I had my 2001 Dmax from new until last Friday. Put 72,000 miles on it.

I now have a 2004 Dodge Cummins.

Both 2500 Crew Cab Short beds diesel auto's

The rear seats and room in the Dodge is pathetic compared to my old GMC.

The Dodge wind noise is loud but it's not from leaks, They should have wind tunneled it. Sounds like I'm in a 737 at speeds over 50 especially if it's windy out.

The Dodge has a better turning radius which to me is a big plus. I noticed it right away when parking.

The GMC had a more sports-car like ride. The Dodge handles and feels more like a truck. I like the GMC handling and ride better although the Dodge is quite nice for a SFA.

The interior of the Dodge is nicer than I originally felt when I was first looking. Pretty well thought out with loads of storage. Love the middle underseat area.

Love the 34 gal tank.... don't know how to act. Mileage is looking really good so far with only 350 miles on it it's showing 17.2

I miss the auto headlights and the headlights themselves. My GMC were like daylight on wheels. The Dodge high beams are ridiculous.

Power.... My Dmax was a screamer. The Allison is awesome. The Juice made it all happen so smooth and controlled.

The jury is still out power wise with my Cummins. I don't like to beat them with less than 1000 miles. It feels real strong. It feels more like a diesel with the subtle vibrations, the turbo whine... (I'll be working on that soon to make it louder)

Tranny shifting is nice. I like the gears it selects for conditions and I see where everyone is bragging about how she holds overdrive. I love that shift into overdrive with the subsequent torque push you get.

Both trucks are nice. This one feels more truckish though. That can be good and bad.

More to come.... I'm liking it more each day. She still rattles when cold if you don't warm it up. I like the automatic high idle. It runs at about 750 rpm for a minute or two than it automatically jumps to 1000 on it's own.Edited by: Diesel Power

With the AT you can have the ECM reflashed so you have a manual high idle (controlled through crusie control buttons)


Turn it on an it jumps to 1000 RPM, an then through the cruise accell button you can raise it to 1100,1200,1300,1400,1500 rpm. Depress brakes and drops back down.

Of course when comparing power, your DMAX was not stock. I know you have stated that you are not going to modify the Dodge, but I have this feeling,,,,,,,,


These engines (DMAX and Cummins) are always tight until you get some break-in miles on them. I always laugh when reading about someone who goes to a dealership and takes a test drive. Then posts to the internet "Boy my old XYZ truck is much faster than this brand new ABC truck; the ABC truck feels so sluggish (which of course only had 20 miles on it)".


Enjoy the new truck. I, like most forum members, look forward to your opinions and comparisons between the two trucks.

Hoot,


Agree with your comments comparing ride quality, noise and interior storage. My truck had to grow on me before I appreciated more things. The drivers' seat is just one example. I thought it was uncomfortable until my first 14-hour day. Then I realized I didn't know it was there and never squirmed around through the day. My opinion is it's better than the GM.


Never did I like the headlight switch on my 'Max. I don't want my headlights on and always pressing that button four times to shut them off was a distraction. Give me the old fashioned headlight switch like the DC.


Don't know about the transmission as mine is a 6 speed. It was just awful to shift for about 5,000 miles and then it loosened up. I would expect your engine/transmission combination might do the same. This truck is better under tow and on the open road. In-town drivability and comfort was better with the GM. Get ready to fuel that large tank without surging fuel all over the truck and your pants.


Check the torque on your lug nuts. A few of mine loosened in the first 1,000 miles.


Keep the reports coming.

On a cold morning.... 32 deg this time of year, if you don't let it warm up more than a couple of minutes, you get loud diesel clatter when you accelerate. I also have what sound like a valve tap until it warms up. I believe this is all normal.

I stated in the other thread under hard acceleration feels like a coffee grinder under my feet. I was spoiled by the Dmax's smoothness.

That fourth gear lock up is one tough cookie.

And wow..... some smoke on a hard launch! (Flooring it after already rolling)

MABurns.... thanks for that tip. You and me are a lot alike http://dieselplace.com:82/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif

OC_DMAX,
Yea I know you get used to one then you drive a new stock vehicle and it sets you back. This one has a lot of power. I'm just starting to play some and believe me... with this being stock, a decent chip would make it fly.
Edited by: Diesel Power

I put a TS 125 hp chip in a non HO cummins last week. It is no where near as fast as my duramax going by seat of the pants. TS claimes, its not a race box but rather a tow box. Seems reasonable to me. Still felt quite strong though.


To clarify the chip is supposed to make 100hp on the HO and around 125 on the non HO.Edited by: Max Power

I also like the huge center console. It's designed to be able to put a laptop inside and get this...

It's got a power outlet in it. Great for my cell phone!

Cup holders are lousy. They're too shallow.

Cup holders are lousy. They're too shallow.





Agree, these work: http://216.167.41.9/genosgaragestore/images/d_images/cup_holder.JPG

I saw them cupholders. I'm not sure if I'd go that route.

I notice a nasty higher frequency engine or driveline vibration at about 60-70 mph. I saw some others complaining about it. No fix yet. Could be driveshaft.

No front axle disconnect! No locking hubs! Front axle is driven all the time from the wheels back to the xfer case. No wonder mileage is down overall.Edited by: hoot

More first impressions...


The medal on trucks these days is really thin. The truck is less than 1 month old and I already have a couple quater size dingshttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Ouch.gif. If only they made the medal as thick as they used to.


The gauges at night, you can't see the thin lines with the backlight at full blast.


Got my windows tinted the other day and the shop needed to cut out some of the rubber that contacts the window becuase it will scratch the tint. Maybe it might scratch the outside of the window too if in dusty conditions alot???


The cupholders on the manual transmission are sufficient, there is ample storage by the cupholders.


I don't know much about steering but the truck has rack & pinion steering, the joints between connections look a little weak, but I guess that's the way it is, besides installing a steering gear box. A couple of people have frowned upon R & P steering. Why?


The seats were my biggest fear in buying the dodge. Suprising enough they are comfortable and look like they can keep up with the wear and tear of getting in and out of the truck.


Steering wheel controls are a great feature to have. I'm still trying to figure out how to work the radio itself but the controls on the wheel are simple.


The speed the windows roll down is slower than most. It's not a big deal but in California you can't have tinted front windows.


The center console size is HUGE! Like Hoot said above it was very well designed and you can put a computer inside it, hook up with power and go. The size of the console works great as a table also.


6 speed transmission is stiff, but like everything else it loosens up after timehttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Wink.gif, it makes a loud noise when it reached low RPM's.


Hoot, let me know about making the turbo louder. It is heard inside the cab very well & 1800-2100 RPM's while towing. Nothing can compete with the sound of a turbine! http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Approve.gif


Will let you know if anything else comes up.

I was admiring the whistle tonight. I've been reading.... we have to gut the intake tube. It's got baffles in it. Couple of ways of doing it. I'm taking my time. There is a replacement steel pipe you can buy for 50 bucks but I'd like it to look stock so Duke can add that to his list.

I will be straight piping soon. That also increases turbo wine.

The seats are better than my GMC's. And they recline back farther. I like the fold flat system in the back and the storage compartments under it.

Just found out the rear posi unit is a geared type like a Torsen unit. No clutches, no tiny springs, pins and weights. Just binding gears. They work well with braking control.Edited by: hoot

Hoot


Just for the New comers on the diesel ownership. IF you find the time can you explain a little about the two changes you are considering. Where can one read up on it?


Thanks


There is a replacement steel pipe you can buy for 50 bucks.

I will be straight piping soon.

I've been banging on these two....

http://www.dieseltruckresource.com/dev/index.php?s=

http://www.turbodieselregister.com/

More impressions on Dodge sales tactics...

It seem the Cummins "600" was sold as the power king when in fact it's the worst in fuel economy in Cummins/Dodge history and anybody that has driven both cannot tell the difference. Most of the upgrades from the HO seem to be emissions driven. They added a third injection event that is not "value added" except to control emissions. In other words, they're using extra diesel fuel to combat smog.

Here's another one.
They list the towing mirrors as...
Power Folding Trailer-Tow Mirrors

Guess what... they are power mirrors but not power folding.

Stop it HOOT your still whining do to the fact you were duped into a 305 triple nickle exspecting the BIG BAD 600 ....





Mac http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Geek.gif

I am surprised at all the complaints on the 600 fuel economy. I have sold a bunch of em so far and every one is very happy. I just had a lady come in the other day who is pulling a 4-horse living quarters with a 600/48re/4.10's and dual wheels and she said hers is averaging about 12-13 pulling and she actually has had to step on the brakes when going up hills due to the thing going too fast.

Not really MAC... you know me... I researched the crap out of this (albiet after the facthttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Embarrased.gif)and so far... unless mileage improves drastically on the 600's, my dealer screwup went into my favor BIG TIME.

Luke.... I think the people pulling trailers are seeing decent mileage but city slicker commuters like me don't seem to be getting the expected 20+ mpg.

I think I'll be seeing that soon as my DIC has already shown 21.5 once.Edited by: hoot

What is the oldest 600? 2.5 months? I read a post on TDR where a guy was griping that it only got 14 on the first tank..... come on, at least get 1000 miles on it before you complain. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Confused.gif Most people in a recent pole I saw there are around 17 MPG. If there turns out to be a mileage issue, I too am glad I got the measily little 305/555. I am getting 20+ ,if I stay under 70MPH--very speed sesitive, 70-75 nets 18-19 MPG. I can live with that.

go to http://www.bankspower.com/Sidewinder.cfm (http://www.bankspower.com/Sidewinder.cfm) and see the sidewinder project that is pushing 1300 ft/lbs. and 735 hp with no beefing it up. it still get 21 mpg.


Interesting Link.


MPH / MPG


I know I am new at this forum and do not have the same experience as most. I have been watching the debate over the 325/600. I enjoy mine although I have not gotten to pull anything heavy yet. (My desire to purchase a trailer this summer was offset with my wife's desire to get a new 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT loaded. Trailer will have to wait another year.)


I reside in Saskatchewan and like some of the upper states it is cold up here in the winter. I have driven it a lot on 4X4 high. I have broken my engine mainly in winter time letting it iddle before I take it out and for a couple minutes when I park it before I shut it off. No where near the load some of you have posted.


When it was cold appx 2000 km odo reading I was averaging 13.6 mpg (us computer) on highway and about 11 to 12 combine City/Hwy. Appx 3 weekends ago I was late taking my son to a Hockey Tournament on a 270 km ride and I had to get it up to 130 km/h to get there on time. I saw the computer display climb on the mpg to averaged over 13 mpg for the trip. It seemed that the fuel milage was getting better the faster I drove. I was into a head wind as there was a blizzard warning in effect. I could not tell you why that happened just that I was flabbergasted. I don't know enough about diesels to even try to explain. (I have a heavy foot). As for the ride My wife even commented it was even smoother than my old 2001 Dodge gas. Sold that Baby with 34,000 km on it.


After I saw a few post of average up to 17 mpg I tested mine last weekend on a strictly Hwy ride. I don't drive my truck under 70 mph being around the speed limit up here on our hwy. 21.2 mpg was the computer reading on a perfect day with no wind. I only have 4700 km on it today. The only change I did was to put an access tonneau cover on it to cut down wind on the tailgate.


ps. I bought it for the power and the looks and the experience. Gas milage was not a factor. It it is no more expensive gas wise than my 2001 5.9 liter Magnum gas engine was. Now with the price of regular gas at 83 cents/liters and 69.9cents/liters for diesel. I am smiling every fill up.

There are plenty of people (me included) who have bought a diesel for its improved mileage (over the same truck with a gasser). Part of justifying the extra cost of the diesel option (in addition to performance towing) is that normally diesel fuel is less expensive and gets as much as 25% better milage. With less than 200,000 miles you could recoup that extra cost.


I can see why people would be upset if they where only getting 14 MPG, especially if they came into the deal expecting to get 20.


If you drive 30,000 miles per year the difference between 14 and 20 MPG is over $1000 per year.

I'm one of those who bought a diesel for improved fuel mileage. I find myself putting on a average 2000 miles a month, so the gasser was killing me. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Angry.gif


I found that (like the computer should) when I lay on the pedal to go up a grade, the mileage computer goes down to about 15.5-15.8 going a speed of 70-75 mph. Going that speed in 6th gear I am at 2100-2150 rpm's. Going 65 mph increased my mpg to the highest 18.2 with the cruise control on going a distance of 40 miles. The old 1985 "farm truck" diesel that I own gets about 15 mpg.


I think for a 1 ton truck, anything over 15 is excellent. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cool.gif Keep in mind the size of the motor! 325 horses!

More impressions...


The 4 wheel disc brakes are excellent! Stopping a 1 ton truck very quickly is hard to do, but with the disc brakes it makes life easy.


The radiator fins are exposed to the grill section of the front end. There seems to be alot of bugs getting in to the thin medal coolant fins. I am looking to place a screen to prevent that from happening. I took a look at all the "big rigs" and for the most part they all had some kind of screen to protect the fins from getting bugs into them.


Does anyone know where I can find such a thing? It would be fairly easy to do it myself but just wondering if any aftermarket products were designed for that purpose. I have seen a "protector" that fits over the top of the cooling screens but does not cover the all the fins from bugs.


Hoot, I think staying with plastic for the intake is the best choice all around. Does anyone make a non-baffled intake out of plastic??

I also found a flat four trailer plug behind the bumper in addition to the 7-pin mounted on the bumper.

The back sides of the bumper are plated and not a rust haven.

CTD600..

Funny you asked. You can make the big black tube smooth and hollow inside by cutting the end internal flanges off by simply running a bearing guided laminate router or a drywall Zip router. I just did it about 15 minutes ago.

The result is a perfectly clean ID OEM plastic tube. The inside baffling simply slides out.

I also removed the silencer ring thats mounted in the front ID of the turbo. It's a big snap ring you pop out with a screwdriver and a tapered sheet metal ring that falls out.

I will have pics up shortly.Edited by: hoot

Sounds good, I don't have much going on today so maybe I will do the same. I can't wait to hear the turbo after!!!http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cool.gif

Picture going up now in a new topic

Nice 4" stock tailpipe...

BTW: I tried a power brake. Broke both tires loose without a wimper.


http://dieselplace.com:82/forum/uploads/859_DSCN5072.jpgEdited by: Diesel Power

I was admiring the whistle tonight. I've been reading.... we have to gut the intake tube. It's got baffles in it. Couple of ways of doing it. I'm taking my time. There is a replacement steel pipe you can buy for 50 bucks but I'd like it to look stock so Duke can add that to his list.


Hoot


I will not be taking the intake tube apart but I am really interested in the replacement pipe.


Where can I obtain one.

Check http://www.genosgarage.com/

I though I saw it listed. Give them a call. Ask about the "Moore turbo silencer eliminator"

http://www.pirate4x4.net/mstevens/uploads/eliminator.jpgEdited by: hoot

Hoot


Called http://www.genosgarage.com/ (http://www.genosgarage.com/) today. They said they didn't have a picture on their site. I asked a couple questions, It has no baffles inside apparently and he stated it was just for show. He was not sure if this one will increase the turbo noise or not or increase air flow. Not shure about the bend in the middle, what purpose it would serve, show, strength? You were right on the price $50.00.


Wonder's who's engine it is attached to and what comments the owner would have.


Still thinking/looking around. Edited by: Canadian_Frank

Frank that's exactly what it's supposed to be. Just a replacement tube for the silencer. It's a nice looking accessory and it's made out of stainless. Does the same thing as gutting the tube like I did.

Hoot


OK. That is what I needed to Hear. If this tube will make me experience the extra turbine noise, then I got to try it. Will order early next week.

Put a QSB1 on it! It'll sound like a jet then!


John

I'd love to but I'm a dieselholic and

Candian_Frank,





You have a PM.