Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) works hard while towing

[98 ram fan]

Hi all new to TDR as of tonight
I have a 98 Ram 2500 with a 47re transmission and a 4.10 rear end everything is stock 73000 miles. When i pull my 7000lb traveltrailer it seem like it takes a whole lot of effort to get things rolling. starting at stop lights and slight inclines is embarassing because it takes forever to get up to speed. Is this normal? If so what can I do to improve the towing performance of my vehicle. On flat ground and while not towing vehicle runs fine.

 

[Missouri Mule]

Are you sure trans is starting out in first /2nd and not 3rd?

 

[98 ram fan]

Hi Bill
It feels like it is going through all the gears. engine rpm's 2000+ the whole time, long time between gears and low speed (30-40 mph from light to light). then I hit a stoplight and start all over again. engine heats up from all this work but cools down when I hit flat ground.

 

[Cummins12V98]

First things I would do is Kill the Cat, install a turbo back MBRP 4" exhaust and install a set of Bosch stock 215 injectors.

 

[GAmes]

The first thing I would do is install gauges. EGT, boost, trans temp and fuel pressure to find out what is going on. I wouldn't add any power until the transmission saw some upgrades. Maybe lose the cat and install a flow through Walker muffler, but 4 inch is overkill for a stock engine.

 

[Texis]

How's the fuel filter? that's what mine does when the filter is getting dirty. Its starts loosing power very slowly over several weeks as it gets dirty. Changed mine today as the engine wouldn't get above 2200 last weekend with 8500# behind the truck. Yes, its embarrassing.

I have a B&M floor shifter and it helps A BUNCH when you have a load, you can shift it like a stick so it allows you to run the engine up into higher rpms between shifts. Not suggesting you add one of these.. just sayin I love it.

Rid myself of my cat today and turned the pump up just a bit.. wow, should've done this 10 years ago.

 

[98 ram fan]

Fuel filter, oil filter, trans filter are all current just bought rear shocks today. I am beginning to think upgrading the stock transmission may give me better performance. Having a shifter in southern California is like rowing a boat that goes nowhere......

 

[BigPapa]

You'll never be happy with your truck until you build the transmission. My suggestion, find a Goerend's builder in your area. Get you a torque converter, CP valve body, and maybe a billet band anchor then install a lock up switch. You won't believe it's the same truck.

 

[TJJEEPER]

Since you're in California, be careful of engine mods. You might be paying to reverse them if you don't pass the emissions test.