I'm a new diesel truck owner and would appreciate some advice. As a little background, I have own diesel tractors all my life and love the torque so much, I purchased a 2001, RAM 2500 cummins with automatic trans. The truck is in great condition at 83K miles and looks great and I have done the following items to know where I'm starting (changed motor oil, differential (front and back), radiator fluid, brake fluid, transmission filter and fluid to synthetic) and would like to change the transfer case fluid (what fluid does it take?).

Overall, I'm pleased with the truck and know there are ways to improve performance (MPG or hauling, etc). I do not depend on this truck as a daily user and if there is something I can do to tweak the performance to gain MPG and/or hauling ability what would be the first couple of recommendations? I really don't want to spend more than 1-2K to enhance performance, but I want to make sure those dollars are going in the right direction.

Thanks for any advise

 

Congrats on the nice truck!!!

As for ah, enhancements, air in and air out is where I'd start. An air intake kit is first. Maybe do the exhaust in a 4 inch setup and then chip or get a programmer for some torque and hp upgrades. That should help mileage too.
Think about gauges or a fuel pressure gauge or at least the idiot light that Cummins installs at their shops for these trucks. Maybe an upgrade in the lift pump too. That should keep you busy and you can spend as much or as little as you want on these upgrades. It pays to shop around too as prices vary as much as the weather. Good luck and have FUN upgrading your new truck!!!!!!