DodgeTrucks.Org

[byronchildress]

Hello Gents:

I'm a first time diesel buyer. I just purchased an 06 2500 w/manual transmission. I was extremely happy with my previous purchase.....I traded in a Dodge 02 1500 ram (4.7 with manual) with 125,000 miles that gave me exactly zero problems and ran better than new when I dropped it off. I'm such a maintenance and documentation freak that one of the salesmen is buying it if you can believe that.

Anyhow, I just read my owner's manual cover to cover and I'm very interested in any advice and guidance you-all can provide on the CTD. To include, but not limited to:

--break in advice
--CTD diesel quirks
--oil recommendations and change intervals (I was sold on Amsoil in my 1500, but I understand a diesel is different)
--chip recommendations (I'm a mileage and reliability rather than full on power guy)
--fuel additives; filter check/drain intervals for water
--I ended up with the "snow plow package" and can't find specifics on the internet. Does anyone know what it really means?
--If I got 125,000 trouble free miles from a gasser, will I see 500,000 from this rig?
--plus anything else you-all think of.

Thank you very much.

Byron in Virginia

[Ram2500V10]

Welcome to DTO...

Here is a good link regarding break in over on the Turbo Diesel Register:
http://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?t=97121
That is another great forum to consider joining as it is exclusively Dodge Cummins related.

So far as oil, I use Chevron Delo 400. Delo and Shell Rotella T seem to be the most popular non synthetic oils for most folks. There are bunches of threads regarding Diesel oil both here and on the TDR, so do some research and form your own opinions. Also, www.bobistheoilguy.com has lots of good oil info.

Regarding Chips, there are also tons of choices. Make sure you understand what you are putting on your truck before you do it. Each box or downloader works differently and alters different settings. (Timing, Duration, Fuel rail pressure) Most chips and downloaders do offer greater power and economy on their lower settings. This is another area where its kind of up to your own research. A new downloader just became available for our trucks called the Smarty - http://www.madselectronics.com/products.html. I would be interested in trying it as it is supposed to be undetectable and it puts down some impressive numbers. I'm not sure if the 06 Smarty is out yet.

Fuel additives are unnecessary in most cases. As long as you fill up with quality fuel you should be ok. I run power service in my truck if its extremely cold, but I don't need to. I run B20 biodiesel, and it keeps things very clean by itself. I change my fuel filter about every 9,000 miles. It is very easy to do, and expensive to get done at the dealership. All you need is a 1 1/8 socket - the lid on the filter canister just unscrews. Pull the oil filter off the lid, and pop a new one in, change the lid o-ring and you are back on the road. I drain my filter only occasionally - I have never gotten any visible water out of it.

There are plenty of high mileage Cummins out there - I'm sure you will be pleased if you take good care of yours. Let us know if you have any other questions.
_________________
Matt
2005 Ram 2500 Cummins 4x4
1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4.0
1967 Impala SS 396
Gone but not forgotten:
2002 Ram 2500 V10

[byronchildress]

Thanks, Matt.

Byron