Today I picked up my first Cummins. I used to be a sports car nut, but I got a Honda CBR1000RR and realized I could dust anything out there, so the car lost its appeal and I wanted something to haul my bike with. My mom drives a 1998 GMC with the 6.5L TD engine, so I have been around diesels before but am still not all that familiar with them. I did a lot of research reading magazines, surfing the net, and talking to random truck owners at gas stations and in parking lots, and decided to break the strict all GM family tradition and bought a 2001 Dodge Ram 2500 6spd with 107k on the odometer. I rolled home 150 miles from Vermont back to Connecticut and I am crazy about this rig. The whole ride home I spent thinking of upgrades and mods and other things I could do to it. It already has the Banks 4" exhaust, but I want more! I will post seperate in the performance section with regards to that stuff.

Basically, before I go crazy with this thing, what kinds of things should I do to ensure this truck is going to last me a good long while. I have no idea what the service history is on this truck, but it runs strong. I was going to take it last weekend immediately after my test drive, but the dealer was kind enough to do a second check on all the fluids and discovered an oil leak in the cooler, so that got replaced.

Im going to change the oil and flush the coolant soon, so I know that its done, and bleed the brakes because they seem very grabby. Ive heard of people putting 2 stroke oil in their fuel tanks to lubricate the injector pump. Is this a good idea? Ive also heard about oil bypass filters. At 107k is this a good idea, or could I better put the money elsewhere. Ive also heard about FASS systems. I saw them for sale on Pure Diesel Power for about $635. Im not even really sure what it is, but a lot of people have talked about that and upgraded lift pumps. Any advice would be greatley appreciated!

 

being new here means everybody will view your post, but won't reply. i tried for a couple of days, my first reply was to fill out my signture. that was a butt-load of help.
my only advice is to check your fuel pressure. too low, wipes out injector pump.
good luck with getting more help, sean

 

for sure look into a fuel preassure gauge. always make sure that injection pump has a good supply of fuel. upgraded fuel pump is always a good idea.
regular oil changes (thats a given) as well as fuel filter changes.
there are alot of different aditives out there. i used to use 2 stroke oil untill i quit my job at a small engine place and my supply was harder to get. i just use powerservice. but there are sooo many different types of additives. do a search on this site.

and welcome aboard to the cummins crew.

 

Welcome to the site and to the world of REAL truck power. I too am a chebby convert. My last two trucks had the 6.5 in them and I have been a GM guy for the last 25 or so years. Nothing compares to what these I6's can do. Enjoy the truck and keep us posted on upgrades.

 

Thanks for all the advice. I think Im going to get an Edge/Attitude. That should cover all my bases for gauges and performance. Im also strongly considering the FASS system to provide some security w/ regards to extra fuel filtration and lift pump life.

 

Hoser....I think you'll really like the Edge w/Attitude! I like my FASS except for one thing....the NOISE! See if you can find a place on your truck that won't pick up so much vibration noise, or use some kind of rubber gaskets. I think the newer ones have had the noise issue worked on.

 

The 2 stroke oil($8/gal at Wally world) is a good idea, with the new low sulpher fuel, 16-32 oz per tank. Power Service(White for winter, antigel, Silver otherwise) is good for keeping the fuel system clean. Check out the Vulcan big line kit as an alternative to FASS.
The FP gauge is a must, as most trucks die from dead LP's, that soon after, take the VP(IP). Check out Geno's.
Welcome to the club! Lots of good information on this site, very knowledgable people.
Also, it would seem you have an NV5600 tranny if it is 6 speed. An extra quart of oil(Chrysler or Panzoil Syncomesh) in the top bolt hole for the PTO cover is highly recommeded.
As for Oil, the older CI-4 is much better than the CJ stuff.
You should be able to get the Valvoline Premiun Blue Classic Oil from a Cummins Dealer. This is about the best oil in the business. If you can find the NAPA brand CI-4 oil, buy all that is left, also from Valvoline, excellent.
Where do you live in CT? I grew up in Cheshire.

 

Im Navy, was sailing out of Groton on one of the Subs, but got grounded due for medical reasons. Now I work at the base armory. Im living over in Uncasville pretty much right down the street from Mohegan Sun. Its a nice little area, and beats the ghettos of Norwich where I was before.

Theres a shop right down the street from me, FleetPride, which services diesel trucks and carries a lot of different stuff. I went in there and talked to them and I think they gave me some good advice. They carry FleetGuard filters, so I got a new fuel and oil filter for my truck. They also sold me some FPPF additive. They said they have been having extremely good luck with it and 1 quart treats 250 gallons. Adding only 4 ounces didnt seem like much, so I mentioned cutting it with 2 stroke oil; they didnt seem crazy about the idea, but I plan on doing it anyways. They also told me about Castrol Tection oil, they carry it but said its actually cheaper at Wal-Mart. They say they have been having great luck with it.

I changed oil and fuel filter today. Im gonna change tranny fluid soon and then maybe differentials and xfer case. Also gotta order ball joints this week, mine are shot.

 

I've used the Lucas additive with great results, but a lot of additives are ok. A good fuel pressure gauge is the first thing you should get. Also, keep an eye on your front wheel bearing hubs, at 100,000+ they could go bad at some point. If you ever need any engine parts, always get them from a Cummins service center. I get my non engine parts from Napa, but never at Dodge dealers unless I can't get it anywhere else, Dodge will rape you on prices! I remember my first drive in my Dodge, it was AWESOME!

 

Welcome to the forum, as you can see from my sig. I practically have same truck of yours.....with 170,000 miles more.
FP is a must, everything else is great.
I use Rotella T 15-40 on all my diesel trucks, and never had a problem even with MN cold temps and I drive them MANY, MANY miles.
I also use 1 quart 2 stroke oil every couple of tankfuls, and I do buy Fleetguard filter ONLY.

These motors are tougher than you think, good luck with your purchase and...ENJOY it

 

Sorry your first experience was not a great one!.... and filling in your signature is important, so you can get more yr/model specific answers.

The problem with "I'm new ...what should I do" questions is, they take a lot of time for someone to answer well. Not everyone has the time...at that moment. The more specific the question...the more answers you tend to get. The irony is...new owners don't know enough, in many cases, to ask specific enough questions.
My advice to serious new owners is to read every thread you have time for.... and get familiar with the search engine as soon as you can. You may not find the specific answer you're looking for, but you'll learn a lot of other really good stuff along the way.

HOSER795 - Welcome and good luck with your first CTD. FYI... if you have rear disk brakes...you have a 01.5 model (around DTR anyway). You've got the basics covered with checking the lift pump/fuel pressure. IF you do go with the Edge Juice, keep an eye out for overpowering your clutch. Oil by-pass filtration is good if you drive a lot of miles but not economical, IMO, otherwise. Fleetguard filters are strongly advise, as mentioned. The FASS is great... excellent quality and all newer models have the quietier update. It replaces the lift pump and supplies all the fuel you will ever need as you add HP.
Gauges, better air intake and bigger injectors will need to be on your wish list soon as you get basic maintenance out of the way.
Your in great shape already...just finding this site!

RJ

 

I must say, people in here are awesome. Ive actually got a ton of responses and I have been trying to post in some other areas. I am still working on all the maintenance, but I feel relieved to get the oil and fuel filter done. Tranny seems to be ok, but I will be doing it soon. Suspension is shot.

I just got some of the XRF ball joints and Energy bushings are on the way. I need to find some good shocks now.

I must say, Im still in love with the truck. Its not as fast as any of my cars, but theres something about knowing that I could pull a house down that more than makes up for it.