Jason,

Before you start modding the truck, read this.....

http://www.doghousediesel.com/id12.html

Here are the big questions to answer BEFORE you start buying parts.....

1 - What do you do with the truck EVERYDAY?

2 - What would you LIKE the truck to do?

3 - How much power do you REALLY want to make?

Answer those questions honestly and we can get you on the path to getting the right parts the first time, rather than compromise parts for a short time.

It's a lot cheaper to get the right part, the first time.

And, Banks isn't bad.....it's just expensive and doesn't yield the power that others do for the amount you pay.

As for the exhaust....what do you want the truck to sound like?

 

9 times out of ten its just me in the truck, I love to hear an engine work. Ive always been a gas guy up until i bought my Dodge. Anything from mustangs to my current 67 Camaro. So I like loud. I have already removed my silencer ring off my turbo. That helped some but not near enough. I dont have huge plans for making extreme hp but since its possible would love to show some people up from time to time. The truck is my daily driver and hope it will be for a while. I know the tranny up grades are vital so will not do a whole lot until that can be taken care of. I really want to be able to boil the tires like your pic and have to refrain myself for fear of killing the tranny. Do you reccomend any gauges over the next set such as manual and digital. I like the pillar set-up.

 

Oh already installed 2.5 leveling kit, BD diesel steering box stabilizer, Dual steering stabilizers, Mickey Thompson ATZ's 35x12.5, and a drop pitman arm the death wobble kicked my *** before i could upgrade power, but now thats over with "hopefully".

 

Jason,

On the gauges, it's all a matter personal preference if you want analog or digital. Some folks like the analogs, some like the digital.

For an everyday driver, you want to keep the power mild until you do the trans upgrades. The stock trans can only handle 40 - 60 HP over stock before it starts slipping and heating up.

Do the gauges first, then intake and exhaust. After that, a good torque converter and valve body go a long way.

Power wise, if you do the analog gauges, you'll do fine with a Smarty Jr. If you want the digital gauges and power in one package, go with the Edge Juice with Attitude.

 

was wondering what it would cost for a cai system for my 2005 quad diesel 2wd, total stock, don't want it much louder than stock, just want better milage and towing, what do you recommend. I might level the truck up by torsion bars, thanks

 

For a daily driver, running a stock turbo, I really like the S&B.

S&B has a nice set up. 8 layer filter vs a 7 layer on the AFE and a 3 layer on the K&N.

It has a full air box that draws air from the oem location and from the bottom. The lid is also removeable for additional air.

I'll shoot you a PM with a price on one.

 

way kool, and anything else i might need to get more milage and power for towing up the i80 to reno

 

Best way to increase mileage on a diesel is add more timing.

But, in order to do that, you need a tuner or module.....preferably a tuner.

Now, to be flat honest, NONE of the mileage claims by most of the manufacturers is even remotely close. If you see 1/2 - 1 MPG increase, you're doing pretty good.

The onle that allows you the most flexibility with the timing and rail pressure is the Smarty. But, for someone that is mostly stock and wants the truck to tow and daily drive, you don't need anything more than a Smarty Jr.

Even running all the BS that I am on this truck, I stll get 16 - 18 MPG in day to day driving and 20 - 21.5 on the highway, depending on speeds and terrain. Those are hand calculated numbers, not crap from the overhead lie-o-meter.

 

Well thanks alot Coal Train for your honest answers. That's what I have been wanting to hear, but do you still recommend the cai and maybe the free flow muff, I also found out by looking under my truck I do not have the adjustable torsion bars, just springs so that means I have to get the 2" lift to level the truck. Some said I should get an alignment after that, doesn't seem like it should move it that much to require an alignment??

 

Yes, definitely do the air intake and muffler replacement. Those are the two worst parts of the air path on the truck. Along with a gauge set, those are two things that you do want to do.

As for the leveling kit, yes, you need either coil spacers or springs replacements.

The alignment is good to get after the level, but the main thing you'll need is the steering wheel to be recentered. When you do the level, it's going to force the steering wheel to be cocked slightly to one side due to the change in height affecting the steering components. That's usually to only affected part.