Just bought a 2001 2500 HO 6 spd. Can any one tell me when I should be shifting gears, should I be shifting at 2000 RPM's or lower? Also is it normal for the truck to jump around when I shut it off. As you can tell I have never owned a diesel, any info on the 2001 would be great.

Thanks

 

well when just slowly driveing around it will shift around 2k but when pulling they shift aroun 2600 well thats where my friends shifts. yes it is normal for the cummins to take a victory shake when turned off. its an animal that never wants to quit
DM01

 

Do NOT be afraid to rev these engines. They are happier when reving hard than lugging. You can easily take it up to around 3000 rpm and can run practically all day at close to this rpm.

Regarding the shudder after turning off - this is totally normal with a Cummins - they all do it. A diesel shuts down via a fuel shut down solenoid which cuts the fuel to the pump - as a result the engine stays running for a small period of time. The shudder is likely due to the larger torque/compression of the diesel.

 

I like around 2.2 k empty, cruising easy. A***t 2700 loaded and/or for a bit more performance.