Hey everyone, I am just starting to learn about diesel trucks. I was exposed to the power of diesels about three years ago when I first drove my mother-in-laws 2000 dodge. I have been trying every since to get one of my own. I finally got one about a week ago. It is a 1997 Dodge 3500 Extended Cab 2WD With a 12 Valve, NV4500, and a Dana 80 with 4.10 gears (may soon be changing to 3.54). It will be used mostly as a daily driver with the occasional heavy haul. So a balance of fuel economy and power is important. All though I know a lot more now about diesel trucks I realize that I have even more to learn, so I am open to suggestions.
Welcome!! 3.55 gears would help economy out a bunch. So would a Gear Vendors overdrive unit. This would allow you to keep the 4.10's for heavy pulls, and allow you to split the gears in your 5 speed. This is more expensive than a ring and pinion change, but overall performance would be better. You can bump the timing to about 15* for better mileage. 3k or 4k governor springs will help extend the operating range of the engine. A fuel plate, or cam plate will help power a bunch, and a small set of injectors, like 300's wouln't hurt. 4" exhaust will help a bunch if you don't have it already.
Thanks for the info Thanks Diesel Nut. I have already learned a ton from this site and hope to learn more. I am happy to report my first MPG calc. to be 17.6 even with a heavy foot and 4.10 gears. Also pulled a 8,000 lb load for 50 miles. Hopefully it will only get better as I get used to the truck. I was able to get 24 MPG with my mother-in-laws 24V 6 spd truck after about two weeks of driving it. Really excited to switch to 3.54's.
