Which generation model is best for my application?
 

My application: 7-Ton/14K LBS, fifth wheel RV - Colorado passes, many, are 6.5 to 9% grades.
Question: What model would get me up these passes and without adding wear and tear for the least amount of necessary upgrades and what upgrades would all recommend for that model?

Does anyone have any more information as to showing information on these engines, other than what I have been able to find as shown here?:

[IMG]E:\Downloads\My Docs of D drive\Automotive\Family Vehicles\Our Vehicles\1996 RAM 2500 4X4 Cummins Diesel[/IMG]

Thank you all.:humm:

it really wouldn't matter i climb wolf creek pass a lot with a four horse slant and livin quarters with my third gen. It does jus fine. all it has is trailer brakes and a edge chip.

Well, the later the model the more stock horsepower, the more stock horsepower the better.

You can argue that a '94-'98 will put out more reliable horsepower than a '98.5-'02 after modified, in reality you have to be thorough about it for that to hold true.

I'd go with an 03+.


That's kind of an interesting chart; those aren't all Dodge truck specifications.

This is where I found this one as I got it from another one of us Cummins Gen1 enthusiasts:
Cummins 5.9 liter and 6.7 liter inline six-cylinder diesel engines
Check it out and then let me know what you think guys. :humm:

Are you wanting to swap an engine into your truck or buy a new truck?

Well to be honest with you, I think this time around I am going to buy another truck (used) and nudging between a G2 and G3, but most likely a G2 this time around. I am going to be looking at a '02 model on Wednesday, a RAM 2500 4X4/Auto/Lariat edition with appx: 125K on her, fully loaded/leather int. He is asking 15K (I talked him down to 14.3):choochoo:

VP-44 trucks...

:bomb::bomb::bomb::bomb::bomb:

:rake::hurt::voodoo:

:D

Honestly, if you want something to just tow with I would go with a stock power level, intake and exhaust, 3rd gen truck with a 6-speed. My 06 with teh 89 behind it this weekend with teh power set back to stock would run 65-70 up all the grades with no problems.

Okay, so I have looked at about 250 RAM trucks ranging from 1998 - 2006 for the past two weeks in the USA, as these are what model years that are within our price range up to $ 15K. I had my mind set on a '03 I found that was showing 350K miles but was worked very hard as a heavy puller. It was manual transmission and a HO engine, however only created a major all night arguing match with my wife. So because of my wife's wants (automatic), instead of my own, and since I am actually more fond anyway of the RAM body styles from 1994 - 2002, I found a very clean '02 4X4/ClubCab/2500/SLT-Laramie/5.9L/Auto for 13.3K with 124K showing on the odo that has no upgrades to be speak of added to her. But I have the receipt where the trans was rebuilt just 2K ago, new disc brakes on all 4, new injection pump 2K ago and new injectors same time, oh and also new fuel pump same time.

Question: For my application, can you all please suggest immediate upgrades in which I really should consider so that I limit the possibility of any mis-fortunes as I recently experienced with my Gen1 engine (PLEASE!!). I have 2500.00 left to play with for upgrades on this one and have my old truck for parts now..Let me know if anyone is interested in any as well.

Thank you all :howdy:

You must get a good fuel system; FASS, AirDog or something similar.

Call quinn motors in Gloucester, VA. They have had a 03 quad cab dually for a LONG time. They wanted 20k for it almost a year ago. I bet they let you steal it.

and a fuel gauge, a good aftermarket convertor and let here eat!

Okay I think I found a very good power truck. A 02/2500/4X4/Ext.Cab/Auto that has 124K showing with no upgrades ever done to her. Owner has shown me receipts dated 3 weeks ago for a remanufactured IP (This one I can visually see it is new), new LP and new INJ's. all stock options but was done in Dodge shop to fix cold start issue. We agreed to 14.3K for this one. I would install the following: FASS system (complete) 95 series, AFE BladeRunner Intake Manifold, After Market cold-air, 4" Turbo back exh sys, gauges, Attitude/Edge COMP. The current owner of truck says he has pulled his 4 horses up our mountain passes with no issues, so I am thinking these little upgrades might get me by for now, then as I can afford it, will do as Bobby sugg, in getting torque convertor.

Does this sound like a good plan?? :humm: Thanks all. :ok1:

I would save some $$$ and go air dog instead of FASS but they are both very nice systems. Sounds like a good set-up! If you will be towing I would get teh convertor before the edge... You will see more of a benifit towing with a convertor then a box...

Great Bobby!!! That is what I will do then. I think you are right besides the fact that having an upgraded torque converter working to also keeping the trans fluid temps down, is actually a key part since we all here do know what these dang things cost us when we burn clutches and related internal parts of teh trans. And yes, I did copy and paste the Air Dog fuel system to my project sheet and removed the FASS system as according to the specs I read, they do the exact same thing but much cheaper. Thank you!!! :ok1:

I think you will love your new truck!

Okay, I think I found a converter that will work, or at least is within my range of what is affordable, as I mentioned I will be getting the Air Dog Fuel System - 150GPH (499.00) and a converter TCI - Stall (1199.00) for now, and Amsoil Oil Pre-Charger (338.00). Unless anyone knows where I could get the converter or anything for less than what I found here? :humm: Oh yes, and I will be pulling my 4" Exh system off the old truck and make modifications to bolt up to my '02 charger.

Thank you

Have you called Dave at Goerend? Tell him exactly what you need (not want) be 100% honest to him (and yuorself) about what the truck will do and what power it makes and he will hook you up!!