Relentless70

As the thread title says, I need a 2nd opinion. I have a 1992 Dodge D350 CTD dually with 635k miles on it. It is my DD and I tow with this truck. I normally shift the NV4500 at about 1300-1400 RPM unloaded. When I'm loaded a bit to 13K overall, I shift at around 1900-2000 RPM.....I do that for engine longevity. My buddy has a 2nd gen, and he shifts around 2500 RPM from 2nd to 4th. His truck has an AirDog LP and aftermarket injectors (wanna say RP275???). I'm concerned about engine longevity, but am I screwing myself by shifting at that low of RPM? I hate to ask such a dumb question, but I've never owned a diesel before. Any info you guys can give me is really appreciated!

LPU_911

Since it's not a Getrag, luggin it isn't as big of a deal as it is for most 1st gens. Aside to shifting out of first I would recommend shifting at about 1800 or 1900 rpm unloaded, that way when your in the next higher gear you're not lugging right away. When towing heavy loads, I would rev it even higheer into the 2500 range. It won't really hurt fuel mileage in the long run and you will accelerate much better. This will save wear on the tranny as well, especially since that's what you're looking for.

Take all this with a grain of salt, because I'm fairly new to this as well.

1992gen1_fan

As long as you let it spool up and dont just punch it and blow lots of smoke, let it rev up prety good between shifting. The less stress on the engine, the less wear and tear on everything. Diesels dont like being lugged.

thrashingcows

I shift my NV4500 around 1800rpm from 2nd to 3rd, then bring it up to 2200 to 2500 rpm for the 3rd to 4th shift, and then 2000rpm for the 4th to 5th shift. I also have 3.54's for gearing as well. But if I'm loaded, depending on the lay of the road I usually shift above 2200rpm for my shifts.

I drive my crew as my daily driver and I get around 21-24 mpg mixed city/hwy driving.