Ok, I have a question regarding what is normal for these trucks.

My truck is as stated below. The rearend is a 3.55 LSD.

When I go up any decent grade (>10-12%) it doesn't speed up in a hurry at all. Seems pretty pokey. It accelerates the same at half throttle as it does at full throttle.

What worries me is that this is unloaded- What will happen when I have a 6500 lb trailer in back of me? Is this normal for these trucks?

 

Sounds about the same as my 95 4x4 5 speed. pullin the grade on my way home everyday which is %6 incline 3 miles long or so in 5th I can pull 75 mph tops, dosent really matter if its floored or around 5/8s down. this is my 3rd CTD and with the exception of the 93 250 the pump was done on they are all the same so far. Actually the 93 350 I had wouldent even pull 70 mph. Say what? power?theres plenty to be unleashed, how much money you have? just dont go to far, the rest of the dodge will come unglued.

 

time for some fueling mods!

advance the timing, do a plate, and a GSK... it'll attack those hills!

 

I had intended to do a few mods. First come the gauges: I hope to install them at the end of Feb. at the NW Bomber's bomb party.

Then I'll probably take it to a local shop to have it timed.

As for the fuel plate, I want to, but simply don't have the cash for any trans upgrades right now. A #10 plate (the highest number recommended for my 180hp CPL) seems a little aggressive, even with the housing most of the way back.

The place that quoted me on the timing (~$200) recommended a BD #6 plate, and said I could keep the stock trans. Doesn't sound at all right to me..

The GSK I might consider, as it could be beneficial to my trans, right? (by allowing more torque at higher RPMs, giving increased line pressure?)

 

you can run any plate with the stock tranny, just slide it back a little if it overpowers...

at the very least, slide the stock plate all the way forward...

Forrest

 

stock trannys suck i have a #6 plate that i could part with if your interested but your tranny probably wouldn't hold it. get an exhaust and intake before you get gauges you'll love the sounds

 

Put the GSK in, it will be a big improvement. Should be considered "the first mod" as far as I'm concerned. No need for gauges, no over fueling concerns, no excessive smoke, just a great addition to the power band. You will not be sorry.

It will make a huge improvement. After the gauges are in, then play with the afc cover, moving the plate, and tinkering with the star wheel. Then when you get tired of that, get a #10, keep it back a little from stock location you will still get a nice power band while not utilizing "the full power potential" of the #10. It will still increase the "driveability and power" while you save $$ for your tranny.Set up this way will save your tranny, but you will want a new one anyways.

I'm in the same boat as you and all I have to say is why didn't I get the GSK sooner? Especialy if you tow. Kevin

 

What kd460 said.

My '98 with a full load behaves like yours empty. Be gentle with the OEM tranny. Have you replaced your overflow valve?

 

No, haven't done the OF valve yet. Just found out this week reading the other thread about o/f valves that I should replace it ..