Hi all, I'm the proud new owner of a 01 2500 ext cab 4x4 auto, I've been lurking around cummins forums for the past couple weeks and came across this one and seems a fair amount of y'all know what you're talking about? Not sure if this is were I should unload all my questions but here goes.

  First off I'm an absolute greenhorn when it comes to diesels in general so I don't even understand most abbreviations and lingo I've come across in most posts here, so please be gentle!

 I kinda thought I knew what I was getting into but maybe I'm over my head? I decided it was time for a power & torque upgrade to occasionally tow my 7k camper + toys and came across this truck that I figured had most big ticket items covered with built trans, new inj pump, lift pump, +50 injectors, nice interior, fairly straight body, etc. But now my head's spinning with the items it still probably needs to get it the rest the way up to speed. Just looking to get some opinions as far as priority on upgrades and such because on my budget I can't do everything at once.

No.1 truck has no gauges

  2. No tuner, I would like a smidge more power, (famous last words) would it make more sense to get something with gauges built in budget wise? Was first thinking edge ez & gauges? I know a nice tuner costs some pretty serious coin! And anything else that goes with it, idle control? Etc..??

  3. Has new stock Carter lift pump, P.O. said he had a fass setup and still fried his second inj pump so he went back to stock! Has bigger fuel hose. I'm liking the looks of that belt driven one but $$$! Leave alone for now?

  3. Steering, was minutes away from ordering a new t-style tie rod setup and just read I have to buy new, bigger wheels for the upgrade?? I'll probably replace with stock if that's the case. $$ Stock style track bar seems pretty tight for now. Was going to get steering box/frame brace, bushings,etc.

  4. Rear is swaying, rear shackles and??

Just happened to find a deal on CL for a low mi. Hx35 turbo so I swapped that intending on elbow and boost foolery but just not sure if I'm going in right direction?

   5. Has stock air filter, 4in. Turbo back exhaust.

  6. Killer Dowl pin issue, P.O. (original owner) never heard of it!?

  Thanks for any advice! Like I said, budget does matter, seriously thinking about keeping my gas truck this just seems overwhelming and expensive! I'm a 30yr retired auto body guy, so not afraid to do my own wrenching. Sorry so long winded, thanks for reading.

Edited March 4, 20205 yr by dieseldon
typo

1 hour ago, JAG1 said:

Moparman drives on by stranded jacked up trucks, a lot of times by going underneath them.

Yup. Funny part is jacked up trucks are typically owned by young pups. The older mature men tend not to jack them high in the air. Local rancher in my area all drive with stock height and stock tires and wheels. These young pup are the first to my door asking me to fix a host of front end issue. Just ditch the lift and tires and the problem goes away. Yup. I've got a few that did this and much happier now. Then there is the other half that kept the lift kit and wheels and spent huge money correcting the front end to hold up. As long as your pockets are deep and you do it right it will hold up great. Most though just toss tires on with a leveling kit expecting it to be a cheap upgrade. NOT!!!!

 

1 hour ago, JAG1 said:

He knows when the market reaches bottom too .

Absolutely. 

I still like my 3rd gen steering. I don't do a lot of rough off-road needing articulation, but the potholes where I drive can put a beating on parts. I've hit some doozies and every time I check toe, it's spot on. I do hypothesize that the steering gear will have a slightly shortened life, but cannot estimate by how much. There's not much flex in anything to soften a big blow; of course that is one benefit to slightly larger tires.

 

If I didn't already have 17" wheels and brakes, I'd seriously consider 235/85/16 tires and a gear change to 3.73 (my rear gears are VERY worn so would just change the fronts, too).

Edited March 9, 20205 yr by LorenS
Typo

Holy ****.

This may be the most informative funny thread going on the forumn

I think IBMobile has a picture of Mike going by a jacked up truck. He just was leaving  his favorite Edward Jones office.

1 hour ago, JAG1 said:

I think IBMobile has a picture of Mike going by a jacked up truck. He just was leaving  his favorite Edward Jones office.

 

He didn't make it!