I have just bought my first Ram that has a diesel enging. I had been driving a V10 Ram for the last 5 years. I will use this truck mainly to tow my 30 foot travel trailer. I know nothing about diesel engines . I do know that there are guages and other acc. that i should buy to monitor the engine but i don't know WHAT to buy. Please help a beginner with his new RAM(2004,3500 Single rear wheel,auto trans)

 

First of all congrats on your purchase.
Even if you want to stay with stock power output and tow you should get a pyrometer and a transmission temp gauge (asuming you've got an auto)- boost is nice to watch too.
A very important fact about turbo engines is that they need some time idling to cool the turbo before you shut the engine down.
There's a whole lot of good reading on this site that can steer you make educated decisions.

Have fun with your truck and drive safe

AlpineRAM

 

I put gauges in my truck the first week I had it. I then realized I was shutting it down way too hot. I was timing shutdown based on the Ford I had.

 

Welcome!
Yes you should get a pyrometer for sure. I also think a exhaust brake is a must for towing. You can see by my signature what I have.

 

Must be several shops within 50-100 miles of you doing gauges, injectors, turbos...all sorts of diesel stuff. Only one I recall hearing anything about in Ohio is ... Dave Mitchell Ent. (740)246-6329.
Don't know if he is near you..but he may know someone who is.

Where's all our Ohio members??

If looking for a place to buy and do it yourself...Call Rod at http://www.wildcatdiesel.com/ . He sells the Isspro EV gauges, which are one of the more popular brands you will hear about (I love mine). Rod is very knowledgable on the 04's and can sell you gauges or point you in the right direction.

http://www.isspro.com/index.php

Good luck...v-10's are good but the CTD is great!



RJ

 

A Exhaust brake is not a must because he has a auto....If he wanted he could run a butterfly valve but i dont know who makes them like they come on the fords stock.

 

Ohio Member here, but Southern Ohio.

I have no idea of anyone near Canton. Mitchell is East of Columbus 45min. About 2.5hours south of you.

I really have no clue!

Guages are easy to do, but you'll need a few tools.

Other than that, I'm a 12v, so I'm out of advice.

Good Luck, Chris