Hey guys, please bear with me for a moment as this is a little long. Im new with the CTD but Ive been modifying my hotrods (all gassers) for about 20 years now. The main problem here is Im getting lost in all the mods available for the CTD. I did searches for a couple hours and found some great information, but it just brought up more questions.

My truck is basically a work truck, but like any other gearhead, I like more power when available. My list is pretty short really, a tuner, intake, catback, and a way to monitor the systems (gauges or PDF). Im not after 500rwhp or 1000lbft. Also, I dont want any parts that Ill have to replace at a later date because I bought the wrong thing in my learning stages. That gets expensive. Id like a couple more MPG is its possible (who doesnt).

If you could, give me the items you would put on an '06, one for each catagory, (tuner, intake, catback, systems monitor) that is reliable and easy enough to install and maintain. If I dont need an intake, or if the exhaust would be fine with just a muffler delete, please tell me that too.

I really thank you all for your time and appreciate you sharing your knowledge.

The Truck:
2006 Ram 2500 Q/C 4x4 auto CTD 3.73s

 

This is what I'd do (well, have done and will be doing):

Exhaust: MBRP muffler only. Our '06's already have a 4" stainless turbo-back system. No need to pay for a full cat-back system to replace it with the same thing! This is what I have, along with a 5" MBRP tip. Looks and sounds good, and its not obnoxiously loud, especially when towing.

Intake: I like the Quad system and the Scotty system, but I'm in no hurry to do either. This mod will be one of my last if I do it at all.

Chip & Monitor: Quadzilla Xzillaraider Standard with Commander. I have the Quad standard and really like it. As soon as I get some extra cash I'll be buying the Commander.

 

To have a well running Cummins that is still practical.

#1 Gauges You have to moniter what your truck is doing.

#2 Intake You have to breath.

#3 Exshaust You will run cooler more horses and slightly improved mpg depending on who you talk too.

#4 Chip/Programmer More power more fun.

#5 Fuel pump Truck will run out of fuel and a good part to upgrade anyway.

Now you may need upgraded tranny or clutch in the future depending on how much you pull and how hard you drive it.

 

my .02 in you situation is just pick a box and monitor combination. easy to install and easy on the wallet. there is so little power in an air filter that unless you are having egt issues or want more turbo noise don't waste you money IMO.

I chose the juice but there are many options.

I can run my truck as hard as I want unloaded and get get my egt's over 1150 or so. even towing my car trailer loaded in 60hp setting has not been an issue at all with stock filter and exhaust.

as for exhaust stock is already 4" so just pick the sound you want and add it. maybe throw on a tipe if you want more bling.

 

Thanks for the input guys. I appreciate it. Anyone else?

 

The bug has bitten! Be carefull!

JRG

 

I have this BAD habit of modding everything I own. Im sure this truck will be no different, but DANG it gets expensive!

 

Sounds like you want to keep it simple on your truck. That is fine. That's how I started but it soon got outta hand...
If I were you, I'd get Quad's XZT box. It's simple, inexpensive and excellent bang for the buck. Swiss cheeze the air box and maybe replace the factory tubing with a 5.5" piece of aluminum about 8" long(if I remember correctly). This will help your intake breathe easier and costs about $10 total.
I'd also ditch the stock muffler for a replacement as discussed earlier. I prefer Dynomax, but others will do fine.
Goodluck... once you've been bitten, you become addicted to mods. I've been wrenching on gassers also my whole life too (several nice Chevelles), but these Cummins diesels are incredible when it comes to making power... and more power... Be prepared to spend $$$...

 

Im going tomorrow to check out the Bully Dog line at a local truck shop. The owner really likes them, and I can get that "free" trial run with the 70hp tune. Sounds like a good idea to test it before I buy it.