I still am trying to decide on keeping my 01 PSD or trading it for an 04 Cummins. I have heard rumors that the 03 and newer Cummins use powdered metal connecting rods. My 01 PSD has them and is one of the reasons for my disappointment with it. Does anyone know for certain whether the 03 or 04 Cummins uses this type of rod? It will make my decision easier to make. Thanks

 

NO Cummins rods are PM.

 

I thought the 7.3's had steel rods in them, and that IH only went to powdered in the 6.0's to cut down on manufacturing costs and processes.

I'm curious, why is that a big disappointment in the ownership of your truck? Do you run your truck on drugs and are worried about long term durability?

 

The 7.3l had forged rods until oct 2000. that was when they switched to the powdered metal. From what i have been told, they did a run of about 50,000-60,000 engines with the powdered metal, then 50,000-60,000 with forged, and then all powdered metal. My serial number just happens to be after the final switch to powedered metal. I haven't looked at them so it's just a guesstimation on my part.
No drugs on the truck and I don't plan on using any, but I am planning on a better chip, ball bearing turbo and Stage II 90-120 hp injectors. With those things, I am right at the edge of the hp limit. One person on TheDieselStop.com was running the same configuration I want to and blew his motor apart. Cause: powdered metal con rods. The only other option would be to tear the engine apart and replace them with forged rods, or just save my money. But saving is so hard to do with such an expensive hobby.

 

jlasich, you could blow it up and then spend all sorts of coin!!!!!! ;D

 

I could blow it up and put a Cummins in it. ;D I actually thought about doing that but then really started to like the Ram, so I guess I don't need the forged rods anymore. I found an '04 a couple hundred miles away that fits my specs and am in the process of purchasing very soon, hopefully.

 

jlasich I don't know how much HP that guy on DieselStop was running but there are at least 2-3 ISBe Cummins over 500 HP with no problems.

The only thing Cummins really changed on the block and bottom end of the engine compared to the previous 24-valve is they webbed the block more for even greater strength and actually beefed up the mains with a bedplate. The pistons on the HOs have gallery-fed cooling like the DMax in addition to the underside cooling Cummins has always had.

As far as I know Cummins hasn't cheapened up on anything internal, the only problem I've heard of is some of them supposedly have a piston in backwards which taps on the oil spray nozzle and makes a noise. I've only heard of 1 guy with fuel in his oil.

Vaughn

 

Jlasich
I know theres a way to make a link on here but i dont know how. But this should solve your problem,good price to
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e....category=33615
;D

 

Linky no worky. But by the big grin on your face, I can only assume it's a CTD. I know it'll fix my situation and I'll have mine soon. Can't wait.

 

I know it no workie. You hafto type it in its a new cummins motor still in the crate. A 03 HO complete just like dodge buys them yesterdays high bid was 7,500