I recently bought an '04 quad 4x4 6 speed. I have been reading threads here for about 6 hours now and was just wondering what is the first I should be thinking about adding? This is my dream truck, been dreamin' about it for 15yrs. I use it for work and pleasure though anytime I am in it seems like pleasure. I will be pulling a trailer though not all the time. I have seen some awsome trucks and read about so many add ons they are all running together now. Oh yeah, a couple of other things to, I read the owners manual though and didn't read anything about letting the turbo cool down, which seems odd to me after driving a semi for a while. I was also wondering about the block heater. The manual makes it sound as if all Cummins come factory with a block heater, though some without the cord. Mine has no cord but was curious about the heater. Thanks. You guys have an awsome site here, glad I stumbled accross it.

 

My understanding is that you DO have a block heater installed, but you have to now buy the cord from your local dealer. I know the 03 owners manual has the cool-down times for the turbo in it, I think it was in the operation section. As for what to do BOMBing-wise, you'll get a lot of different opinions but I know for me the first 2 things are exaust and a scotty 3. Those 2 things will go a long ways to keeping EGT's down. After that, gauges (Pyro and Boost). Anyway, welcome to DTR and congrats on the new rig!-Steve

 

Check behind the passenger side headlight. The cord should be hidden back there. If it's not then

 

Thanks for the info. I'll be looking for a good exhaust and a Scotty III. No cord behind the light.

 

I have aslmost the same truck and the BLOCKHEATER is installed but the cord is not, unless your truck came with the cold-weather package. The cord is around $30 from the dealer or Cummins. They were backlogged and it took me more than 30 days to get one. And, it only heats the water around the cylinders. IT will NOT heat the water in radiator or heater core, if you're thinking you want the cab area to get warmer quicker.

And the intake preheaters kick on and cycle for 2.5 minutes or until you reach 20 mph. During this time, You will hear a clunking from the right front engine compartment and all your lights will go bright and dim, cause the heaters' are drawing an enormous amount of electricty!

Good luck with new truck...I'm really enjoying mine.

 

Cool. I was actually wondering about the light dimming thing. I just need the block heater because I work in 40-50 below weather in Wyoming. Although, it has been a mild winter there this year and last. You used to be able to get a circulating heater for considerably more that actually did help heat the cab quicker.

 

I have an 03 which came stock with the engine heater. A friend of mine just bought an 04 off the lot and had the dealer install the heater. (Could they just have installed the cord?)

As far as mods, I really like the Jake... Install was fairly easy, and I kick it on to warm up for a minute or two.

I would like to add a pyro and/or cooldown timer, but I don't know if a cool down timer would work with the engine immobilizer. (I saw the other thread, but it seemed to talk about the security system, instead of the chip built into the key).

 

I would be extremely cautious adding a JAKE Brake to the exhaust as this is considered an engine modification and will VOID your warranty. On another site, an owner snapped his crankshaft at 10k miles due to the Jake brake and neither DODGE nor Cummins will warranty the engine. How'd you like to be making payments on a 40k vehicle and have no warranty with a blown engine?

I suggest starting with the simple stuff, like Nerf Bars, Vent Visors, Brush Guard, 2" leveling kit and 315 tires, PIAA healight replacement bulbs (just ordered a set). Oh, you can't adjust the headlights up or down only side to side. Maybe look at changing the entire drive train out to synthetics and changing the air filter over to a foam type. I've been working with an Amsoil rep for all the part numbers. I haven't decided to change to Amsoil yet...waiting until i get around 7500k miles on truck, but have all the part numbers, and have the FLEETGUARD oil filter part numbers too.

And, yes you can get a recirculating type heater that plugs into the heater core hoses. I don't know the cost, but I think think a pic of it and where to get it is posted on one of the threads on this site. Being you're in really cold area, I'm surprised the dealer didn't order the truck with the COLD WEATHER Package....You may want to talk to the parts guys at the dealership and look at ordering it...

Good luck and have fun!

 

Couldn't have been a Jacobs brand exhaust brake. They are sold through Dodge and Cummins and are approved by both manufacturers.

I don't know if by "Jake" brake you are saying Jacobs or just the generic term for an exhaust brake.

 

A "Jake" is a common term for a Jacobs brake. I haven't heard of any problems w/ engine or exaust brakes like that. Dodge is selling Jacobs e-brakes as an option, so I'd like to see them not warantee it!-Steve

 

To clear up any confusion, I was referring to the genuine Jacob brake, sold to me by the Dodge dealer, with the box and the switch housing marked with the Cummins trade mark...

As long as it is installed correctly, it does not void the warranty.

Jeff

P.S.

Anyone running a Jake on a Gen 3 with straight pipe? Just curious how it would sound...

 

I think there may be some confusion here between a genuine 'jake brake' (fitted to big diesels and affects valve actuation to provide some serious braking) and the Jacobs exhaust brake that is approved by Dodge. They are two completely different animals. I wouldn't be surprised if a true jake brake would void the warranty (if one is even available to fit a small diesel like a Cummins ISB), but of course the Jacobs exhaust brake unit is OK.

 

By "genuine Jacob" I meant Jacob brand exhaust brake, not an engine brake.

I'm probably beating a dead horse, and I would guess everyone now knows what I meant. I guess the Jacob brand is such a leader in the market that "jake brake" has come to be used to refer to all sorts of engine and exhaust brakes (like "Kleenex" is now used to refer to facial tissues of all types).

I am also not aware of an engine brake (Jacob brand or otherwise) for the ISB, but there are a variety of exhaust brakes out there, and I have no idea which ones are warranty approved.

Also, if I understand correctly, some of the earlier engines require stronger exhaust valves to safely use an exhaust brake, which could account for some of the stories out there.

 

Okay, broke down and ordered PIAA Headlight replacement bulbs yesterday and Bushwacker Street Fender Flares today...will it never end?

 

I found this on the CUMMINS SITE and may clear up some confusion about the Jake Brake comments. Maybe the guy who had a problem put on on an automatic?

" Can an exhaust brake be used on the 24-valve engine? What about with an automatic transmission?

Yes, the new manual transmission 24-valve engine was designed with the exhaust brake in mind. Replacement of the exhaust valve springs will not be required as it was on some models of the previous style engine.

Exhaust brakes are not recommended for automatic transmission engines. Please note: Current 12-valve-compatible E Brakes designed for '89-'98 model Dodge Rams should not be installed on '98 and later 24-valve electronic engines. Doing so can cause serious damage to the engine."