Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) What to use/replace? Fluid/parts

[Spunkys Ram]

Well it's about time my truck receives it's 100,000 TLC. I just turned over 108K. Mama has given me the go ahead to spend a little money on the ole' girl. I ordered her brand new in middle of '01 and it's time to do a complete once over. I have taken good care of the truck minus a couple of things.



I've never changed the axle fluids, t-case fluid, ps pump fluid, or coolant. (I know, shame on me) I think it's about time I do so. Engine oil (filter), trans oil (filter) have been changed reguarly. What I'm looking for are a few ideas as to what TDR'ers would use fluid wise if this were your truck. I've always used Delo 400, and Mopar ATF+4, had great luck with them.



I'm also looking to do some front end work. During it's down time, it's going to get 35's, leveling kit, Bilstein 5100's on the way, and I'm pretty sure I'm going to get the Thuren 2nd gen adjustable track bar. What else should I look for, possibly replace? I'm just looking for ideas and opinions.



I already have the DSS installed. So far, ball joints seem to be in good shape.



Side note: If memory serves me correctly when I go get the truck aligned I want to have the shop adjust caster to approximently 4 degrees? Is this correct?

 

[CumminsAholic]

As far as fluids go, I only run amsoil. At least in the vehicles I care about.

Corey

 

[wilsonsh]

Keep it simple...it has worked so far.

I'd just keep it simple with the fluids... as long as they are within spec, you should be fine with whatever you use. Maybe use what is easily available so you can add/replace if you have to.



As far as the front end, I like the idea of the Thuren bar before you have problems. It seems like every other steering issue stems from the trackbar so pre-falure upgrade would be wise. I really think if you start there and just keep doin' what yer doin' you should be fine. Maybe have someone turn the steering wheel while you watch the steering components below...



I think you are talking about caster angle... not camber. Be careful with the caster adjustments on a truck that has no problems yet. Caster is adjusted using the eccentrics on the lower control arms and, the way I understand it, kinda forces the axle into position. It's hard to explain until you have a steering problem and are forced to learn. The lower control arm eccentrics were designed to adjust thrust angle, not caster necessarily. Read FYI - alt. autos. dodge. trucks | Google Groups According to this and other technicians, the correct way to adjust caster is with aftermarket adjustable balljoints.



Good luck!

 

[MKinner]

i second the Amsoil. I would use the Cat ELC coolant. I've been using that for a few thousand miles now and am happy with it. bottle says it's good for 600,000 miles or 6 years and comes premixed. just my 2 cents.

 

[Spunkys Ram]

I'm definatly looking at using ELC coolant. Doesn't Cummins have an ELC? Why are you using the CAT ELC out of curiosity?

 

[MKinner]

All brands have their own version of extended life coolant. I went with the cat stuff pretty much because they are only about 5 miles down the road from me. It's also premixed.

 

[slomodiesel]

Amsoil recommend here also. By the way, my distributer tells of his drag racing past where his rear end was running so hot after a 1/4 mile pass it might burn skin. He tried most everything and still hot after a pass due to extreme gears. He saw Amsoil display at Natiional event and was promised lower temp. He bet salesman that he would pay double if did not lower by over 75 degrees, and free if less. Salesman took bet and immediately after run got out infrared heat gun (everyone should have one!) and low and behold over 100 degrees cooler. That day he signed up to be an Amsoil dealer and now is one of the largest.