New Owner!
 

Hey everyone,

I just purchased a 2002 Ram 2500 with a 5 Speed! I've been on here alot and while I cannot do any performance mods, (yet) the truck is completely stock and only has 80,000 miles! I'll be increasing the performance a little later on, but I'd like to get any basic maintenance covered first!

I just purchased the following:

FLEETGUARD LF3894 oil filter
FLEETGUARD AF25541 air filter
FLEETGUARD FS19855 fuel filter

I plan on using Rotella synthetic to do an oil change this weekend along with all the basic maintenance.

Is there anything else I should check/look at? I've been reading about the VP44 problems, and while the truck only has 80k on it, I want to be safe, so I'm wondering what the best course of action should be.

Thanks in advance!

firt mod id do is an airdog or fass. then gauges. small programmer, then clutch and injectors.

why a clutch? only 80k miles, and no mods...?

The torque from a chip can make a stock clutch slip. Although a stock clutch can last a while if treated properly, it's good insurance to stay on the road and out of the shop unplanned.

I agree with a lift pump upgrade, even if you don't have plans of turning up the power. $500 now will save $1000+ down the road.

The more ive read on the lift pumps, the more I want to get something better than the FASS DDRP pump. What would te next best pump be? And should consider a relocation kit? I agree spending money now is much better than a new vp44 however I need to be as cost effective as I can. When I do start upgrading I don't expect to be going crazy, I'll probably so an intake, exhaust, edge and an elbow to start.

Next best would be a FASS Platinum95, IMO. It has one filter, so I suggest running it to your stock fuel bowl. It will supply all the flow you will need, and give a little extra filtration.

So when you say fuel bowl, you mean the stock filter assembly? And I guess no relocation with that pump?

That pump is mounted on the Frame Rail and yes it deletes the stock filter.

Luke

I am going To save up for the better pump then. How long could I run the stock? I'm guessing I won't for more than a month but I have to recover from buying the truck before I can put too much $$$ into it.

Unfortunately there is no guarantee with a VP44. Best thing to do is get a fuel pressure gauge ASAP. You don't want to see less then 10psi at the pump.

Ok. Gauges are on the list but im going to wait and do it right by getting all 3. I have a scangauge ii, does the dodge send fp data to it? I've found some vehicles do and some don't.

It does not. Even if you can borrow a fuel pressure gauge to know where you are, that is ok for now.

Awesome, thanks for the help.

If I was to just do the DDRP and a relocation kit, what would the cons be compared to the higher priced pump?

Lower flow yielding lower pressure, less filtration, and most like more of a pain in the arse.

It seems the VPs and stock lift pumps like to go around 150k but thats just me and all my buddies trucks lol

Appreciate the advice. I'm going to keep researching but most likely go with a better lift pump then, I'm not sure the future of this truck, whether or not I'll be modding, but it can't hurt to prep it just in case

I agree with RAWilliams, fuel pressure gauge is the MOST important thing you can do to these trucks, another good (cheap) option is a low fuel pressure warning kit. They're around $50 and will let you know if the pressure drops too low AT the injection pump. I'd recomend this one: Products