New to me 2004 Cummins 4x2
 

I've been wanting to pick me up a diesel, and ultimately decided on a cummins. I recently found a 2004 cummins 4x2 automatic. I did jump the gun a bit, but it had low mileage (30k) and was very very clean. I've just got a couple (what I hope to be) quick questions.

1) Its an automatic transmission, and shows no signs of slippage or anything, but does seem like it shifts firm, and sometimes feels like a cvt in the sense that it doesnt fee like a traditional car automatic transmission. Under non heavy acceleration, seems like it shifts before a car would.

2) The truck had no hitches to be found, 5th wheel or otherwise. I ultimately want to do some mild hauling (tow small trailers for dump runs, and a car hauler later on). Does the simple chrysler hitch effectively get me to where I'd be if it came from the factory ready to tow? Does the tow package have a beefier transmission from the dealer? (eg, I'll need more than simply tossing a hitch on it)

3) If I were to ever toss a tuner on it, I'd want to go with something fairly mild (no need to shoot for the sky)... I know people say the autos are weaker and dont really like power upgrades. Are there some mild things I can do to make this tranny happier with the additional power?


I think thats it, and I appreciate the time! Thanks!

it needs a converter and a valvebody or shift kit

Isn't a hitch standard on ANY 3/4 or 1 ton truck? Thats what I was told when I bought my 01, and I haven't EVER seen one without a hitch, unless it was a chasis truck.

Well this may have been a chassis truck... I don't really have any way of knowing. Just trying to make sure I don't do anything stupid like attempt to tow something when its not ready.. or just assume it was built to tow.

I ordered my truck new, didn't come with hitch
if you wanted one you had to order trailer package.

it is a standar class 4 hitch on any 2500 up to12,000 lbs gross trailer weight or 1,200 lbs tongue weight if is not be removed from the previos owner.:yeah:

Great, thanks for the info on the hitch stuff, gives me a lot more confidence in the truck...

As far as the transmission goes... is a very occasional holding on to a gear a tad too long, or a slightly harder than normal shift from reverse to drive (while fully stopped) out of the normal?

upgrade you trans or change the oil and filter

hahaha two very diff suggestions there =)

1) It's a diesel! Different shift pattern
2)Same tranny factory tow hitch on 90% of all trucks! Good to 12,000lbs
3) Get a valve body and TQ That will hold just fine for what your doing. A Smarty Junior will be all you need! AND don't forget the better air in Part!!
Congrats and welcome to Diesel heaven! DON'T let the power bug bite you!!!

Build the tranny, and then get gauges and a Smarty tuner.

Thats a typical problem, along with shuttle shifting, at low throttle opening that these units are known for. The gov pressure solenoid is weak and inadequate so you get some different shifting than should be normal. There are 2 differnt upgrades that will address that problem fairly well along with other tweaks to make it work better.

Shift kit, a couple billet servos, billet band apply parts and the stock TC will hold at stock power well. If you want a mild tuner then you need a billet cover TC or it will be a problem down the road. Unless you abuse it or want bigger power those few thing will fix the trans quite well.

Keep it stock and it will do all you want it to do!Then you will not need to spend a lot of money to sup it up to tear it up to spend more money.I pull 23.000 all over the south and out west with a stock truck. I did put a better air box on it but keep the stock filter.I change it at ever oil change. === good luck ===:tu:

I'd like to run just a slight slight tune... and honestly... I want it to shift much better. I dont mind doing tranny upgrades to improve drivability.

cerebus: are the items you laid out there all parts of a new valve body? Or part or none at all? (minus the torque converter)?

Also, if I were to go and buy a nice valvebody would I have to install a torque converter at that time, or can I buy part, install part, buy other part, and then install it?