2019 Ram EcoDiesel upgrades
#2741123
02/09/20 02:47 AM
02/09/20 02:47 AM
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Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 168 San Diego
JP8
OP
member
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OP
member
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 168
San Diego
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Hi all, never really stepped foot in the trucks section of Moparts but I just got a smokin deal on a 2019 Ram Classic Ecodiesel Tradesman. It was the last one built with the Gen II VM Motori and in 2019 they built the older body style and called it the Classic while also building the current style. It has the 8 speed and one of my concerns is the trans. Anybody have towing experience with this set up? Is the trans cooler sufficient. I go the towing package and I assume it has a cooler but I just got it last night and it was 15K off MSRP and I just jumped on it so fast because it was the last one at the dealer and I've been working on the 'cud all day so I haven't even looked at the owners manual or poked around on it. I just want to figure some things out. I had already looked at the Banks Derringer kit for it and it looks promising so I'll probably add that in the future and last time I had a diesel I upgraded to a Edge Juice and fudged up the tranny on a 2003 POwerstroke. THe Banks system for the VM Motori is pretty safe for the powertrain vs. others. It's not just a reflash or plug in deal. Basically, its not so wild that you can mess the truck up like that Edge did to the Ford. I guess you could say it's passive (Derringer = little bitty gun). Adds up to 40 hp and 63 lb-ft. With "ActiveSafety" it protects the powertrain. Derringer is dyno calibrated to use multiple data inputs such as throttle position, rpm, vehicle speed, AFR, Knock and coolant temperature, just like your engine's ECU. Its microprocessor-based electronics are able to actively and safely optimize calibrations in real time. https://www.bankspowerproducts.com/Banks-Power-66581-Derringer-Tuner-with-iDash-1-8-p/66581.htmAside from the drivetrain I am looking at churching it up. Being a Tradesman I got some things I really wanted as far as getting a stripper. Rubber floors, vegan leather seats, lower cost ... Some things I want to upgrade to are remote entry, maybe see about getting the upgraded radio/ navigation system, OEM fender mouldings painted body color, and painting a nice tan color on the bottom to give it a nice look. Anyone had any experience upgrading the basic Uconnect to the Nav Uconnect? This will probably be to much of a hassle and cost-ineffective but just wondering if it's as simple as changing the stereo and dash trim. Are the plugs there for the Nav and you pop out the old one and plug in a GPS and radio screen? The truck wasn't optioned with remote entry and I have to unlock the door with the key. Is this also something where you plug in a module and install the door lock poppers in the door? I would like to go OEM with the upgrades but I know there are tons of cheaper aftermarket options for remote door locks and that will be the way I go if the OEM remote entry is a ridiculous cost. I've looked on the interwebs and can only find replacement fobs for trucks already carrying the option so there has to be other components like a signal receiver that the fob communicates with. I also want to find some wheels that came off a Laramie package truck and not aftermarket. Like I said, OEM stuff is the goal. Aftermarket stuff would be limited to making it tow better. Helper springs, bigger sway bar (that thing is pencil thin), brake pads? It came with a trailer brake controller so that's good. I need to tow an E-body, safely. I've got an old trailer that isn't great for cars (not a dovetail/ tall fenders, low floor). In the future I do want to get a dovetail trailer and would like to be able to swing the doors on the 'cuda all the way open. I might even look at aluminum to shave some weight. Advertised capacity says I'll be fine with what I got but if I'm going to buy a different trailer why not get an aluminum trailer? Selling the old trailer would help cut the cost of the aluminum option. Can anyone chime in with a report on towing a car with these EcoDiesels?
Instagram : @5_points_racing
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Re: 2019 Ram EcoDiesel upgrades
[Re: JP8]
#2741135
02/09/20 08:18 AM
02/09/20 08:18 AM
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 10,228 Colleyville
3hundred
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 10,228
Colleyville
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I wouldn't fool with tunes for the engine unless I didn't care for the warranty coverage. The 8 speed is great, but I don't buy the "fill for life" nonsense. If you have Android Auto or Car Play capability, don't bother with the factory Navigation. If you still want to pursue that avenue, infortainment linky has you covered.
Last edited by 3hundred; 02/09/20 08:18 AM.
'68 Fury Convertible '69 300 Convertible '15 Durango 5.7 Hemi '16 300 S Hemi
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Re: 2019 Ram EcoDiesel upgrades
[Re: earlymopar]
#2742436
02/12/20 10:01 PM
02/12/20 10:01 PM
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 13,194 aZLiViN
J_BODY
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 13,194
aZLiViN
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That came off pretty bad I’ll admit..... but guess what I’ve been trying to chase an “intermittent” problem on for the last 15 days.... I’ll give my replies more thought before I press “submit”. .....and had another come in today with “EGR excessive flow”. For gawd sake change your air filter once in awhile!!! Could have planted garden seeds in the one I took out.
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Re: 2019 Ram EcoDiesel upgrades
[Re: earlymopar]
#2742625
02/13/20 05:40 PM
02/13/20 05:40 PM
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,640 in a cattle trailer down by th...
Guitar Jones
Paddle faster! I hear banjo music!
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Paddle faster! I hear banjo music!
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,640
in a cattle trailer down by th...
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It was my understanding the problem was in low RPM lugging of the engine that caused the problem. FCA wanted to increase the viscosity of the oil to offset this but of course that needed EPA approval. I don't know if that was ever approved.
"Follow me the wise man said, but he walked behind"
'92 D250 Club Cab CTD, 47RH conversion, pump tweaks, injectors, rear disc and hydroboost conversion. '74 W200 Crew Cab 360, NV4500, D44, D60 and NP205 divorced transfer case. Rear disc and hydroboost conversion. 2019 1500 Long Horn Crew Cab 4WD, 5.7 Hemi.
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Re: 2019 Ram EcoDiesel upgrades
[Re: JP8]
#2743043
02/14/20 11:55 PM
02/14/20 11:55 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 614 Id
mopeman
mopar
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mopar
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 614
Id
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If you have the tow package and 3.92 gears you don't have to worry too much about towing. I have a 2018 and in the 38k miles with 10k of towing I have not had any problems yet. I did add an Airlift airbag kit to keep the truck level. I have never seen any higher than 195 degrees on the trans temp pulling the Blues Mnt Rng, on flats I keep the cruise set at 72 MPH and avg 13-14 MPG per the lie-o-meter. That Cuda of yours will not give the truck any problems. I have towed many cars, trucks, and a horse trailer with mine. As far as adding keyless entry, I would stick with the Mopar kit, they are plug and play with a dealer flash.
Last edited by mopeman; 02/14/20 11:58 PM.
Mopar or no car MoPar=Massivly Over Powered And Respected!
'93 W250 Ram '68 Charger '67 Coronet 500 my steet/strip rod-now a 6BBL!
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Re: 2019 Ram EcoDiesel upgrades
[Re: Guitar Jones]
#2743167
02/15/20 12:26 PM
02/15/20 12:26 PM
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 13,194 aZLiViN
J_BODY
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 13,194
aZLiViN
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It was my understanding the problem was in low RPM lugging of the engine that caused the problem. FCA wanted to increase the viscosity of the oil to offset this but of course that needed EPA approval. I don't know if that was ever approved. You know GJ I don’t recall any that got towed in that we’re towing a trailer.... most of ours the story seemed along the same lines of cruising down the highway, there was a noise, and it quit. Another seemingly coincidence is that the “I just had my oil changed” story seemed to come up, but who knows how recent that actually may have been. The frustrations of working on them is high as we come from a Cummins world where we have nice things like cylinder balance tests and can cancel injectors neither of which are available with the eco and that’s just a few things.... I’m also not a fan of any repair that starts with “see cab removal procedure” (turbo.... but this procedure will be used more with the latest body style 2500/3500 too). The oil viscosity change was early on..... a recall on some iirc. There’s also a detailed oil change procedure they’ve updated a few times which makes a guy go hmmmmm..... I apologize for my doom and gloom.... obviously I see the ugly end of most of these vehicles (I still have my 01 CTD and it was born far from perfect for sure). Drive em, enjoy em, hope for the best and take what this guy posts with a grain of salt... he obviously has anger issues . Eco.... air filters seem to be overlooked on these for some reason. Of course we’re in the desert but I know “if” I had one once a year or 15-20k miles for sure.... and it would be a MOPAR filter. The last thing I want is to alter airflow from its factory designed platform. Fuel filter..... guidelines say every 30k, I’d do it at 25. and always carry a loaded handgun because if you “accidentally” put DEF in your fuel tank.... you’ll want to use it on yourself! (Actually I’ve seen insurance cover this) Would I put an aftermarket tuner on? Not a chance if under warranty. One comes in the door tapped and I won’t even look at it. Been in the “you can’t void my warranty!” conversation. I’m not voiding your warranty, I’m just not working on your vehicle with an unknown added degree of difficulty being paid on factory guidelines.
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Re: 2019 Ram EcoDiesel upgrades
[Re: J_BODY]
#2743182
02/15/20 12:59 PM
02/15/20 12:59 PM
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,640 in a cattle trailer down by th...
Guitar Jones
Paddle faster! I hear banjo music!
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Paddle faster! I hear banjo music!
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,640
in a cattle trailer down by th...
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I don't work for FCA anymore so I'm not up on the current crop or their issues. But it's true we guys at the dealership really only see the broken ones so our opinions can be skewed. I know I replace a LOT of Sonata engines, an enormous amount. I would say I have personally done about 2000 engines in the last 4.5 years or so. I do 1 to 3 engines pretty much every day at work. So it's not surprising that I think they have all the durability of a potato chip. BUT, at least Hyundai will buy you a new engine pretty much regardless of how it was taken care of.
"Follow me the wise man said, but he walked behind"
'92 D250 Club Cab CTD, 47RH conversion, pump tweaks, injectors, rear disc and hydroboost conversion. '74 W200 Crew Cab 360, NV4500, D44, D60 and NP205 divorced transfer case. Rear disc and hydroboost conversion. 2019 1500 Long Horn Crew Cab 4WD, 5.7 Hemi.
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Re: 2019 Ram EcoDiesel upgrades
[Re: J_BODY]
#2743227
02/15/20 03:53 PM
02/15/20 03:53 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 614 Id
mopeman
mopar
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mopar
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 614
Id
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It was my understanding the problem was in low RPM lugging of the engine that caused the problem. FCA wanted to increase the viscosity of the oil to offset this but of course that needed EPA approval. I don't know if that was ever approved. You know GJ I don’t recall any that got towed in that we’re towing a trailer.... most of ours the story seemed along the same lines of cruising down the highway, there was a noise, and it quit. Another seemingly coincidence is that the “I just had my oil changed” story seemed to come up, but who knows how recent that actually may have been. The frustrations of working on them is high as we come from a Cummins world where we have nice things like cylinder balance tests and can cancel injectors neither of which are available with the eco and that’s just a few things.... I’m also not a fan of any repair that starts with “see cab removal procedure” (turbo.... but this procedure will be used more with the latest body style 2500/3500 too). The oil viscosity change was early on..... a recall on some iirc. There’s also a detailed oil change procedure they’ve updated a few times which makes a guy go hmmmmm..... I apologize for my doom and gloom.... obviously I see the ugly end of most of these vehicles (I still have my 01 CTD and it was born far from perfect for sure). Drive em, enjoy em, hope for the best and take what this guy posts with a grain of salt... he obviously has anger issues . Eco.... air filters seem to be overlooked on these for some reason. Of course we’re in the desert but I know “if” I had one once a year or 15-20k miles for sure.... and it would be a MOPAR filter. The last thing I want is to alter airflow from its factory designed platform. Fuel filter..... guidelines say every 30k, I’d do it at 25. and always carry a loaded handgun because if you “accidentally” put DEF in your fuel tank.... you’ll want to use it on yourself! (Actually I’ve seen insurance cover this) Would I put an aftermarket tuner on? Not a chance if under warranty. One comes in the door tapped and I won’t even look at it. Been in the “you can’t void my warranty!” conversation. I’m not voiding your warranty, I’m just not working on your vehicle with an unknown added degree of difficulty being paid on factory guidelines. As far as maintenance goes, I change the oil per the EVIC (8-9k), fuel filters every other oil change (so every 16-18K), cabin air filter every other oil change, and air filter every year. I agree with going with the Mopar air filter, there is a big difference in size (depth) of the aftermarket filters like a Wix compared to the Mopar filter. The Mopar air filter is deeper in the pleats and I would guess more filtration. I also use the Mopar fuel filters.
Mopar or no car MoPar=Massivly Over Powered And Respected!
'93 W250 Ram '68 Charger '67 Coronet 500 my steet/strip rod-now a 6BBL!
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Re: 2019 Ram EcoDiesel upgrades
[Re: mopeman]
#2743252
02/15/20 05:24 PM
02/15/20 05:24 PM
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Joined: May 2009
Posts: 834 Missouri
galen
super stock
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super stock
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 834
Missouri
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Don't mean to hi jack but I have a 2014 Ram Laramie I bought new. I have 60k on it. I change my oil at 5000 and fuel filter/ air filter at 20k sooner if dusty conditions. I started doing my own services after the kid at the local dealer did a sub par job. And hearing the failure horror stories. I'm a retired field mechanic for Cummins. Love the Cummins but I ended up buying this mainly because being paraplegic the 1500 4x4 sets low enough I can get in it easier. And I tow maybe 6000 max. . J_Body would you steer me in the right direction for oil change procedure Also what are your thoughts on the Rotella t6. Wasn't sure what the local dealer uses, Kid said we have a big tank of it over there never any brand in my paperwork. No trouble so far, as I knock on wood.
Last edited by galen; 02/15/20 05:25 PM.
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