please post your diesel truck fuel milage

jinman · May 17, 2004

( Just curious, how many times have you had to repalce the transmission. )

Egon, the operative word in your question is "replace." At 165k mi., my auto tranny started to slip when it changed gears. I checked with three Dodge shops and they all wanted to "replace" the transmission at a cost of $4,000 +. I went to a local (non-chain) transmission shop and had the transmission completely rebuilt including a new torque converter. Total cost was $1,865. I've never had a bit of trouble with my rebuilt transmission and never touched it. I've never even added a drop of fluid. You never know, but this transmission still feels very strong and the shifts are perfect.

Now to be completely objective, I guess I should say that I haven't pulled two 12'x24' portable building sections with this transmission either. That may have been a little too much for the first one. If I make it to 300k mi. with this truck and no major problems, I might consider trading it. Then again, why not shoot for 500k? /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

jinman · May 17, 2004

( What's your axle ratio? )

I don't know what my axle ratio is, but I think it must be the lower ratio (higher speed) because at 70 mph, my tach is around 1,900 rpm. Most of my 70 mi. commute to work is 70+ mph. I make it work at Dallas-Ft Worth Airport most days in just a little over an hour, so you know I'm not going too slow. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

I'm pretty happy with the transmission place I have here in Grapevine, Texas. It's a father and son business and they have a well deserved reputation as a quality shop. (Actually, they have two shops.)

Of all the things I think will be just fine at 300k, I trust my Cummins the most. I just can't detect any difference in the engine's performance or oil use. All I've done is change oil regularly every 6,000 mi, fuel filters every 100k mi., serpentine belt at 200k mi., and that's it. I've never touched the engine for anything else. Of course, I don't pull a camper or other heavy tow on a regular basis, but I love this truck and the bottom line is I'm saving a ton of money by not buying a new vehicle every 3 or 4 years. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Hank · May 17, 2004

'04 F250 4WD 6.0 PSD 5sp auto:
15 city 19 hwy

Egon · May 17, 2004

Jinman:

You have 3.55 gears as the rpm and speed are the same as mine.

They make a very nice driving to work truck.

Egon

Egon · May 17, 2004

Thanks Jinman.

Mine has 100K on it with no problems.

Egon

RobertN · May 17, 2004

I'm not sure /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif I think it is 4.11's... I'll have to look; it is on the tag in the glove box.

Maybe if I had 4.10's, I'd get a little better mileage /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Egon · May 17, 2004

Remember to take into account the tire wear! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Egon

YanmarFever · May 17, 2004

2002 Dodge Ram, 4x4, high output engine, 6 sp. 3.55 rear end

30,000 miles on od.
26,000 of them towing a trailer

18 hwy
17 town
14 - 15 towing 10K at 70 mph.

Tractor Ernie /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Libertine · May 18, 2004

jinman:

Ah. At 70mph I'm turning about 2300 rpm. I looked into changing the axle ratio when I bought it, (going from 4.1 to 3.5) but too expensive although it should improve mileage a bit. At your 1900 rpm you're somewhere near the torque peak-nice place to run.

I love this truck 

Gee. I like mine ok too, but "love". Ummm. (just kidding)

JEH

SageBrush · May 18, 2004

2003 Dodge Ram 3500 Dually 4x4 HO Auto 4.10 rear. 14.8 average in town. 11.1 towing 6 to 9K. Empty highway driving is around 17 mpg. Best ever is just over 18 mpg and I was always under 65 mph.