not going above 1300*, make sure the EGTs have cooled to 300* before shutting it down, and keep the fluids and filters in top order. Other than that, nothing out of the ordinary.

 

[JMetzger]

Have had a Banks Stinger on since truck had 2100 miles. Truck now has 98,000 + miles & only thing replaced was VP44 because of bad lift pump @ 12,000 miles.

 

[AH64ID]

58K+ miles on a Smarty Jr, 12K+ with the cam, 5K+ turbo/studs.

I have no reliability issues, and do all my mods to ensure stock or better reliability.

 

[JMarketos]

#5 x2. I see same thing on the volkswagen tdi forum. Depends largely on the driver. It seems that some people routinely do what would be regarded by others as ruthless thrashing or gross lack of maintenance, then are upset when something breaks.
=
In the absence of thrashing or lack of maintenance... in general, adding power means adding more heat and putting mechanicals under more stress. In engineering and quality fields, that equates to shortened lifetime, period.

 

[Ross]

Lots of people here on the TDR have forgotten the phrase that existed even before the acronym BOMB (better off modified baby!) was born. That all important TDR phrase is: "I AM MY OWN WARRANTY STATION. "



That said, I have put over 100,000 miles on all of my past and current dodge 3500s. Each was modified to add at least an extra 100-140 hp, and each was used to mercilessly tow a 23,000 pound trailer all over the western US (read: hot, dry, and mountainous). I have never had any problems with the Cummins engine. I have had clutch and transmission failures, but these are expected, doing what I do. I have never ran an automatic transmission due to the heavy weights, and I always tow in the highest gear possible, and run the speed limit (usually 70-75 mph) in these parts.



You will shorten the life of your Cummins somewhat, but almost nobody keeps their truck more than 200,000 miles.



My first heavily BOMBed dodge (approx 450 hp) is still on the road with over 450,000 miles, and still runs like a champ, and has never had an easy day.



Your experiences may vary. I know guys that can tear up an anvil with a rubber mallet. Curiously, they have hell with their pickups, too...

 

[SShafranko]

200,876 miles. started modds at 180 miles. I changed the computer so far but motor trans rears tcase all fine. I do change all fluids and filters often.

 

[Nyoest]

Who has the most trouble free miles, once they have started upgrading? I am just trying to get an idea on reliability. Or should I just stick with the stock engine?



Mike

If you have to ask you had better leave it stock.



Any truck built after '98 had more than enough power to pull any load that should reasonably be put on a pick up. Mods are fun but they hit the wallet twice. The initial purchase and the extra wear and tear. There are only so many horses bottled up under your hood. You can let them out slowly for a long time or let em all out at once for a big O blast of fun.



You can still mod and have a good truck but it won't make it a million.