2nd Generation Dodge Reliability / Performance

I got a call from my son on Tuesday, his Peugeot Boxer tipper has stopped on a busy crossroads 8 in the morning Got there 11.6v at the battery, so I disconnected the quad and jump started his van off of my truck, once running as soon as I disconnected the jump leads it stopped, alternator dead and the stupid ECM will not let the engine run, didn't pay any attention to my truck or the gauges just towed the thing home, our drive is long but narrow so my truck is blocked in by this van Fast forward a day, new alternator fitted to the Peugeot (what a job, and low and behold there are no belt adjusters for alternator and PS belt, both are "stretch fit" which means an…

Y’all will see me posting a little more than usual over the next few weeks. I have time away from work and need to get some things done on this truck. This is where I’d like to hear opinions: With good tuning and 7x.010’s can I get better top end for towing grades? To be more specific, I’d like to maintain speed (65 mph) on sub 1 mile 6%-8% grades towing 9K without having to downshift. Subjective I know, but can this be accomplished through tuning, injectors, and my hx35w, or do I need more turbo? Off the highway I tow with od locked out, and if it’s really steep in the mountains somewhere I use 2w low. The problem I’m looking to solve is specifical…

Vehicle Nickname: Steven Date Added To The Garage: 2022-01-24 Garage Link: Steven

I went to leave for work this morning and my batteries were low enough the truck would crank slowly but not enough to start. I got new batteries at work and put them in when I got home. My quadzilla is no longer working now. I checked the fuses and the connections and got nothing. I took it for a drive and can tell it's not doing anything.

I though i would post up what I know about better fuel mileage thus far. Gearing and tire size have a lot to do with it as well as driving habits. there are many variables. My truck is a mainly stock 2nd gen 3500 dually with a 5 speed manual so I will speak to this truck in the post. others can add their tips pertaining to their setup as we go. I know some of you have tuners that make a huge difference but not all do. the Quadzilla adrenaline seems to be the go to for mileage and power among other things. That being said, here are some basic tips to get a bit more MPG's !. A well maintained engine. Change oil, a clean engine is more efficient, good fres…

Vehicle Nickname: Randy Date Added To The Garage: 2022-01-15 Garage Link: Randy

About 2 years ago I bought a 1999 2500 with a 5.9L 24v Cummins. The PO claimed that he "had a tune put on it" but couldn't be more specific. It definitely makes more power and smoke than the similar stock trucks I've driven and there's no sign of any piggyback tuners on the truck so presumably he used a Smarty tuner or similar. The only other mod that I know of is the Airdog Raptor lift pump that I installed but with a little over 200k who knows what injectors are in it etc. I mostly use this truck as a road trip vehicle both for work and camping and it usually has a small (1800lb) pop-up truck camper on the back. This is a mountainous area with lots of long steep gr…

Vehicle Nickname: martin Date Added To The Garage: 2022-01-08 Garage Link: martin

Vehicle Nickname: Cole Date Added To The Garage: 2022-01-02 Garage Link: Cole

Vehicle Nickname: Donna Date Added To The Garage: 2021-12-31 Garage Link: Donna

Vehicle Nickname: Problem Child Date Added To The Garage: 2021-12-31 Garage Link: Problem Child

Well after working through several issues as yall know I was finally able to get myself a quadzilla adrenaline. I got it installed this afternoon and have it on default settings it came with and just kept bumping it up just messing around only made it to 7 till I got home, kinda scary... and no smoke-kinda expected alot since these huge injectors...? I guess, who can help me paid or unpaid 😁 get something setup for everything in my sig but note the pump may or may NOT be a dragonflow, this is still a mystery. Now to go try and school myself on how to get things setup, power levels, different profiles etc... so much to do!

Vehicle Nickname: James Tanzey Date Added To The Garage: 2021-12-26 Garage Link: James Tanzey

Vehicle Nickname: Slow Date Added To The Garage: 2021-12-24 Garage Link: Slow

Has anyone here had to replace their belt tensioner yet? If so at how many miles was it about? I had to down the truck for a week to get my ECM rebuilt by ACS and I'm doing other work to the truth. I was wondering if the the tension-er being OEM to the truck in 1999 is still good for years to go, or if i should replace it now.

Vehicle Nickname: Doubletrouble Date Added To The Garage: 2024-04-15 Garage Link: Doubletrouble

I replaced my steering shaft a couple years ago with a Dorman part. The truck was my daily at the time and I needed it back on the road right away. While I have little faith in Dorman would upgrading to Borgeson shaft improve my steering feel any? I already have a Red head box and HD 3rd gen T-style steering. I still have a little play left in the steering which I'm wondering if it's caused by the cheap shaft twisting.

The wife is letting me spend some money on the truck, so here's what I need. 1. I just rolled over 250k miles, I know the head gaskets have a tendency to let go around now. I was thinking of doing it pre-emptively and tossing in some head studs. Is that wise or should I just wait for it to fail on it's own. What brand of head gasket should I use, I have access to Fel-Pro and Mahle at work or I can go to the local Cummins shop. I would have the head checked and worked over while it's off as well. 2. I know I need injectors, I'm probably still on the original ones. I have noticed my MPG's have dropped a bit in the last year and I am clouding …

My 2000 has a non wastegated HX35. I rarely see over 10-12 psi, if I’m loaded heavy I might see 18-19. I’m gonna dig in and see where my issues is (test for boost leaks, adjust the Smarty). Anyone running a true HX35 like this? Was this even available on a 24V auto in 2000? I’ve never seen over 20 psi loaded down at wot. Feel like I’m missing some cheap performance somewhere. Stock injectors. Raptor LP.

Vehicle Nickname: Srt5.9 Date Added To The Garage: 2021-12-17 Garage Link: Srt5.9