New to me 2007 Ram

[ifd22]

Finally upgraded from my Tundra (after seven years of absolutely trouble free service, towing at or near its limits)
The 8 miles to the gallon with a fuel tank with 20 usable gallons finally wore on me though so I went Diesel
New truck is a 20071/2 Ram 2500 quadcab CTD 4x2 with 75,000 miles. I've had the camper behind it once, and although not that much of a difference in regards to handling, the difference between the engines was night and day. The Tundra never felt like it lacked power, but you could tell it was working hard. The CTD on the other hand pulled with little effort.

I hope the new truck is as reliable. I've worked with Diesels all my life at work, this is the first one I've owned though.

I know fuel filter, air filter and oil changes are very important with these newer Diesel engines. Is there anything else I should be concerned about. The maintenance history I got with the truck is very little. I plan on performing all of the routiine stuff in the next couple of weeks.

[billyray50]

Cummins12V98 wrote:
Take your Vin to the Dealer and ask for a service print out.

ONLY use FleetGuard/Mopar filters!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

X2!!

[Cummins12V98]

Take your Vin to the Dealer and ask for a service print out.

ONLY use FleetGuard/Mopar filters!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Grit_dog]

Good choice and low miles to boot!
If you really got anywhere near that mileage (the mileage meters are notoriuosly optimistic) then it sounds like the truck is deleted. Is it?
As far as maintenance, you go the basics covered. I'd service the trans with a complete fluid replacement (not flush).
And most importantly, save your injectors while you still have the chance. Install a secondary 2 micron filter downstream of the factory filter.
Enjoy pulling like a boss!

[wcjeep]

ifd22 wrote:
Thanks. I've actually been happy with the mileage. I got 22 mpg bringing it home about a 300 mile trip on the interstate over the smokey mountains.

In addition to making sure the computer flashes are upto date. Never rely on the computer to tell you accurate fuel mileage. Some call the Dodge mileage computer the Lie-O-Meter.

I have the 2006 with the 5.9 Cummins. At 110k miles I'm still on my factory brake pads. I use the exhaust brake all of the time. The Exhaust Brake does all the work. This allows the brake pads to stay cool. Cold brakes mean maximum emergency stopping power.

Avoid Fram anything. I use Napa filters. Napa filters Meet or Exceed OEM spec.

[FishOnOne]

ifd22 wrote:
Yea I'm looking into cleaning the EGR. Videos online looks like it is a pretty straight forward job.

You may want to look into the turbo cleaning chemical too.

Link

Also you may check out these videos before performing your service yourself.

Link

Good Luck...

BTW... If your truck really makes 22mpg you may check to see if your truck has been deleted as this was the fix many took into their own hands.

[Durb]

ifd22 wrote:
Thanks. I've actually been happy with the mileage. I got 22 mpg bringing it home about a 300 mile trip on the interstate over the smokey mountains.
This truck will primarily be used for towing since I have a take home vehicle for work. I'm guessing about 3000 miles a year, mostly towing, so running it hard shouldn't be a issue.

That's good. 22 is about what he is getting now with 12-14 before. Maybe he had a soft throttle foot like me and was driving plugged up most the time!

[ifd22]

Yea I'm looking into cleaning the EGR. Videos online looks like it is a pretty straight forward job.

[INBellbuoy]

How about the CCV filter/EGR cleaning at 67,500? Was that done? I LOVE mine! This is my 3rd Cummins, I bought a '92 in 1993, I sold it to the brother-in-law when my son came along. The body died last year. Didn't like towing w/ small V-8 so went back to a 2001 D3500 and then replaced it with the 2007 5 years ago. This is one strong engine. I have a six speed, the tranny died on the 2001 so I was wanting something that could stand up to the torque of the Cummins.

[Turtle_n_Peeps]

Well, there's good news and bad news.

The bad news is the first gen 6.7 had a LOT of turbo problems. They would soot up and clog up and kill the turbo. Link

The good news is they came out with a bunch of reflashes and this helped.

Make sure you have the latest flashes and keep the exhaust brake on. This will help.

Good luck with your new to you truck!

[ifd22]

Thanks. I've actually been happy with the mileage. I got 22 mpg bringing it home about a 300 mile trip on the interstate over the smokey mountains.
This truck will primarily be used for towing since I have a take home vehicle for work. I'm guessing about 3000 miles a year, mostly towing, so running it hard shouldn't be a issue.

[Durb]

Congratulations, I made a similar switch to a 2004.5 model.

My son bought the same truck new with the 6.7 and DPF except 4WD. The engine was strong enough and reliable although he had a lot of emission codes. He did have to replace an intake heating grid. His fuel economy was poor and he was not happy about it. Once his warranty ran out at 100k he had all the emission stuff removed or bypassed and with a mild chip or flash installed. The engine came alive, more response, more power and almost double the fuel economy. You couldn't pry it away from him now.

I've heard you have to run them hard to keep the DPF clean.

75k now should enable you to drive that truck for a lot of years. Enjoy.

[ifd22]

Ok thanks. I read where running the EB keeps the turbo clean. I also read about the high idle and the fog lights on with high beams. I'll have the dealer do that next time I'm there, which I hope is a long while.
Is there any other engine benefits by using the EB?

[donn0128]

Run with the EB on all the time, except in snowy conditions. If its an automatic, be sure to not lug it. Basically drive it like you stole it. There are two features a deaper can turn on for you if your interested. High idle, and daylight running lights. High idle frature helps in warm up on cold mornings.