I have an '89 Dodge 3/4 ton with the Cummins. I use Rotella 15W-40 and change the oil every 5,000 miles. As for torque and horsepower, according to a Chilton manual I bought, this model Cummins has 160 horsepower and 400ft. lbs torque. My Cummins just rolled over 258,000 and still going very strong. I don't know much about mods so I can't help you there, but I have heard others say that it dosen't hurt the Cummins. Mine smokes when you really slam the accelerator to the floor but mechanics have told me that this is just the nature of a diesel engine! Hope this helps. I have had my Dodge for three years and the next truck I buy will definitely have the Cummins in it as well!

 

Thanks for all the help guys. I really didnt think so many ppl would be so helpful like this on a Forum. I just want every one to know I think I have a new home...


Now for some bad news, My truck just started this today and now im worryed. It wont go in to drive I mean I can put it down in 1st and take off by shifting up my self but when you go in to drive theres nothing and its been doing this all day. Let me know what yall think. And thanks agin for all the help...

 

Do you have reverse? What year truck?

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Hopefully its something as simple as convertor drainback. With an auto you should start your truck, and immediately put truck in neutral for transmission fluid to circulate, especially in cold weather, but I do this all the time, with my 727 gasser, sold the CTD auto rig. Even if its just long enough to light a cig then hammer down, give the convertor time to get fluid, pressure or whatever. Some autos its no problem, some only do it if it sits for a few days, some less. The convertor drains back all its fluid, while sitting. These autos have no fluid circulation in park.

 

I didn't realize that the fluid can drain out, is there a check valve that goes out and allows this? or is it just the nature of the beast.

For sho-shane though, it sounds like 1st and 2nd work but not 3rd, I don't know if he is OD or not though.

His shifter cable or kick down cable could be out of adjustment also.

 

Sorry guys My truck is a 89 auto and and after I put it in 1st and take off I can put it in drive and it does fine till I stop agin then I have to go back to 1st?

 

Yes I have reverse it jumps right in

 

Use amsoil 15w 40 heavy duty diesel and marine oil if you can. You can go at least 15,000 miles on a change and it will run a little smoother and a little cooler.

 

Thats weird that it goes fine till you stop then you have to put it back into first. Even if you stop at stop lights? Or for an extended stop.

 

Sounds like maybe your kickdown cable needs adjusted, I'm not an auto guy though, just a thought

 

Stop to stop. Could it be a tranny filter?