I picked it up last year. It's an '01 2500HD Quad Cab 4x4 Cummins with the auto. Must have brain farted on not getting the stick.

I've been towing a 15ft bumper tug with the CJ on it without any problems but was planning on getting a 32" gooseneck so I could tow two jeeps. There's a local guy who makes really nice trailers and I told him to work me up an estimate for a 32" gooseneck open deck with a dovetail at the rear and dual axles.(Told him to keep a low deck hieght and light) Anyone see me having any problems with the auto tranny holding up or am I doomed.

I've racked up 35Kmiles on it this past year without any problems. It's bone stock, but was looking into the Banks turbo and exhaust upgrade.


John

loaded question, but I think you'll be ok---there are new valve body's and torque convertors out there that will help tremendously if you're not happy or if she starts to to fail---- www.dieseltrans.com ...these guys are great--they've got pkg deals also---

now for the Banks---it's a lot of money for the amount of performance you get--yes it looks nice and it's one feature of defueling when you reach 1250* is really good(common thinking is 1300* or above for short bursts-1/4 mile racing or whatever is ok but prolonged driving at this temp or above can cause major damage)---but you can get more HP for less and you install guages to keep an eye on the EGT's and you'll dust any Bank 's equipped Dodge out there--chris

I recommend an extrenal tranny cooler, if you dont already have one, and a tranny temp gauge.. #1 killer of autos is heat, I think the heat caused from my TC failin my my 1500 caused alot more problems.. and my truck being down for 2 months. I bought the B+M Gauge because it included everything I need (looks real good under the dash) and it has a red light that turns on when it gets too hot.. A neat feature... Happy towing. Garrett

it's got a cooler---the best place to put the temp guage is in the cooler line--you'll need to order the line--the web site I mentioned above has them and ask for the upgraded stainless steel hose that replaces the rubber one---chris

Thanks guys.

I'll be picking up the stainless lines and a temp gauge to put in the cooler's line. Is there anything else I should be worried about.

John

two more guages---fuel pressure and EGT---would be smart---some trucks have problems with the factory lift pump, so it would be nice to monitor it and of course the EGT's to just be safe---if you talk to the guys on the website they can give you some recommendations---adding what's called an EZ box will make your truck run a whole lot better--downside you may(depends on your driving habits) shorten the life of your tranny--some guys have shortened the life and others have not--and then you can go from there---it's pretty easy to hit 350+ hp with these trucks, by adding different boxes and injectors and not suffer any drivability, but you will need to upgrade the torque convertor and valve body---but it's worth it......

most bang for the buck in my opinion would be these--prices are approximate(not installed)--

1) torque convertor $1000 & valve body $400
2)Edge EZ $600+/- or the EDGE Comp $800+/- and guages price depends on what you buy and which manufacturer
3) injectors---$500-$1000
4) bigger turbo $700--$1700
5) 4" exhaust

good luck and if you want more info just ask-----chris

I need to service the tranny soon, because it is starting to shift poorly. So, I was looking at the website for the diesel tranny guys and was thinking of doing a little upgrade while I was in there.

I drive it hard.

So the more I can moniter what's going on under the hood and in the tranny the better.

Thanks again for the help. Any other suggestions/recommendations. I was originally planning on leaving it stock, but with the bigger trailer and additional weight-- figure some things needed a little tweaking. Oh yeah, I picked it up with the 4.10 gears.

John

beside the guages which are very important and since you may not want to stray to far from stock---this is what I'd do----

torque convertor and Valve body

Edge EZ(adds 60hp+/-) if you are set on not straying to far from stock or the Edge Comp box(adjustable hp from 50-125+/-)(you just plug in the EZ function of the Comp box and leave the pumpwire off and then later if you want to hit mega power you just tap in the pump wire--this way you won't spend your money on two boxes)

and if you wanted to get some more add one of these injectors
DDI's(adds 50hp+/-) or DDII's(adds 80hp)

you can check out the TDR for lots of info www.turbodieselregister.com

www.performancediesel.net

www.xtremediesel.com

chris

If you are worried about cooling/tranny issues check out http://www.earthroamer.com/main_truck/truck.html and see the upgrades Bill did to his Cummins powered Ram for expedition and towing use.

Extra deep tranny pan, coolers, Horton fan clutch, etc.

I have a 2001 2500 reg cab 4x4 cummins with the auto and 4.10 or 4.11 (whatever) diffs.

I occasionally pull a 3 axle 32' cattle trailer loaded with 15-20,000 lbs of beef. No problems as of yet, normally a 35 mile trip loaded at 65mph and 35 miles back home empty,

The guages and valve body are a good idea, gonna check into that myself. I think the torque converter will be ok as long as you don't force it too hard with hard throttle.

I talked to Stephen at the trans place.

Here's what we came up with based on my driving style and needs--
Torque converter
valve body
deep trans pan
Billet piston Update kit w/Clutches
Power Edge EZ
set of Injectors(Probably Stage 1 or 2).
4" exhaust
gauges (Boost, EGT, Tranny temp, fuel pressure)-- I like to know what's going on underneath the hood.

I know its a lot, but I try to do everything right the first time when I do the upgrades. This should keep me happy for a while.

TURBO-- not sure if the stocker will last real long in this setup. Stephen and I we discussing this and will probablby look into an upgrade and try and resell the factory unit.

Thanks again for your help everyone. Any think I may have forgotten to address something.

John

your turbo will last, but will it keep your EGT's in check---once you get those guages on and monitor it for awhile you'll know if you'll need to take the turbo step---right now i've got an HX40 for sale---used less than one year(went to the baddest single turbo to date for my HP goals)----let me know if & when you want to take turbo step---I'll give you the straight and narrow on what's out there-----

get the stage 2 injectors--chris

One thing I haven't seen mentioned:
Don't tow in OD. Does bad things to the tranny. :eek:

I've got the Edge EZ box as I have no desire to replace parts quite yet. I seen a few too many clutches fry with the Comp. LOL, :D Not that I don't have plans for the future!

I've also got the Boost and EGT guages. (EGT temp taken from the manifold.) Both are set in the driver's pillar. Looks sweet, doesn't clutter the dash, and doesn't block my road view.

My last Ram was an auto, this one's a manual... I can see both the advantages and disadvantages when towing.

:)
-Andi (Don't tow a lot of beef, but sure talk a lot of bull.)

alot of great info on this thread.....

I normally hang out in the Jeep board, but I just bought a 2001 HD2500 diesel 4x4 with NV4500 to tow my rig, and so I'm sure I will be hanging out here a little more often now. look forward to probing you guys for info, (no not that kind of probing, I ain't that kinda guy :D ).....

I don't plan on taking mine much past stock if at all, but you never know, I said that about my jeeps too.....

I noticed on the TDR page that there is a NV4500 trans cooler on the market now, it basically extends the PTO ports by adding an aluminum finned housing to each that allows more fluid and claims to keep your trans cooler.

Has anyone here tried this kit, and if so, how well has it worked for you.....If it works, it would be a great addition to my Dodge, but it would also be a great addition to any trail rigs out there that sport the NV4500 trans....

kerryp

lotta good plug in stuff for the new rams,my 97 had to ge ta plate in the fuel pump to bump up the ponies

don't have any info on the cooler--but as with any cooler they are supposed to extend the life of your tranny----chris