I should be getting my truck on Monday, possibly Tuesday. They have to go about 500 miles to get her. '06 -2500 4X2 Quad cab with the Cummins. This is my first diesel.

Gas mileage increase. Cheapest/best options. I know the reprogramer modules are an option, but I don't want to do any tranny work with the overly large power gain.

I am going to lower the rear of the truck to level her. I haven't looked at the 2 wheel drive rear suspension. Is this going to be as simple as moving the bolt on the shackel, or do I need new springs?

Does anyone have a Diamond Back bed cover? http://www.diamondbackcovers.com/ They look good and I was wanting an opinion from someone who has one, on fit and finish, pro's and con's etc.

Thanks,

Steve

welcome to DF.

couple of things you can do to increase mpg are...

1) get an add on system such as an edge ez which can be removed before sending it in to the dealer for service

2) get a CAI with a filter that is not too big (like mine... I loose 1 mpg because the pro-guard filter is so hugh, works excellent on the top end though so it's a tradeoff) or you could go with a drop in.

3) ATS Arc Flo intake ($325 from ATS), this will actually boost your hp & torque (according to my butt dyno and ATS's dyno sheet) between 1500 and 2500 rpms. this will also give you a bump in mileage.

4) performance exhaust... again like the intake, if you open it up too much you'll loose mpg due to low end torque loss, the upper end will scream.

5) get Power Service Diesel (PSD) and Marvell Mystery Oil (MMO) and mix it 16 oz PSD and 8 oz MMO. this will give you anywhere between 1~3 mpg better than without it.

finally as Drew (our resident expert) would say... drive it like you stole it. in the manual it tells you to not baby it. Work the motor as much as you can and over the 1st 15~20k miles, mpg will go up. if you dont, it'll take longer.

now that's out of the way... when can we see pics?

one more thing. . .it will be easier and less expensive to raise the front end to level out than to lower the back. lowering the back can be done, but leveling kits are cheap these days that lengthen the front suspension tower.

as I say alot, any programmer on it's lowest setting will give you a fuel mileage increase, plus add about 30hp. this is mainly due to added timeing and a little duration to make the engine thermaly more efficient.

the first 500 miles are critical, dont try and drag race her, and be easy with the throttle, the axel and tranny races are being worn in and seated. after 500, if your truck dissapears in a grey haze from the throttle being planted firemly on the floor, then your driveing her right also, if you can tow something, tow heavy, it will only aide in breaking things in.

Any recomendations on programmers? Why is brand "X" better than "Y"? This is my first Diesel and I'm not "electricaly inclined" so they have to be idiot proof.

Are there any programmers under $400?

Thanks,

Steve