I just got an 03 Ram 2500 with the Cummins HO & 48RE Trans.
I upgraded to the CTD because I was pulling the guts out of my 97 318 V8 Dakota pulling my enclosed trailer.

The only other diesels I've had anything to do with is the Fire Trucks I drive, but I don't wrench on them.
I got under the truck to look around & noticed how beefy everything looks, I was surprised to see the aluminum upper a arms, they look more like somehing from a Viper than a 3/4 ton truck.


Is the ball joint removeable or do you have to replace the whole a arm??


I thought the Trans cooler was between the intercooler & the radiator but the lines to the cooler infront of the radiator come from the rack & pinion & the trans lines go to this small cooler (About 4" wide X 8" long X 2" thick) that is mounted behind the engine & above the trans.

Is this the only trans cooler or is there another one I missed??
the dealer told me that the order was (From front) A/C Condenser, Intercooler, trans cooler & radiator. Was he just guessing??

What is the reason for these weights?
there is 2 on the trans mount & 1 on the output shaft yoke.

It seems strange to have a lightweight driveshaft & put a big weight on the end of it.

I also noticed that the whole engine seems to be clear coated or varnished, what is the reason for that??


I'm glad I found this web site, I've always done all my own wrenching on all my stuff but I've never messed with an oil burner before, hopefully I can get some helpfull info from here that'll help me get to know my new diesel.

 

1) Appears to be the whole A arm is a unit. Check with your dealer to see part #

2) Dunno about the trans cooler. Real trucks have a clutch.......

3) Weights are to take care of droans in the drivetrain. Take em off and drive it and you will see.

4) Clear coated engine because some people here were complaining of a rusty underneath on a new truck....

Welcome to the site. Don't be afraid to use the search button. But be afraid of Hoss......... :-X

 

[quote author=spots link=board=17;threadid=17958;start=0#msg168423 date=1060093874]
1) Appears to be the whole A arm is a unit. Check with your dealer to see part #

2) Dunno about the trans cooler. Real trucks have a clutch.......

3) Weights are to take care of droans in the drivetrain. Take em off and drive it and you will see.

4) Clear coated engine because some people here were complaining of a rusty underneath on a new truck....

Welcome to the site. Don't be afraid to use the search button. But be afraid of Hoss......... :-X
[/quote]

I question #4. My engine is clear coated and the transmission and driveshafts are rusted. Owners complaints on rusty drivetrain parts had nothing to do with the engine being clearcoated. ??? I believe the correct answer should be the engine is clearcoated so it does not rust. Could you imagine how many complaints there would be if every time we popped the hood we would have to look at a rusty CTD?

 

Detroit used to clearcoat their engines so they wouldn't leak, not rust. Cummins must have liked the idea.

 

[quote author=Jonesey link=board=17;threadid=17958;start=0#msg168458 date=1060099766]

I question #4. My engine is clear coated and the transmission and driveshafts are rusted.
[/quote]
Are the drive shafts in the manuals steel??
The one in mine appears to be aluminum.