We (me and my cousin) just got a 2006 Dodge Ram 2500 SLT Quad 4x4 CTD with 3.73s and we want to try to increase the MPG as much as possible. I would like to do propane, but it might be a little bit to early for it, are there any warranty issues with installing propane? I also just saw that crank sensor, anyone think it is a bad idea to install it now, before the truck is broken in? What other mod's would you guy recommend for MPG increase? Thanks. Pete.
If it was my truck I would probably put a few thousand on it before I started making modifications. I'd do the crank sensor, there has been some talk about around here lately. The problem with propane is, yes it will increase your mileage, but then you are burning fuel in a second tank that will need refilling. Installing a free flow muffler might help some. I've heard the smaller performance injectors can really help.
whats this crank sensor fix? My landlord was telling me he wants better mileage out of his 04 cummins. Would this be something to suggest? Thanks.
your mileage will increase a bit once the truck breaks in... mine steadily increased until i got up to about 10,000 miles and then leveled off. when i first got my truck, i got about 17 mpg between my girlfriend's house and my house... now i get 20.
Warranty If you modify your truck, be warned that you may very well be your own warranty station. A lot depends on what the dealer will let you get away with. If they can trace the problem back to the modification you made, it is your problem. That said, if you keep in mind that the engine is a large air pump, anything you do (safely) to make the flow in and out better will help mileage. Congratulations on your new truck (I'm a little jealous). Have fun with it, and do a lot of research when "bombing" your new truck, as it could save you some $$.
I think the crank sensor would be a great idea, especially of you aren't planning on doing a fueling box or plan to go with a small one, like an EZ. Timing seems to do alot for temps and mileage. My TST does alot of timing, like 13* of advance. The rock tech sensor is like 2*, so nothing drastic. Like before, any way to make it easier to get air in and out. Also, the right foot has ALOT to do with mileage. I drive about 65-70 max on the freeway, and it makes a difference from 75-80. Also, make sure your tires are inflated. From the dealer they are on the low side so the squishy tires will absorb bumps and help it ride better for test drives. I would run the pressure up in the front around 70-75 and the rear around 65-70 (for load range E tires). You shouldn't have a big bulge in the sidewall and a ton of tire on the ground. I myself, when I had my 3/4 ton ran 80 in front (max cold) and 70 in the rear, except when pulling and I would run up to 80 in the rear. Rides a little rougher, but not bad.
Pete, congrads on the new rig! Bet you like the way it pulls! burnout Check out the TDR site http://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums. You can read how to advance the timing for free, like the rok tech sensor does, by moving the tone wheel behind the crank pulley. You’ll also find out interesting things, like the oil pressure gage is a glorified idiot light, at least on the 05s anyway. The only sensor is a simple pressure switch that registers when the oil pressure is above 6 psi. The ECM then makes up a number based on various engine operating parameters and tells the gage what to display. So in reality the gage only tells you that the pressure is above 6 psi. Don’t get discouraged by “low” mpg, a lot of guys with the newer trucks have never achieved the kind of high mpg many others claim to get. More realistic numbers for your truck are 18 highway 15 city. Don’t trust the overhead reading either. Right foot or not, because of all the hills and stop lights where you drive your city mileage will be on the low side. Likewise not everyone realizes any significant increase in mpg over time. You’ll still get better mileage than the Hemi though. Great trucks, your gonna love yours! What color you get?
Thanks Jim! The truck is Mineral Grey Metalic. So far, side steps have been installed(cousin has bad knee's), remote start, the new in bed storage with adjustable gate, tonneau cover, and floor mats. First mod will probably be an intake system. I have not read up on the newer Cummins engines yet. I will wait until I get my own truck in the spring hopefully.imp:
