I hope my truck will come in the next week or two, but I want to get a heads up on the break-in period. I would like very much to put the truck to work the day I get it, but I was wondering if the trucks have a break-in period, and if so, what is it? I have checked the Dodge site and it says something about 500 miles under 50 mph without load, then first 500 miles of towing keep it under 50 mph. Does that sound right? <br>Nik

 

With no load just get in, put a silly smile on your face and DRIVE IT!! ;D<br>With a load take it easy for the first 500 miles. It is all in your owners manual.

 

My understanding is that the break-in is for the rear axle, not the diesel!<br><br>Go for the 1st 500 miles without any load at all, either in the bed or on the tow bar, at any reasonable speed.<br><br>After that, go for the next 500 miles with a load, either in the bed or on the tow bar, but do not exceed 50 mph.<br><br>After that, have fun...<br><br>R

 

Thanks for the info. If, by chance, I should 50 mph, does the truck save that info, so that when service times the dealer will know?

 

I don't think the info is saved; it's just a method to mate the wear surfaces in the rear axle so they'll last the longest...I hope. <br><br>I don't see a problem with this recommendation; they are machined parts - sounds perfectly reasonable to me.<br><br>Rene

 

Just remember the CTD engine is not fully broken-in for 10,000 miles. That doesn't mean you baby it, however dont abuse it with &quot;Pedal to the Metal Accelerations&quot; for a couple of thous miles Change your oil and filter as per Schedule B using a CI-4 15w-40 dino oil, no synthetics until after the 10K mark as per Cummins.

 

I haven't gone out to check the manual but if I remember correctly you need to drive it for about 1000 miles with no loads. Then you gradually increase the load. There was something about if you don't &quot;use&quot; the truck the break in period will be extended to 20,000 miles instead of (I think) 5,000 miles. I never tow much with my truck so I guess it's still not broken in yet <br><br><br><br>

 

I would think it would be harder to break in an auto than a six speed. You can always &quot;load&quot; the engine with the six speed by full throttle accelerations from 1400 rpm while in sixth. If you try that with the auto, it will just downshift.

 

[quote author=Nikolai link=board=17;threadid=16185;start=0#152061 date=1056301178]<br>Thanks for the info. If, by chance, I should 50 mph, does the truck save that info, so that when service times the dealer will know? <br>[/quote]<br><br>If you go over 50 MPH the truck will automatically shut down and leave you stranded on the side of the road. OH wait....that's the Ford 6.0L.

 

[quote author=Hoss link=board=17;threadid=16185;start=0#152477 date=1056399046]<br>[quote author=Nikolai link=board=17;threadid=16185;start=0#152061 date=1056301178]<br>Thanks for the info. If, by chance, I should 50 mph, does the truck save that info, so that when service times the dealer will know? <br>[/quote]<br><br>If you go over 50 MPH the truck will automatically shut down and leave you stranded on the side of the road. OH wait....that's the Ford 6.0L. <br>[/quote]<br><br>I thought it was .50 mph

 

<br><br>HA HA Thats a good one

 

[quote author=Shovelhead link=board=17;threadid=16185;start=0#152491 date=1056401237]
[
I thought it was .50 mph
[/quote]

My truck won't go just 1/2 (.50) mph unless I have foot on the brake. Must be a Ferd Stroke trying to pull da rear bumper off a Maxi-Suzu.

 

OOPS! I guess I hit the &quot;send&quot; button a little too quickly. Sorry. I guess you all fugured out that I meant over 50 mph. Sure did enjoy the fun with it though ... thanks guys!

 

I've got over 25k on mine and I haven't noticed any dramatic difference in mileage or performance. I don't that frequently although I've put about 6k on it towing 4000 lbs.<br><br>As a matter of fact, I didn't know about the 500 miles before towing and 50 mph limitation. I'm pretty sure I towed before 500 miles and definitely exceeded 50 mph. Actually, I probably drove it in excess of 50 mph it's entire life, towing or not!<br>