Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) What RPM shift range?

[Pit Bull]

What RPM range do you guys run in on the ETH/DEE trucks? Does it make a difference since it is new (break-in)?

Thanks

 

[jeepit]

I usually take it up to 2000 rpm then shift. At 65 mph I'm doing 1900 rpm in 6th. I try to keep it between 1500 and 2000 rpm depending what gear. By the way, nice color truck

 

[Dane]

Pit Bull,

The key to break-in is to not baby it, but not kill it either. Dodge and Cummins says the engines are broken in from the factory, but mine loosed up a lot in the first 5K miles.



I've used a method all my life that has worked very well for me - long life and lots of power.



I start the break-in observing the book specs for break-in redline. Then every 100 miles up the redline ceiling 100 rpm until you make it to the tach indicated redline. Make sure you hit the redline a few times a day and do not lug the engine! Keep it above 1500, better 1800-2200. In the first 300 miles it's best to heat the engine to operating temp and then let it cool off.



As always, JMO...

 

[andrewkoperdak]

shifting

I generally shift at 2000 when empty. I can't do this loaded as it lugs my engine to much. I have 3. 54 gear and when loaded a shift at 2000 lowers me to about 1350 RPM. So loaded I shift around 2300-2400 unless I am pulling a hill then I move the shift upt to 2600 RPM.

Downshifting I will allow the engine to go to 2700 when shifting from 5th to 4th. I am generally on a hill so I need the power or I do it to lower my EGTs on a big pull.

Andy

 

[DiTrani]

I've noticed that my truck gets more and more comfortable cruising at lower rpm as it gets some miles on it. At first it felt like it wasn't happy below 2100 rpm, but now it feels happy at 1800 rpm.



There's this hilly 100 mile stretch of Rt. 20 in upstate NY that you can't really do at more than 55-60 mph at night. First time I drove it in this truck I was in 5th most of the time. Last month I did it in 6th with the cruise on the whole way. Much more pleasent.



I've got the 3. 54 rear and stock wheels/tires.

 

[RADdodge]

Well Now Pit Bull...

Hey Pit Bull - you wouldn't be asking this question if you still drove an AUTOMATIC. Sorry, I couldn't resist...

 

[Pit Bull]

Thanks for the responses. like RADodge said coming from the automatic world I never had to think about this. I was shifting around 2100 rpm's and wasn't letting it get below 1500 - 1600. Seemed like the best rpms based on the sound of the engine. I know the 24 valve is happiest around 2000 to 2100 rpm. In the morning I will try to keep it between 1500 to 1800 until it warms up.

 

[Snow man]

Pit bull,Id rev it a hair higher befoire i lugged it,especially cold,dont lug it cold,let it rev,it places a lot less strain on the motor. By rev I mean the mid 2000range when cold,I leave mine in drive til it warms up,then let it go into OD,it warms up faster too. You must be loving that 6 speed,I love my DTT setup,but i do miss rowwing the gears,and the turbo whish when shifting.

 

[Pit Bull]

Originally posted by Snow man

Pit bull,Id rev it a hair higher befoire i lugged it,especially cold,dont lug it cold,let it rev,it places a lot less strain on the motor. By rev I mean the mid 2000range when cold,I leave mine in drive til it warms up,then let it go into OD,it warms up faster too. You must be loving that 6 speed,I love my DTT setup,but i do miss rowwing the gears,and the turbo whish when shifting.

Thanks Snow man, I alway let my auto warm up for a few minutes and then ran it around 2000 rpm's in drive until it got in the warm brackets then went to OD. So your saying run this one in the 2000 rpm range until it is warm. Sounds good to me, thanks. It is fun rowing through the gears.