Hello everyone,


I'm very new to diesels. I had a diesel VW years ago that was a dog and I knew nothing about it and wanted to know even less about diesels then. But my, how that has changed. I'm now reading all I can on multiple forums.


About me:
I've been trying to read all kinds of things on the websites. I'm working on filtering the info and learning. I'm using the search and trying to identify all the problems common to my truck. I've read the faqs up above and am systematically reading the hundreds of posts related to the 24v Dodge. I have a Haynes manual and have the service manual for the '01. I'm not afraid to tackle things and take on new challenges. I have a concrete installation company and use this truck to drive but also plan on setting it up for pulling equipment/material trailer and maybe a camper.


Truck:
I bought it this fall from the original owner( 99 Dodge Ram 2500 4x4 Laramie SLT 131,000 on it). However was up north so good bit of rust under the truck. I'm currently getting 14mpg. It was well maintained by the former owners. Only mod to it is that I have pulled off the K&N filter and put on a Fleetguard PA2820 HUGE paper filter on it at the suggestion of a friend who has the exact same model truck as I. He said he immediately got 1-2mpg better after that. I know now that I need replace all the fluids that I can in it ASAP, oil, trans, differential.


I am going to save up to start doing what I need to make this truck even better for a real world application. I'm not after a 1000hp truck, just strong, dependable, long lasting and affordable. That's why I went with diesel. Any suggestions as to what I should work on first or check on first would be appreciated.


I guess I may be a touch overwhelmed with info. I have a list of things below I think I need to do with this truck for my application. I need to figure out the approximate cost(I can't afford uber high performance, but want high quality), order of importance, and how to do it.


Rear drum brake cylinder upgrade(the chevy 1 ton fix) - Read how to do it

HID headlights, love my fogs but mains are lackluster - Read how to do it

Probably a new lift pump - No clue which one or on frame or tank

Upsized exhaust(will this kill my mpg?) - Need help

Love the idea of added lights in back for backing to trailer - Read how to do it

Deep sump Tansmission Pan- Drop pan and bolt on new???

Differential heat dissipating cover - Drop cover and bolt on new???

GAUGES!! I'll post a whole different question on that- What I think is #2 in importance AFTER replacing all the fluids ASAP

Track bar - Dunno, just know it seems to be a weak point in steering and wearing out the front end, and my girl wanders a bit



Thanks and I look forward to the fun with all,
Jamman


Here is my trucks' vital components according to the build sheet:

According to our records, your 1999 Dodge Ram 2500 was equipped from the
factory with the following:

Sales Code Description
*R1 Premium Cloth 40/20/40 Bench Seat
-AZ Agate
ADAP Light Group
ADJP Heavy Duty Service Group
AHC Trailer Tow Group
AHJ Camper Special Group
AHLP Heavy Duty Insulation Group
AJKP Convenience Group
AJPP Power Convenience Group
APDA Lower Two Tone Paint
ASPP SLT Decor Group
A42P 5.9l TD ENG(ETC)/4SPD A/T 47RE(DGP)
BAZP 136 Amp Alternator
BCQP 750 Amp Maintenance Free Battery
BGJS Pwr Disc/Drum Rr Anti-Lock Brakes
BKBS Rear Drum Brakes
CBEP 40/20/40 Split Bench Seat
CGDS Front Height Adjust Shoulder Belts
CGWS Next Generation Front Air Bags**
CGZS Passenger Air Bag On/Off Switch
CHEP Deluxe Headliner
CKEP Front Seat Area Carpet
CLAP Front Floor Mats
CSPS Passenger Assist Handle
CSRP Passenger Assist Handles
CUDP Mini Overhead Console
CUE Rear Underseat Compartment Storage
CXDP Trim Parts For 'SLT' CPOS
DGB All 4-Speed Automatic Transmissions
DGPS 4-Spd. Automatic 47RE Transmission
DHAP Lock-Up Torque Converter
DHHS Shift-on-the-Fly, 241 Transfer Case
DJFS Dana M60/248MM Front Axle
DMDP 3.55 Rear Axle Ratio
DREP Dana M70/267MM Rear Axle
DSA Anti-Spin Differential Rear Axle
EAAC All Engines
ETC 5.9L I6 Cummins 24V Diesel Engine
GACS Tinted Glass Windows
GBBS Tinted Windshield Glass
GCBS Front Door Tinted Glass
GFD Rear Sliding Window
GNAS Rear View Day/Night Mirror
GNMP Passenger Side Sun Visor w/Mirror
GTSP Power Heated Mirrors, Fold-Away
GVBC All Vehicles W/Power Mirrors
HAAP Air Conditioning
HGAP Hood Insulation
HGBS Dash Liner Insulation
HGDP Deluxe Insulation Group
JAYP Instrument Cluster w/Tach
JCBS 120 MPH Primary Speedometer
JHAS Var Intermittent Windshield Wipers
JJAS Cigar Lighter
JJBS Dual Note Electric Horns
JJJS 12V Auxiliary Power Outlet
JPBP Power Locks
JPDP Power Windows, Driver One-Touch
KRXP STRIPE/BADGE/MOLDING/COLOR
KTXP STRIPE/BADGE/MOLDING/COLOR
K1XP STRIPE/BADGE/MOLDING/COLOR
K17P STRIPE/BADGE/MOLDING
LAAP Ignition Time Delay Lamp
LBAP Map/Courtesy Lamp
LBCP Glove Box Lamp
LDAP Underhood Lamp
LMAS Halogen Headlamps
LNJ Fog Lamps
LPES Cargo Lamp
MBFS Bright Rear Bumper
MCTS Bright Front Bumper
MDAP Front License Plate Bracket
MFDS Bright Grille
MHAS Black Windshield Moldings
MPBP Black Tailgate Applique
MWDS Removable Tailgate w/Caliper Latches
MXB Front Air Dam
MXCP Front Bumper Sight Shields
NAA Federal Emissions
NBLP Delete EVAP Control System
NFVS 35 Gallon Fuel Tank
NHBP Auxiliary Transmission Oil Cooler
NHKP Engine Block Heater
NHMP Speed Control
NMCP Heavy Duty Engine Cooling
PR4A Flame Red Clear Coat
QFKA Light Driftwood Satin Glow
RAAC All Radio Equipped Vehicles
RBN AM/FM Cass Radio w/Changer Control
RCEP Infinity Speakers
RDDP Fixed Long Mast Antenna
SBAS Power Rack and Pinion Steering
SCVP Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel
SFBS Front Heavy Duty Shock Absorbers
SGBS Rear Heavy Duty Shock Absorbers
SHAS Front Stabilizer Bar
SUAP Tilt Steering Column
TBBS Full Size Spare Tire
TBMP Tire Carrier Winch
TYDS LT245/75R16E BSW All Season Tires
TZHP Michelin Brand Tires
WDCP 16X6.5 Chrome Wheels
WLBP Steel Spare Wheel
WLYC All Steel Wheels
WMJS Center Hub
XBSS Pickup Box
XCMS Vendor Painted Cargo Box
XEFP Transfer Case Skid Plate Shield
YAAS Build To U.S. Mkt. Specifications
YGAA Without Billable Fuel
ZGRP Spring - Left Rear
ZJHP Spring - Left Front
ZVRP Spring - Right Rear
ZXGP Spring - Right Front
Z7BS GVW Rating - 8800#
1AAS U.S. Dealer Retail
__________________
Jamman

99 Dodge Ram SLT 3/4ton 4x4 Quad cab long bed

 

Welcome to the site. I honestly did not read your post, but check out the Cummins section,
FF

 

Thanks. I have been there and reading up on it as well.

 

Welcome to Dodge Forum!! Enjoy the site!!

Dusty

 

Welcome to the site.

CTDs are the shiznit