ledj

Finally found what I've been looking for - 98 2500 12V 5spd QC/SB 4x4, 3.50 gears, 265s.
Very good to exc. condition, 118k mi., some unknown mods, catless, powerful - $14.3k
I flew from New England to Colorado to get it and drove it straight back.
Kept track of rpms, speed and mpg on 3 tanks driving xcountry and one around town at home.
Fueled up each time shortly after low fuel warning came on - always took around 26 gal. to fill.
Corrected 4% to correct odometer - measured by thruway mile markers.
Tank 1 - 2100+rpms, 71+mph - on cruise control - 18.57mpg.
Tank 2 - 2000 rpms, 65mph - on cruise control - 20.36mpg.
Tank 3 - 1800 rmps, 59mph - on cruise control - 23.32mpg - traffic streamed by me at 59.
Tank 4 - about town, foot in it occasionally, but alot of idling along secondary roads - 19.8mpg.
I am pleased with the mpg, anything to make it better?
KDP and 5th gear nut on to do list.
Anyone know good dodge cummins mechanics in central N.E.?
Mods to come - definitely taller tires - 255/85R16s? Bumpers?
BTW - Gearing is listed as 3.50 on hood. Never heard of this, can it be?
Slight leak on transfer case - is this cause for concern?

blackdiesel

3.50? never herd of it. but i reckon its possible. Thats mpg aint bad. pretty good really. Congrats and get pics!

ds1rider

classic

12PACK

Where abouts in Central NE? I've heard good things about http://www.massdiesel.com/ from a few people.

joefarmer

Not sure on the 3.5 gears... perhaps the 3.54 is worn off?

The leaking is a concern. If it doesnt have enough fluid, it will chew up the plastic parts in 2wd and destroy 4x4. I've done this and one new transfer case later, it was resolved. What I've seen before is the rubber plug on top of the snap ring in the extension housing will dry out and shrink. Also, the output shaft seal can wear out.

brandon.

TxDiesel007

It says its a 3.5 axle ratio in some build sheets, so more likely than not its a 3.55 or 3.54, i never remember which is which Yes your truck is a rare one, and we demand pictures, WELCOME to DTR, you will find a vast amount of knowledge and experience here, please also put ur ride in the signiature too, it wil help us better help you with what you need.. thanks!

Tx

ledj

Thanks for the replies. I checked the label on the hood again and it only says 3.5, so it is a 3.54 or 3.55 - is there a difference between the two?
The leak on the transfer case is very minor, I hope noone let the level down and no damage done. I will watch it carefully.
I am in S.E. Vermont so Mass. Diesel is a little far for regular service. Truck is schedualed to visit a local diesel shop for a thourghal check up and maybe figure out what the mods are.
Pics - I don't have a digital camara, but I will try to put the pics the dealer emailed to me on here.

JKM

Our 97 also says 3.5 under the hood.

12PACK

I checked my 95 ram gasser and it says 3.5 as well.

MCummings

The actual gear ratio is 3.545454... (repeating)

If you want to round up or down is your choice.

A 3.55 and 3.54 gear ratio is the exact same.


ledj,
You have a very "high demand" truck. Extremely rare. In '98 only the 24V's came with Quad Cabs, except a few rare 12v's. Almost ALL short beds got ordered with an automatic, so that makes it eve rarer.

You got a real good deal.. I have seen these trucks sell at 17K before.

Take care of the transfer case leak. The T-cases on these trucks are over $1k new, or remanufactured.


Merrick

ledj

Thanks for the explanation of the gearing. I've always wondered why the 3.54/3.55. Is there anything I can do about the slight transfer case leak other than keep it full? Glad to hear I got a good deal. They knocked the price down to 14.3K$ after I flew out there because they had told me it had lsd and it did not. I plan to put some type of antispin in.