Advice on aero mods for truck (2001 Dodge Ram 2500)

[htvfd460]

Diesels are a whole other ball game when it comes to their set up. As a Ford tech I always played dumb on them, I wasn't going to be the only one poising my shirt on warranty work that didn't pay.
Usually mods to the motor increase power and economy to a diesel, unless set up to huge powergains. Blowing soot is not efficient combustion but huge gains in power.
For economy on the truck I would try lower gears unless you tow with it. If 4x4 take the drive shaft out unless 4x4 is necessary.
Try a centane booster from advance or some store, add it to a tank of fuel and see if it makes a difference. Recently the Govt mandated a lower sulfur content for diesels and every truck produced before the mandate has lost power and economy (diesels of course).

[htvfd460]

Since I can't edit.... Make sure it's a CARB approved product. Since tour in CA your emissions laws are stringent! Get a Cortex tuner and program for economy (Superchips calibrates to CARB and CA emission standards so you'll be safe. Shoot for a lower shift point and monitor your egt and boost pressure.)

[wjbell]

Originally Posted by htvfd460

Since I can't edit.... Make sure it's a CARB approved product. Since tour in CA your emissions laws are stringent! Get a Cortex tuner and program for economy (Superchips calibrates to CARB and CA emission standards so you'll be safe. Shoot for a lower shift point and monitor your egt and boost pressure.)

Yeah, CA just started smogging diesels last year. I'm lucky because mine didn't have a CAT converter new, so I don't need one. I have a superchips flashpaq now and I run it on the highest setting. It seems like it get's the best mileage that way.

As far as additives I've had the best luck with two-stoke oil. One ounce per gallon, has to be a certain type though.

About the compression of diesels.. I think the cummins is 25:1. It doesn't even have glow plugs, it fires on just the force of the compression. I've started it up on 25 degree mornings with no wait, it starts right up.

[Joenavy85]

Originally Posted by htvfd460

Warning for all Dodge Rear Wheel Drive Overdrive Transmissions Except 45RFE

"#5. The fluid level is checked in neutral with the parking brake on. All Dodge rear wheel drive transmission have no fluid feed to the torque converter in park position unless you have a special valve installed in your transmission. The level will read higher in park than it actually is. All of the above information doesn't apply to the Dodge 45RFE. Read the stick on both sides and go by the side that reads the lowest. Always check the fluid level three times"

ok, i stand corrected. so can someone explain to me how the TC fills if it has to be in gear to pump. if you put it in gear and the TC can't transmit power how will anything else spin to pump the ATF into the TC?? or am I completely missing something??

[htvfd460]

It's a dodge thing so far that I know of. I have no I dea why dodge doesnt flow in park, or why they have such a high stall torque converter other than a smoother power band. But it all just wastes the trans! Most around here just bypass the radiator nag flow to the trans cooler or get an upgraded cooler.
Most companys flow fluid with the engine running no matter witch detent the trans is selected in.

[t vago]

Originally Posted by Joenavy85

ok, i stand corrected. so can someone explain to me how the TC fills if it has to be in gear to pump. if you put it in gear and the TC can't transmit power how will anything else spin to pump the ATF into the TC?? or am I completely missing something??

The torque converter directly drives the transmission oil pump at any time the engine's running. In Park, the transmission fluid circuits fed by the pump go more-or-less directly into the transmission sump, and do not engage the torque converter or the band servos.

clicky

[Joenavy85]

i got a headache looking at that page and the diagrams, i'll try again tomorrow after i get some sleep (it's been a long day today)

[htvfd460]

Originally Posted by htvfd460

Dodge is torque happy with their converters.

look at me being all blah blah blah! It's a cummins diesel from 2001! I lacked myself when I put it together! It's a new venture transmission! Clutch, and there I go ranting about dodge's torque converters when it doesn't even apply.
Like BP said, Oops!

[Backtobasics]

I am surprised no one has spoken of an under belly pan. There is a huge differential under the front end that catches a ton of wind.

Since it is 4wd and work based, I would look into a diamond tread or sheet metail belly pan / skid plate. I would also look at the area in front of the front wheels. Huge void, that are begging to be blocked off.
There is a lot of real estate under that truck. Skid plates would offer protection offroad, and smooth air flow.

Where is tire pressure? Many of the HD trucks have tires that can go as high as 80lbs.

[Backtobasics]

For the record, these trans are expensive to build, and are boarderline strength wise in stock or basic rebuild configurations. I personally would not be going from drive to neutral to drive. I don't think the savings would offset the cost of rebuilding the trans... 3-4K.

Injectors (conservative) usually have better spray patterns for power and mpg.
Some lift pump manufacturers (Air Dog, FASS) claim MPG gains as a result of cleaner, water free fuel, and consistent flow to the injection pump (which is big $$).