I recently bought a 99 Dodge 3/4 ton with a 24V Cummins. This truck has 140K miles and seems to be in great condition. To my knowledge it doesn't have any modifications at all, straight stock. With fuel prices continuing to climb higher and higher, is there any suggestions to improve my fuel mileage? I have been getting 15-16 mpg consistently for the last 6 months.
One other issue I would like to ask about. The last few weeks the transmission has been acting up. At speeds between 40-50 mph, it is shifting in and out of overdrive. I have been told that this is the "lock up" feature of the transmission.
Any help on these two questions would be greatly appreciated.

New to this site, and also new to driving a diesel, but loving it so far........

 

This is the most popular question with the least popular answer.

 

...i bet driving slower would be the least popular answer, but it works.


Pat

 

Mach 1.6s and an EZ.

Open exhaust and hi flow intake.

After that, it's all tire style/size/pressure and driving technique.

jlh

 

How much did the injectors and EZ help you?

 

The average life expectancy of the factory auto transmission is 150K. I had 158K when I swapped mine, but I did not have any problems with it at all. The in and out between 40-50 sounds normal. Only two things to do; 1) Don't drive in that range. 2) Lockout OD and stay in 3rd lockup.

 

I agree (with #2). Depending on what gear ratio you have in the rear end....lock it out of OD around town and anywhere under 55 mph (for a 3.55). I can't prove it but am almost sure it produces better mileage too. Certainly drives better locked up in third....at least mine does.

RJ

 

Injectors = $700.00 plus install

Intake = $240.00

Exhaust = $400.00 plus install

Edge EZ = $450.00

Total = $1790.00

So,

Diesel is at $2.20 (just an average) You get 16 mpg You also travel 1,000 miles a month (example again)


Your operating cost would be $137.50 a month.

Lets say the above mods net you a gain of 2 mpg better making it a total 18 mpg.

1000 miles /18 mpg = 55.56 gallons * $2.20 a gallon = $122.23 dollars a month that is a savings of $15.29 a month!!

You would have to drive a total of 117 months to pay for your mods.

Or, you would have to drive a total of 117,163 miles to start getting any benifit.

My wife did this to me and it humbled me right up!!!


Don't forget you got all the parts installed for free and got free gauges. (You need those too)


A good rule of thumb is do the mods because its COOL, and it makes more POWER!!

Justin

 

But it sure helps justify the cost knowing you're gonna save a little at the pump. " But honey, these fuel prices are killing us. These mods will actually give us better mileage"

 

Justin come on buddy... the guys from texas. Its gunna be something similar to this

BHAF = $40
Muffler cut out and pipe welding in = $30
Edge EZ from the "whoresellers" on ebay = $400
Silencer Ring removed for effect = Priceless

Paying for itself in 2.5 years


Ok i'm just messing around but just throw an ez on it and your good to go. You do intake exhaust injectors all the goods and you are never gunna be able to keep your foot out of it.

 

I about spit my beer on the puter screen!!!

Silencer ring for affect!! You are killing me.

You are dead on about not being able to keep your foot out of it.

With a BHAF/straight pipe/silencer ring gone they sound like "recently violated ape" screaming down the road. There is nothing better then rolling the passenger window down and hearing the sweet cummins roar!!


Justin

 

Thats what I thought until she pulled the history on the computer and started reading my posts. "The cats out of the bag now" Might as well tell her about the twins. (Turbos you sick'os)


O ya, Welcome luf02145.

As for mods to get better mileage... I would run a comp in EZ mode. You can tap the wire once the bug has gotten the best of you, and then add a set of RV 275's. That will net you atleast 2-3 miles per gallon better.

You will have a blast with just a comp and RV's.


Justin

 

The best mod bar none is to get off the go pedal!

Both my 99 and my 01 will do better than 22 mpg at 55 mph...painful but true