So I picked up my first diesel truck last spring. 2005, 3500, 5.9. It has 80,000 miles on it, 4.10 rear end, 6 sp tranny.
I tow a skid-steer loader (9,000lbs tops w/ trailer) maybe 4 or 5 times each tank of fuel. Power is adequate and I get about 16 mpg I'd say.
I am interested in maybe an emission delete because I get the impression that these increase engine longevity and fuel economy. I have no idea the requisites for doing these mods, however, I am not concerned about warrantee issues. Could you guys please answer some basic questions for me?

-Does the 5.9 even have an EGR system? or is that just after '07 in the 6.7's?
-If not, does deleting the DPF make substantial mileage gains?
-Would I need to get a programmer after doing the deletes?
-What can I do to make the best mileage gains?

Thanks in advance.

 

You just have a catalytic converter and it is actually illegal to remove it. Tons of people have removed them including me. But emissions testing is non existant where I live for now.

The only thing I can suggest for you is possibly get a smarty jr. If you are getting 16mpg towing 9000 pounds I'd say leave it alone. Thats pretty awesome.

 

Driving style has a huge impact on mileage.

1. Slow down. My truck's mileage is directly dependant on speed. At 80mph I get 16-17. At 50mph I get 22-23.

2. Go light on the throttle. Watch the boost gauge during acceleration. More boost = more fuel burned. I get better mileage around town if I keep boost below 15 during acceleration.

 

keep your tires inflated. I run max tire rated on the front, minimum 60psi in the rear. More if I have a heavy load. As .Bob said, it's more driving style. Smarty Jr will help with increasing the timing. I wouldn't speed much more $$ on it since you're looking to increase your bottom line.

 

I would also say 16 is pretty good towing.

 

l would not, maybe, kill for 16mpg towing but would do serious damage.
Clark

 

i drive mine like a raped ape and get 22mpg, i avg 75mph - 90mph..

 

Not such a good idea. Overinflated tires decrease the contact patch and increase the wheel rate. It adversly affects handeling, ride, and braking.

It doesn't save any money, either. You gain a little in fuel coss. But you wear out the tires faster, and increase your tire cost.

 

You do have EGR, but is in cylinder. Therefore to delete it you need to get a cam and your out a grand easy. The 2006 MY does not have a DPF so no need to worry about that. Really it will take a long time to get much of a pay back from spending more money to save money. Really the best way to get more mpg is to drive slow...but that can be painful.

 

Air up the tires and keep it under 1800 RPM.

 

Not my experience.

 

the pay back to get rid of the in cylinder egr is a lot shorter than you think. get a pdr cam or call colt, hamilton or f1 and get a custom grind. get 35 hp nozzles and a smarty jr leave the smarty on economy setting. this combination will net 40% increase in mpg. how this works takes to long to print. but we have applied it to several and keep a record. this applies to the 04.5 to the 07.4 it also reduces soot loading of the oil by 75% reduces egt by 300* and gives more low end torque for towing

 

What makes your tires differant than every other tire on the planet?

 

Do not overinflate, but properly inflate w/ maximum tread contact patch. BTW, what size tires do you have F3D?

 

I'm not with my truck today, but I'm Pretty sure the truck has it's stock size tires. I wanna say it's 265/85/17.