I've been lurking on this site for awhile getting lots of good info and now am considering purchasing a 2002 4x4 Ram Cummins with automatic tranny. This would be my first diesel, I currently own a Toy Tundra. I had a couple questions after test driving it tonight:

1. When shifting into drive or reverse, there is a slight chirp, is this a normal sound for the tranny engaging? (a result from enging torque?)

2. When the enging is turned off, it seems like it took the engine a slight bit more time for engine to shut down, I'm guessing because of engine torque also?

3. It idled in drive at about 650-700 at a stop but there was alot of engine pressure, it felt like I was trying to power brake, but my foot was off the gas.

Sorry for the newbie questions, this truck definetely felt different than a Toy Tundra. BTW is there anything else I should check out on a 02 with 29,500 miles?

Thanks!

 

1.) Has the tranny been modified? This does not sound normal, but I'm not saying that it is bad.

2.) Given the compression ratio, and the overall reciprocating mass, the CTD does shut down a bit differently than a gasser. Also, this IS normally where you would hear a chirp if the AC was turned on. This is from the belt slipping on the pulley.

3.) Again, was the tranny updated with perhaps a new torque converter? There is a fair amount of pull at idle.

4.) Be prepaired for little things that are not up to Toyota build quality, but that is the case with all of the Big Three offerings. Overall though, I've been pleased with mine over the last 4+ years. I had a 4Runner prior.

 

Re:Should I Buy? No Brainer! Yes! Answers; 1) Torque 2) Torque 3) Torque This truck isn't like your toyota and should not be compared to it. This is a heavy truck not made to ride and feel like a car. The automatic may in time need work but the aftermarket has done a superb job filling that need for improvement. Unless you have very carlike tendencies, you're appreciation for this truck, should you buy it, will grow tremendously, and along with our help bombitis will set in and consume your life. Mike (mine is almost stock too ;D)

 

if your going to do towing consider a standerd real hard