Drove from LA to Dallas/Texas last week to get my 02/.5 4X4 2500 Ram.

Arlington Motors whom I purchased through (EBay) was great and the rig was above my expectations. Super clean and ran like new. Drove the long way home 2000 miles with not even a squeek. Here's the scoop:

19.7 miles to the gallon, 75MPH Average.

I can't believe the power!!

5 speed manual, took me a few miles to realize the first gear is not used in normal conditions.

Should you really wait until the "wait" symbol goes off before starting?

She has 89,000 miles on the Cummins and I took her to the Dodge Dealer for 90k service in Yucca Valley today. They said that if lifter pump had not been upgraded already, they will do it under 100k warranty.

Will get her back tomorrow.

I put new 305/75/16 BFG ATs on the other day. With the factory lift, she could have had more.

I finally have my diesel. What a pleasure. Thanks again for all of your advice.

Oh, tried to make the 700 club but too scary. Low fuel warning comes on with 10 gallons left. Filled every 500-600miles.

 

Congrats! Don't forget to upload some pics when you get the chance.

 

thats good mpg. 3.55's or 4.10's? sounds like 3.55's by the milage, but i dont see many with a 5 speed.

and yes, wait for the wait to start light to go off before starting. It makes it start so much easier....

 

waiting for the light to start, depends on the weather, hot you shouldnt need it, cold you should. mine starts fine and i dont wait at all, been doing this for a year and a half. try it and see.

dieselfan

 

Don't know about the 3.55 or 4.10s but 'am curious. How would I know? Would love to attch pics but I have to have a url first.

Thanks for replying.

 

check in your glove box for info or see what rpm at 70mph 3.55 will be under 2Krpm and 4.10 will be over 2krpm.

dieselfan

 

Glad you made it down and back OK. How does the GF and her "friends" like the truck?

A lot of opinions of the "wait to start" light. In 7 years and 185K miles, mine probably has not been started more the a dozen times without waiting for the light to go off, and since I haven't had any problems, I will continue to do so.

Also, do a little searching here about the in tank pump conversion. A lot of folks don't like the low pressure it puts out. You might want to consider aftermarket later on. And, don't push the miles-per-tank......it's not worth the problems it can cause.

You don't have to have a URL to post pics. Just be sure they are reduced to the proper size and then download them to DTR.

 

Thanks so much to all of you or ...Y'all as I just returned from Texas...the only state I learned to have dual speed limits, Day and night are different. For a land this flat and roads this long...I was surprised as in the past Texas was the most liberal with speed limits.

Speeds at 70mph had right around 2000rpm but I shall verify tomorrow and thanks for that info. Dealer I went to for 90k service (not cheap but had all fluids replaced, valves adjusted, new serpentine belt etc) said they ordered new lifter pump and upgrade for free under 100k warranty.??????

I WILL add fuel pressure gauge and perhaps also EGT. I still consider an electric such as FASS.

Just checked the glovebox and low and behold...3.55 it is!!

You all and this forum are awesome. I wonder why we need the Mechs at at all.

Thanks

 

Oh, and the GF loves the rig! She decided to warm up to my Cummins talk until she drove her the last 100 miles. Little did I know that she wouldn't give the keys back to me as she got hooked on diesel power (I actually may get a break!!)

Our Conversation thereafter: Bus Motorhome conversions and Detroit Diesels.

 

That's good!
It seems like it will do you well!

 

isn't it great being part of such a cool club.......just wait till he gets the bug right guys and gals.....