Troubleshooting Gutless Dodge 2500

[Dmace]

You said it doesn't have the "Tow/Haul" button but does it have the O/D Off button to stop it from shifting into overdrive?

I had an old Ford with the same lack of power feel and it turned out to be a bad torque converter. It felt like it was always in too high of a gear. If you can shut off the overdrive then it should stop locking the torque converter.

As far as the catalytic converter, just take off the tail pipe and clean out that cat with a broomstick. :thumbsup:

 

[powerstroke444e]

Had a few of the dodge's with the 360 in it and the cat's clog up all the time and they went throught cap's and wires yearly. On the other side even runing right I always wondered how they could use that much fuel and not have any power

 

[Dmace]

On the other side even runing right I always wondered how they could use that much fuel and not have any power

Apparently you either didn't have one or it was never "running right". They weren't high hp engines but that 325-lb.ft of torque was from just above idle and up and you could tell with a load behind one. Considering the competition, it was easily the best V8 in a truck of that time.

Just noticed the user name, obviously another Phord Phan...

 

[Diamondpilot]

Apparently you either didn't have one or it was never "running right". They weren't high hp engines but that 325-lb.ft of torque was from just above idle and up and you could tell with a load behind one. Considering the competition, it was easily the best V8 in a truck of that time.

Just noticed the user name, obviously another Phord Phan...

I have to agree. I know I will get jumped all over for this but my boating buddy has a 2002 I think 1500 Dodge with a 360 5.9L. It would out pull my 2003 2500 with a 5.7L Hemi any day of the week. Not sure what gear, ect but it was a much better pulling motor than the Hemi I had.

I really think the guys are on the right track with the Cat. I would start by checking it first.

I have always been a big 360 fan. I just wish they would have built upon it for the trucks. Back in the late 90's I wanted a Durango with a 360 so bad but the money was never right on them. You could get a fully loaded Crew Cab F-150 or Expedition/Tahoe for about the same money.
Chris

 

[powerstroke444e]

Just noticed the user name, obviously another Phord Phan...

I have had a about even number of fords and dodges, I would agree compared to the Ford 351 the dodge 360 would out pull it any day had both but the dodge would use twice the fuel.

The nice thing with the dodges were the price they were always a few grand cheaper than a ford or chevy. The user name came from building and running lots of old 7.3l and newer 444e's. My perfect truck would be f550 with a cummins transplant.

Have a 04 3500 with 417000 on it & 97 f450 with a 7.3l in it.

 

[cowski]

change the fuel filter,look at the exhaust pipe, converter and muffler .too see if something is expanded.

 

[RobertN]

My experience was different. I always found I got good mileage, and power from the LA motors(318/360).

My 351 Ford made nice power, and did ok on gas.

The couple Chevy pickups with 350's, sucked gas to no end, and did not have the power.

I have had a about even number of fords and dodges, I would agree compared to the Ford 351 the dodge 360 would out pull it any day had both but the dodge would use twice the fuel.

 

[Egon]

You fellar's are just a little to young to have experienced the 383 or 440's.

 

[powerstroke444e]

I guess it all boils down to how they are used and what options they were ordered with on which was the best or worse during the 90's.
Back to the OP exhaust, plugs and wires keep up posted.

 

[powerstroke444e]

You fellar's are just a little to young to have experienced the 383 or 440's.

Old guy always shows up at the truck pull at the county fair with a stock looking 70s dodge with 440 and takes the trophies. Never had one but would had to feed one with $4 gas.