So I started my airdog 100 install today. I received it a week but had to wait another week for the perpendicular mount to come because there was no way to mount the parallel mount on my truck without modification to the other stuff already running on the frame (mainly the e-brake, also I have a 2000 dodge 2500 QC SB). If I had done the necessary mods to fit it outside the frame, I would have then run out of fuel line because I just have enough running it the way I'm doing it.

So I started out with installing the mount and had to remove it. I had to remove it to drill 3 new lower holes so the pump didn't rub the floor of the cab (had a lot of pressure on the pump to get it on the mount).

So I had to pay for shipping the new mount to me and the old mount back (which I think cost like ~$45 total) even though it's not my fault they send out a universal mount that is supposed to work. If they had tried it on the different body styles from 98.5 - 01 then they would have seen it wouldn't work on my truck without modifications that I no longer have access to the tools to do. I guess the only reason they need to know the year of the truck is so they can send you the correct wiring harness and everything else is just universal (haven't tried the wiring, but it has the same connector as my stock fuel pump).

Like I mentioned earlier, I might have just enough fuel line to plumb the system. They sent me 20ft instead of 25ft like other people have gotten before. If I don't have enough after I run the tank line (I have already run the engine line) then I will find somewhere else to get a better quality line (pureflow's line is good, but there is better stuff out there) for the return and eventually run upgraded line everywhere. But hopefully I have enough.

I hate how the system is advertised as having everything needed for install (I ordered more push-lock fittings from vulcan performance) because it doesn't necessarily come with everything YOU need for YOUR TRUCK. And when you get what you need, you may have to modify it to work. I love opening up the installation manual to find it says on page 5 #3: "The installation recommendations contained herein are suggested installation guidelines only. Individual installations may vary.". I agree that individual installations vary, but shouldn't require modification on a stock truck that the system is specified for. I have seen where many of you have heavily modified the way your airdog mounts and I probably would have to if I had access to the tools to do it, but I don't. So when I order something that is supposed to fit my truck with what they send me, that's what I expect to happen and not to have to pay to remedy any problems with the materials sent.

All that being said, I do like the system and I personally know a few guys that run airdogs and love them. I will probably really love mine when it's all installed and running and wonder what I did before I found it. I will however look into how the FASS systems install (I don't think they're any better on the install and filter just as well) and any other systems built for my other trucks before buying airdogs for them as well (I might give FASS a try for the hell of it).

Sorry for the ranting, but I mainly wanted to let everyone know not to expect the airdogs to bolt on on a truck that uses the factory sending unit (no draw straw).

This was started because i had to modify the mount, pay both way shipping to get the right mount, and buy more fitting to make the fuel line run correctly (and coincidentally have enough fuel line, maybe) for a system I just paid $501 for that was made for my year model truck (with free shipping thankfully, f%#$ing box was heavy).

 

 

mine went smooth,but i allready had a draw straw installed prior.

 

that sucks they screwed your kit up, i had everything to install mine, except the fitting that was for the fuel pressure gauge. I knew i had to drop the tank prior to buying the airdog. But still was easy to install. The hardest part was to get the stupid line on the fittings

 

the airdog push lock fitting are a walk in the park compared to summit's brand.i used some of them on my car and they actually sell a tool for them

 

Ron called me today to ask about the shipping charges and apparently Discover messed up and charged me twice (which they are removing today, so shipping was only $24). I still had to pay for it, but that's what you do to keep your business profitable in this economy. I still don't like it, but can except it. When talking to Ron I told him that I didn't think their system was a bolt-on system but he said it was supposed to be for most applications. Well, there's a whole thread just on where to mount the airdog on 2500 QC SB trucks.

After ironing out the mounting kinks I got the fuel lines run (stock tank fitting was a PITA), but I have yet to install the electrical (doing that later). Overall, this is a great system and I hope to get many years of service out of it.

I did find out while working under the truck that my carter hadn't died, but the stock fuel line had loosened from the quick connector to the pump causing it to suck air (not the connector itself, but where the line pushed onto the connector). So if you have a pump running very erratically but won't fill the fuel bowl, you may want to check the line connecting to the pump.

 

I got my Airdog 100 installed today, finally. Got everything mounted and plumbed and torqued down (tightening the 90* on the vp44 fitting without breaking it is a PITA, having to have two wrenches in a tight space doesn't make it any easier).

Overall, I'm very pleased with it (only had it running for 5 hours). The pump can be heard clearly when the engines not running, but can't be heard at all when the engines running (have to be a loud pump to out shine a diesel).

The pump hits 15psi within seconds of turning the truck over and builds to 18psi quickly after that. Under WOT, it doesn't drop to below 16psi. The pump is labeled as being set at 15psi, so I was thinking I would have to put in the 17psi spring included in the kit to raise the pressure. I'm glad I didn't because I don't want to run pressure over 20psi and if the 17psi spring did what the 15psi spring did, it would run at 20psi.

Truck starts quickly and seems to idle a little more smooth (only I would notice). I love having a steadier fuel pressure and look forward to many years of great service. Now it's time to relax and enjoy some of the good stuff.

P.S. To remove the old line on the tank I slide under the truck and bear hugged the tank (not easy to fit my arm between tank and drive shaft). Then, I used a small screwdriver to push under the bottom tab to hold it and pushed the other one on top with my left hand. Came off really easy after I figured this out after trying for over an hour. Thought this might help others.