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Name is Mark, and I live at Reno. Wheeling since 1976, like 4x4s, ATVs, dirt bikes and my beloved, and sometimes hated, 1981 CJ8 Scrambler. Interested in all things Jeep!
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Owner: MegatronAdded: 27 September 2013 - 08:56 AM
Owner: MegatronAdded: 25 September 2013 - 07:37 AM
Jeep XJ Cherokee 4WD Sport 4-door (1999)
Owner: Moses LudelAdded: 15 September 2013 - 01:16 PM
Owner: biggman100Added: 22 September 2013 - 05:22 PM
Dodge Ram 3500 Cummins Quad-Cab 4x4 S...
Owner: Moses LudelAdded: 15 September 2013 - 08:42 AM
Posted by RareCJ8 on 09 April 2013 - 09:46 PM
Name is Mark, and I live at Reno. Wheeling since 1976, like 4x4s, ATVs, dirt bikes and my beloved, and sometimes hated, 1981 CJ8 Scrambler. Interested in all things Jeep!
Posted by Moses Ludel on 27 July 2013 - 01:16 PM
All good points, Megatron, each deserves an explanation, so here we go...I'll begin by sharing that I ran a four-wheel alignment rack at a GMC truck dealership in the mid-'80s, the era of both beam front axle 4x4s and IFS 2WD and 4WD front ends. For fifteen years prior to that, I had been doing alignment with far less equipment than that new Hunter four-wheel, electronic light beam rack. Fifteen years after the dealership stint, I taught wheel alignment at the adult vocational training level and merged my varied equipment experiences, which reflect in what I'm now sharing.
It's great to use precision four-wheel alignment equipment. However, "computer" alignment equipment is also limited in many ways. For example, you describe aftermarket wheels, suspension and tires, and you're right, of the three (assuming the suspension kit is as adjustable as yours), the wheel offset is the most critical modification. Because your truck falls outside the OEM guidelines built into the software for modern alignment equipment, many shops will avoid doing your truck's alignment.
Reasons for refusal include "liability", "unpredictable results" and "possibility of abnormal tire wear"—regardless of the alignment procedure. In many cases, the shop simply doesn't know what they can do to address or compensate for your modifications...After all, this is the era of plug-and-play. Follow the flow charts or stare at the computer screen or scanner. Wait long enough, and maybe an answer will materialize...That's not going to happen here!
For now, let's suspend judgment about why your truck and millions of other 4x4s are in this predicament. You've installed all of this hardware, and it's time to make the vehicle track as safely as possible—and for the tires to last.
As for front axle lateral alignment, your adjustable track bar is a real asset. Alignment does reference from the rear axle, and for good reason. The term "thrust" is just what it sounds like: The rear axle on a RWD vehicle is the traction point, pushing the frame and the entire vehicle forward from the rear. Unless you're driving backward, your rear-drive truck requires the front axle to align squarely under thrust. (Thus the term "thrust alignment"!) The axles must be square, in any case.
To illustrate, draw a line forward and perpendicular to the centerline of the rear axle. This follows the driveline in approximate terms—unless the driveline is offset like with a side-drive transfer case. This line of force, aimed forward and perpendicular to the rear axle, becomes the reference point for the front axle's position. The front axle ends up parallel to the rear axle, which is simple to visualize on beam axle trucks like our Ram 3500 models. The front axle must also align sideways or laterally, the reason for your adjustable track bar.
Whether the frame is perfectly square or not, if the front axle is parallel to the rear axle (plane view from the top), and if the axles center laterally with each other, you can align the truck's front end. The frame should be square, though, because an out-of-square frame would place the springs, suspension arms and steering linkage at odd angles with the axles.
So, let's start with a square frame, no collision damage, and a rear axle that sets squarely in the truck. It's much easier with our leaf sprung, beam rear axle: The centering points for the rear axle are simply the leaf spring center bolts and the axle's spring perch holes—plus any spacer block alignment holes or pins.
Rear axle in place, you can use the string-in-diamond method for setting the beam front axle's position for both parallel to the rear axle and laterally on center. I used the string method for two illustrated how-to articles at the magazine: my Jeep XJ Cherokee 6-inch long arm installation at the "Jeep XJ Cherokee & MJ Comanche 4WD Workshop" (see the left panel menu) and also the Jeep TJ Wrangler Rubicon Full-Traction Ultimate 4-inch lift. The XJ Cherokee is similar to our Dodge Ram trucks with link-and-coil front suspension and leaf springs at the rear. Both Jeep vehicles have beam axles front and rear.
Critical to a string-in-diamond beam axle alignment is finding precise reference points at each of the axles. You must have a reference point at each side of the front axle that is truly equal distance from the axle's centerline. The rear axle on our trucks is simple: Use the leaf spring center bolts as the rear reference points. On a Jeep TJ or JK Wrangler, there are matching suspension points that are equidistant from the rear axle's centerline.
The front axle should align with equal string lengths to the rear axle, measured in cross or "diamond". This means measuring from the front axle's left side reference point to the right rear spring center bolt, then from the front axle's right side reference point to the rear axle left side spring center bolt.
This measurement must be very accurate. Even 1/16"-1/8" variance can make a difference. If there are obstacles under the chassis that prevent an accurate measurement, you may need to relocate your reference points or even make "extensions" from the reference points to below the obstacles...For these measurements, you can have the axles suspended to full drop, which may help the string lines clear the transfer case skid plate, the exhaust or any other objects in the way.
Be creative. It's crucial that your four reference points reflect equal distances from the center of each beam axle outward to each axle's reference points. Strings then measure in cross between the front and rear axle reference points.
Again, the end game here is to have the axles parallel and tracking in line with each other. When the front axle is offset laterally, one way or the other, we call this "dog tracking".
Note: Don't be confused if one axle's track width is actually slightly wider than the other axle with the wheels in place. Some trucks (G.M. beam axle 4x4s come to mind) were designed this way, typically with the front axle slightly wider than the rear. I won't digress into "why" this was the design, simply know that if your reference points match side to side on each axle, and if you run the string lines in cross to matching points at the opposite axle, you will determine both the square and lateral alignment of the two axles.
Checking for square with two strings-in-cross is a simple function of geometry. If anyone is having difficulty understanding the principle, draw a perfect square on a piece of paper; now draw an "X" from opposite corners, intersecting at the middle. Measure the length of each "X" line. It will be equal. If you now use a rectangle instead of a square, the results will also be two equal length, intersecting lines. Play with this, and then transfer the "X" lines to your truck's chassis: On your long wheelbase Dodge Ram 3500 truck, the beam axles represent the short ends of a rectangle.
The most elaborate "4-wheel" alignment machine will not produce any more accurate results than doing a string line test properly. Once you get the axles square, you can concentrate on a front wheel alignment. This, as you say, is not rocket science, and it's even easier with a beam front axle.
Camber, in particular, is factory pre-set on a beam axle. Camber measurement indicates the degree to which the axle beams, steering knuckles and ball joints are in alignment. As you mention, you can make camber corrections with off-set ball joints, or eccentric ball-joint seats, and a source for such parts is Specialty Products Company.
Caution: I am against "bending" beam axles to correct slight camber issues unless a racing, weld-on truss is part of the straightening process. (Be aware, too, that welding on a truss is a good way to warp an axle and alter camber!) Consider the axle tube and center section materials plus the original stress that caused the axle to bend. There are metallurgical changes that take place with cold or hot bending. If you need to correct for a slightly bent or out-of-spec axle beam, use offset ball-joints or eccentric ball-joint seats. Make sure the bend did not stress-fracture the axle pieces. Toss out the axle housing if in doubt—you can transfer internal pieces and add-on goodies to a new housing. (See the magazine's many axle rebuilding articles and the HD videos on axle setup.)
Be aware that beam front axles come from the factory with +/- camber often slightly beyond the factory recommended camber degree range. I have seen this on Dana Jeep front axles, typically at the short beam side with more factory welding. An extra 1/8 to 1/4-degree camber at one side is not earthshattering and likely was acceptable during OEM axle assembly and installation. This will not impair vehicle handling and has negligible effect on tire wear if you rotate your tires on time. If you are adjusting caster and camber with offset ball-joints or eccentric ball-joint seats, bring both the caster and camber within their recommended degree ranges.
To answer your questions about "do-it-yourself" alignment, go no further than these three features that I've done at the magazine. They each get brisk traffic, addressing alignment goals with inexpensive solutions for doing your own alignment work.
First is the 'DIY' feature on a beam front axle wheel alignment. This is a useful article for understanding the principles of front wheel alignment as well as a 'how-to' on using an affordable SPC Off-Road Fastrax 91025 gauge kit designed for tires to 44" diameter. Click here to see this DIY how-to and equipment article.
For those on a shoestring budget, a single gauge kit will do. You can even improvise on the need for turn plates. SPC suggests using plastic sheeting beneath the front tires for a slip surface. On a beam axle, you can unload the weight slightly with the use of two floor jacks, raising the weighted axle evenly and just enough to take the heavy load off the front wheels and tires. This provides easier wheel turning.
There is also a photo closer to home, my Dodge Ram 3500 4x4 alignment after installing the Mopar lift kit. Here, I purchased inexpensive front turn plates ($100 for the pair!) from Gil Smith Racing at New York. Gil is a personable family guy, and these plates do the job despite the massive front end weight of the Cummins engine, 9.25" beam axle and 500 pounds of Warn bumper with M12000 winch and stainless wire.
For the Dodge Ram alignment, I added a second Fastrax 91025 alignment gauge kit from SPC to make toe setting easier and quicker. This way, you can use the winged braces and separate gauges at each side of the truck during the alignment procedure. This eliminates the need to swap a single gauge set from one side to the other.
Last, but surely not least, is the HD video walk-through of alignment on a Jeep TJ Wrangler Rubicon. You'll like this for both a visual orientation and added quips about the process. In this HD video, I do use the double alignment gauge sets from SPC and the Gil Smith turn plates. You'll see how this speeds up the process.
Some additional pointers on doing your own alignment at this level: 1) make sure the floor is flat in both directions or compensate when taking the measurements with the bubble gauges, 2) make sure the turn plates are thin (like the Gil Smith type) or if you spring for more commercial type turn plates (available from several sources, do a Google search under "wheel alignment turn plates"), make sure you raise the rear of the truck to compensate for the turn plate height at the front. Even with a 140.5" or longer wheelbase, a sloping or leaning truck will throw off your camber and caster readings with the SPC 91025 bubble gauges...If you want to add a touch of professionalism, purchase a pair of rear slip plates from Gil Smith Racing that will enhance the work and raise the truck's back end to match the front turn plates.
As you mention, always save the toe-in setting for last. Camber and caster angle must be right, with the vehicle setting at static (curb) height on the ground, before setting toe. I use factory toe-in and caster angle settings, and the Dodge Ram handles very well. And, yes, caster is important, this and steering axis inclination (SAI) are what return the front wheels to center after coming out of a corner.
The surest sign of too little caster angle is a vehicle that requires turning the steering wheel back to center after a turn. I'm at 4-degrees positive caster on the Dodge Ram 3500, closer to 7-degees positive on the XJ Cherokee. More can sometimes be better for off-pavement turning radius; however, factory specs are the best for normal tire wear and handling in general.
I mentioned another specification that is of concern during alignment: steering axis inclination (SAI). We can go into this if you want, but the important thing to note for DIY alignment purposes is that strange caster and camber angle readings over the full turning arcs (illustrated in the XJ Cherokee alignment how-to article and shown in the TJ Wrangler HD video coverage) are an indication of a bent steering knuckle on a later beam axle 4x4 or a bent spindle on 2WD and vintage 4WD vehicles.
On alignment equipment that will identify SAI error, if all measurements are correct and SAI is off, we inspect the steering knuckle, spindle or unit bearing hub for damage. Make sure any strange readings are not from bad steering knuckle ball joints or worn wheel/hub bearings! Better yet, inspect for ball joint, wheel bearing and unit hub bearing wear before attempting the alignment. Check steering linkage for loose joints, too.
This is ground school, we can go from here. As a light- and medium-duty truck fleet mechanic in the late 'sixties, I began aligning my own beam axle Jeep CJ3A and vintage '55 Ford F100 at home. On these vehicles, toe-in could be set with nothing more than a tape measure. If you do wheel alignment with turn plates, the steering linkage and suspension will be unloaded, and the measurements will be that much more accurate. Add rear wheel slip plates and Fastrax gauges, and you can emulate a "pro" alignment!
Even on the vintage 2WD and 4WD fleet trucks with beam axles, I did quick, rough-in beam axle wheel alignments with nothing more than a tape measure or a portable, adjustable "toe bar". Floor jacks were placed evenly under the axle at each side. I would lift the axle beam just enough to "unload" the wheels and tires. Before setting toe, I made sure the wheel bearings and kingpin bushings or bearings were in good shape and adjusted properly.
Tape measure alignments on the trail are often necessary when someone bows a tie-rod on a tall rock or snaps a tie-rod in half. A Ready Welder tie-rod repair at Moab's Rose Garden is just one place where your tape measure alignment skills would be popular. This can get a vehicle home from the trail and tracking down the road safely to a wheel alignment shop. When using just a tape measure for toe-set, make sure you follow the tread pattern closely at the front and rear midline of the tires.
When using turn plates to unload and center up the steering linkage and suspension, it helps to bounce the front end. Push down on the front bumper a few times—the bumper is conveniently located at waist height on your Mega Cab!
If necessary, use a pair of floor jacks under the beam front axle to take weight off the wheels and tires, then lightly rock the steering wheel at its center position before setting the front tires and steering wheel to straight ahead. This will unload the steering linkage for more accurate alignment settings.
When using a tape measure only (not the Fastrax 91025's wing arms), always measure matching tread points. Measure as close to the midline (3 and 9 o'clock) of the tires as possible. Avoiding obstacles is sometimes difficult, but midline of the tires is preferred. Always set toe-in, followed by centering up the steering wheel. You center the steering wheel by adjusting the steering linkage sleeves—never by removing the steering wheel and repositioning it!
Caution: The steering wheel spokes are factory set to align with the center or "high" point of the steering gear in the straight ahead steering position. Bring the front wheels into alignment with the centered steering gear and steering wheel—not the other way around! If the steering wheel has been repositioned from factory, find the precise center point of the steering gear. Position the steering wheel there before aligning the front wheels to straight ahead. This also applies when making fine steering wheel position changes after an alignment: Adjust the steering linkage sleeves, do not reposition the steering wheel! Always check toe-in again when you center the steering wheel.
To illustrate how well you can do a 4-wheel alignment with strings, a tape measure, a common spirit level and a protractor, I installed the Full-Traction Ultimate lift kit on the Jeep TJ Wrangler Rubicon in just that way! The job began with the vehicle on my hoist and as level/parallel to the ground as possible.
I placed a pair of adjustable tripod stands beneath each axle and raised the vehicle straight up, just enough to install the lift kit. The axles remained on the stands with cables and other chassis attachments still in place.
After installing the kit, including a bevy of adjustable link arms and a unique rear tri-mount suspension system, I used the string method to square the axles. The rear axle location, fortunately, was fixed by the kit's design, so this became the reference for making everything square with the frame. The approach was similar to the rear leaf springs and center bolts on our Dodge Ram 3500 trucks. In our case, the rear springs and axle spring perches locate the rear axle squarely at the frame.
I set the caster with a quality bubble level and a 180-degree, indexed protractor. I set toe-in with vehicle weight on the axles and tripod stands, using a tape measure fore and aft (as close to 3 and 9 o'clock as practical) at the front tire midlines, keeping the tape as level and parallel to the floor as possible. In my view, this was all just a preliminary, rough adjustment.
The next stop was a friend's shop with a $40K alignment rack capable of 4-wheel "thrust" alignment. On the alignment rack, to everyone's surprise, the entire suspension system took only one-half turn of one threaded link arm tube to be fully square! Caster was on, camber (non-adjustable on a solid beam axle) was okay, toe-in and centering of the steering wheel were just routine, slight adjustments.
Caster angle was within spec and did, as you describe, provide an acceptable angle for the front/pinion U-joint flange. With a double-Cardan (CV) joint at the transfer case, there is some leeway on this front axle pinion joint angle, and the compromise is between caster angle and U-joint angle. Like you comment, caster usually wins if you want the vehicle to steer correctly!
For modified trucks with suspension lifts and oversized wheels and tires, there are two very important considerations for handling. First, the aftermarket wheels' offset and the tire diameter must provide the right intersect point with the ground. This is the "scrub radius".
Visualize the front wheels pointed straight ahead. Draw a line through the ball-joint stud centerlines and observe where that line intersects the tire tread at the ground. This point must be similar to the OEM wheel/tire intersection point, or you will swing the tire on an odd arc during turns, resulting in strange handling and premature tire wear. Scrub radius impacts tire wear as well as handling.
Secondly, consider the arc of radius and caster angle changes as the front suspension (link arms in your case) rise and set. Arc of radius is why we do long-arm kits for dramatic lift. When we increase suspension travel, short arms exaggerate the caster angle changes as the suspension extends and compresses.
Long link arms are the solution for increased suspension travel. Longer arms will create less caster angle change over the suspension and axle's arc of travel—or radius. Simply put, you can set the caster at static/curb weighted chassis height, and the caster angle does not vary excessively as the link arms move up and down with the axle.
When buying an aftermarket suspension lift kit or bigger/wider wheels and tires, consider these issues. In looking at your Mega Cab components, I really like the stamina and quality of the aftermarket joints, link arms and drop brackets! What you want at the end of the day is suspension that behaves as well as or better than OEM engineering—yet with the lift and tires you desire. Going beyond "looks", the goal is to understand the demands and dynamics of vehicle suspension and handling. Doing your own wheel alignment is a good start.
As for the rear axle, the usual concern is pinion and driveline angles for U-joint survival. Within reason, you can rotate the axle housing for pinion angle change without affecting vehicle handling, as the rear drive axle's shafts are not sensitive to caster. (If we were talking about a front wheel drive car or an IRS/AWD car, there would likely be provision for adjusting rear wheel caster, camber and even toe-set.) For our trucks, tall lift blocks at the rear leaf springs can create some issues, mainly traction and spring windup related.
So, you might skip the visit to the local 4-wheel alignment shop and the brief Car and Driver read—likely just long enough for the tech to discover that specifications for your lifted and modified '06 Dodge Ram 4x4 Mega Cab are nowhere to be found in the alignment machine's software program. As an option, consider the SPC Off-Road 91025 alignment equipment...Two kits work even better than one!
Used properly, this accurate, portable SPC setup can help you dial your front end alignment for both safety and good tire life. Bubble caster and camber gauges were an automotive industry standard for at least sixty years prior to light beam, infrared, RF and laser alignment equipment.
I entered the service and repair industry when we were still called "mechanics", and breaker point ignitions were the norm. Smaller shops used floating caster/camber bubble gauges that fit magnetically to the end of front wheel hubs! Professionally, I've spun wrenches all the way into the contemporary electronic fuel-and-spark management "technician" era. Electronic, beam four-wheel alignment equipment has been in vogue for more than three decades now...I find it advantageous to have walked in both worlds.
Beyond alignment, make sure that the wheel offset and tire diameter add up to a safe and tolerable "scrub radius". As an alternative to Car and Driver, sift through this Wiki info about scrub radius and SAI. When you widen the wheel rims, you can only go inward so far. (Rotors, calipers and hubs limit the inward wheel position.) For that reason, wide rims almost always offset to the "negative" direction or outward. If there are wheel backspacing choices, match up the wheel width, backspacing and tire diameter wisely! The concern here is the scrub radius.
We lift our vehicles and mount oversize wheels and tires for a variety of reasons. In the end, we get to make the handling and safety corrections that these modifications require. Routine tire rotation is always essential, even more so when scrub radius and arc of radius get compromised. Once you dial the front end alignment to the best point possible, watch for ball-joint wear, wheel bearing or hub bearing wear and any tire issues. This can sometimes be the price for a lift and oversized tires. We can, however, reduce, minimize or even eliminate that risk and expense!
Posted by Hendogg on 18 December 2014 - 12:00 PM
Posted by Moses Ludel on 13 November 2014 - 09:55 AM
Wow, very low mileage on this one, KeriOkie! For a Cummins Ram truck, this is a great find, barely broken-in! I looked at the pics. Other than color, you have essentially the same truck we bought new as an '05 model ten years ago.
If the truck is bone stock and you're after mileage, your "new" Ram 3500 is in the best form it will ever be. With the 48RE automatic and 3.73 axle gearing, if you run the engine between 1600 and 1900 rpm, you will gain maximum fuel efficiency. As others like Megatron note, don't do heavy throttle dead starts or hold the transmission in lower gears under high rpm sprints. Running empty, using mild throttle at this rpm range can yield 23-24 mpg if that's your aim.
I have recommended engine tune reprogramming for modified and weightier models that have already gone over the cliff with fuel efficiency losses. For stone stock gearing, stock tire size, no lift or colossal add-ons, Chrysler had this truck dialed for fuel efficiency in stock form. Yes, the Hypertech 'Max Energy' programmer bumps up horsepower and torque but at a higher rpm (2100 rpm torque peak instead of 1600). If you experiment with this approach, there is a high, mild and stock performance setting. Megatron talks about a programmer that has push-button settings, which would be handier than the software "reprogramming" necessary to change modes with the Hypertech setup.
Try driving the truck as-is and enjoy it for a bit before considering any modifications or changes. Assuming it has stock engine programming now, you're in business for power and fuel efficiency within the 1600-1900 rpm range. For fuel efficiency, the closer to 1600 rpm, the better! My very best mileage when stone stock without a load was 25 mpg, done over a 500-plus mile test (Reno, Nevada to Portland, Oregon) with varied road and load conditions, driving mostly between 1600-1800 rpm.
All of us need to keep in mind that extracting latent horsepower and torque from a turbo-diesel like the ISB Cummins comes at a price: heat and fuel consumption. If we boost horsepower or torque and stay in the throttle to realize these gains under severe loads, the result is engine-killing heat and huge losses in fuel efficiency. If you intend to push an ISB Cummins diesel, I heartily recommend a pyrometer, installed pre-turbo in the exhaust manifold (without leaving drill or tap debris in the manifold!) to monitor maximum exhaust manifold temperatures! Apply less right foot pressure to lower temperatures.
Keep us posted on this gem of a find!
Posted by Moses Ludel on 28 June 2013 - 05:26 PM
Thanks for catching this post...It's among my favorite subjects, as you might have guessed...
Once the axle gearing is correct, the other factors that drop fuel mileage on your '06 Ram 3500 Cummins would be 1) the increased vehicle height (kiss off aerodynamics of any kind!) and 2) the vehicle's weight over stock. I wound up in a similar situation with a 4" lift, 35" tires and a carload of "cool" accessories! Not sure of your accessories, I added approximately 1,350 pounds to my over-the-road, "unloaded" weight...kind of like perpetually pulling a well equipped tent trailer!
Hey, we all like the "look" and utility of a lifted and accessorized Ram 3500 4x4! Here, the truck we purchased new in October 2004 is undergoing a metamorphosis in 2011, getting ready for show time at the BFGoodrich Tires booth, Off-Road Expo at Pomona, CA! Let's see now, the lift, wheels and 35" tires, we'll add a utility fuel tank that takes us to Moab, Utah and back from the Reno, Nevada area...and that M12000 Warn winch will be a dandy when needed! Oops, there went the 25 mpg. Time for a 4.56:1 axle gear change out!
(Can't see the photos? Join our free forums and get the full benefits of membership!)
Most have no idea how quickly the upgrades and accessory weight add up: Try oversized American Eagle wheels and BFG tires for at least 150# over stock including the spare; a Mopar lift kit after swapping out OEM parts for an added 50 pounds; a Warn M12000 winch for 140# (bare winch wound with wire rope); front and rear HD bumpers for an extra 300#; a Transfer Flow cross bed fuel tank with additional fuel on board: 75 gallons @ 7.1 lb/gallon for Low Sulphur diesel = 532.5 pounds when full plus the aluminized steel tank's weight! Oh, and I do like the three Bestop Treksteps for 60 pounds plus.
I'll comment on your gearing projections, just did the math...If your tire's revolutions per mile are around 560 (Toyo rating for several popular 37" diameter tires, confirm your exact revs per mile), then here are your engine speeds at practical road speeds in overdrive (0.69:1):
4.88 gears @ 70 mph = 2200 engine rpm
4.88 gears @ 65 mph = 2043 engine rpm
4.88 gears @ 55 mph = 1728 engine rpm
4.56 gears @ 70 mph = 2056 engine rpm
4.56 gears @ 65 mph = 1909 engine rpm
4.56 gears @ 55 mph = 1615 engine rpm
According to Cummins, you should use the 4.88:1 gears for a truck under 10000# GVWR and intended for 70 mph cruise. In my experience, though, if fuel mileage were your sole aim without carrying cargo or trailer pulling, I would suggest the 4.56 gearing. This would keep you "in the window" for maximum fuel economy. However, even a light travel trailer would immediately tip the scale toward taxing the engine, which could impact both fuel efficiency and engine life—plus overload the transmission (clutch if manual) and driveline.
Actually, with your 37" tires, the 4.56:1 ratio would be much like your 3.73:1 gears with the Ram 3500's stock tire size. (That was also before accessory add-ons and the lift, too!) In overdrive, that off-the-showroom floor truck fell well below Cummins' recommended 2,150 rpm at 65 mph baseline for fuel efficiency and commercial hauling. I'd again emphasize that 23-25 mpg highway was readily achievable with the stock tires, 3.73 gearing and no load at 65-69 mph (approximately 1800-1950 rpm).
If you pull a trailer very seldom and your add-on accessories weight is modest, fuel efficiency would be good between 55 and 70 mph with 4.56:1 gearing and 37" tires. If the add-ons are like mine, however, your truck has a load before you stack on cargo! The 4.56:1 gearing would not be low enough, you'd be better off with the 4.88:1 gears.
Note: This is why I opted for 4.56:1 with the 35" tires, rather than fiddle with 4.10:1, which would have been the direct correction for the bigger tires. We plan to pull a trailer on occasion—without destroying the powertrain. Also, as I've shared, between the lift height and added accessories weight, this is not the stock truck any more.
Your decision comes down to load and intended cruising speed. Considering the height and weight of your Ram 3500 Mega Cab, you'd likely be "happier", performance wise, with 4.88 gears. When you want fuel efficiency, hold the speed to 65 mph. If that's too slow and you want to "cruise" at 70-plus mph yet get the best fuel efficiency for that rate of speed, consider 4.56:1 axle gearing. You can see by the calculations that the engine would be in Cummins' recommended zone of 2100-2400 rpm when cruising at 72 mph (2114 engine rpm) with 4.56:1 gears in overdrive. With 4.88:1 gears at 72 mph in overdrive, the engine would spin 2263 rpm and eat up fuel.
Cruise speeds above 65 mph will eat fuel, regardless...Moving as much mass as our trucks at speeds above 65 mph requires increasingly more fuel. Base your choice on what cruise speed you find acceptable on the highway—the faster you go, the more fuel the engine will use...guaranteed!
The acceleration might be marginally better with 4.88:1 gears. In terms of gear stamina with a given ring gear size (11.5" and 9.25" in our case), the 4.56 gears are actually stronger due to the larger pinion gear head size. (This is slightly offset by the 4.88:1 additional gear reduction, which helps reduce load a bit.) Given our Ram 3500 ring gear sizes, the stamina distinction is not as severe—nothing like sticking 4.88:1 gears in a Dana 35 Jeep rear axle with a 7.625" diameter ring gear!
We can kick this around more, Megatron. Cummins recommends spinning the engine for "efficiency" and, at least commercially, does not want to "lug" the engine below 1900 rpm at highway cruising speeds. Note that a truck under 10000# GVWR with an H.O. 5.9L Cummins ISB engine is less susceptible to lugging than a Cummins ISB engine in a medium-duty truck.
If you're running an aftermarket performance module or "chip", or have done any other tuning or engine modifications, we need to discuss those variables, too...That could change the rpm scale for maximum performance and fuel efficiency, in turn shifting the rpm band for the gearing.
Posted by elinamaria on 12 February 2014 - 02:37 AM
i bought a few products from garageworkshop.com.au -- it also provides best services in australia ..
Posted by forman on 04 February 2014 - 07:55 PM
Hey I enjoyed the compressor story!
Today I was able to start disassembling the transfer case I followed your procedure and took some photos.
The impact driver worked great on the yoke nuts and to be honest most of what I disassembled today was very easily done. I have to admit once I learned the new to me transfer case nomenclature it went very well, I'm having fun.
I noticed that the intermediate shaft had some wear, I could feel where the gears rode on the shaft. The gear teeth that I can see so far aren't showing any sign of wear I hope some of the photos will show.
In the first photo the bushing on the left looks rough on the outside.
Posted by JanetBrown on 06 March 2015 - 10:27 AM
Ok so I have now had a response from Customer Services as follows:
"We refer to our email of 19th November 2014 (copy of which is attached) in which we advised you that Fiat Group Automobiles UK Ltd is assisting with the coordination of aftercare of Jeep vehicles registered on or before 1st September 2010.Fiat Group Automobiles UK Ltd would like to assure you that have been doing all we can to expedite procurement of the tow bar which we have identified and which meets the requirements of the recall campaign.
By way of update, we would like to advise you that availability of the tow bar is anticipated for the end of April 2015. We will contact you again once we have final confirmation of UK delivery.
Yours Sincerely,"
So end of April then........................
Posted by JanetBrown on 19 February 2015 - 10:35 AM
Below is the response to an email I sent earlier today, the email has not answered any of the many questions I have asked for the second time. However it does say that I will hear further by the end of next week - mind you not going to be holding my breath:
We have identified a source for a tow bar which is currently undergoing tests to ensure it complies with the requirements of the Recall Campaign. We hope to conclude the process as soon as possible and would like to assure you that we are doing everything we can to expedite this. We will contact you with further information as soon as this becomes available.
Please be assured that we will provide you with a further update on this matter by the end of next week.
Posted by Moses Ludel on 03 February 2015 - 06:08 PM
Looks like this tool should do the job, I thought it would be something of this nature...Loctite Sleeve Retainer works! It meets requirements for this application, too. Here are the product details:
This compound will secure, help seal and withstand the heat exposure in the application. You can remove the parts with pre-heating to break the bond. There are instructions for its use.
Posted by Moses Ludel on 30 January 2015 - 04:31 PM
That makes sense. The repair sleeve must be metal, not just a nylon lip guide...When you do find a snout repair sleeve (metal), let us know what special installation tool is needed to drive or press the sleeve onto the crankshaft snout without flaring the sleeve end or beating the crankshaft against its main thrust bearing! Maybe improvising a setup like the harmonic balancer installation tool would work?
It was helpful to have the Elf on the Shelf hold the Speedy Sleeve in the seal for this picture...He's doing a great job!
Posted by Moses Ludel on 30 January 2015 - 04:26 PM
Ah, the fixture attaches to the injector bolt holes, that makes more sense in terms of positioning. The piston crowns should have valve reliefs, so the valves are not digging their edges into the piston crowns. The force is minimal against the pistons, the tool is simply trying to compress the springs enough to enable dislodging the valve keepers. Cool!
Posted by Moses Ludel on 30 January 2015 - 04:18 PM
Wow, Megatron, significant gains with both stock and performance tunes! Where did the EGT go? Was this usable power, and how did it help your truck's drivability? Trailer pulling ability?
We'll have to arrange a get together for Elf on the Shelf and the Noid...
Posted by Moses Ludel on 29 January 2015 - 10:29 PM
Megatron, I began reading this topic with great interest, as I have the same turbo on my '05 5.9L Cummins...The concept is very interesting, and I promise that I'll read the content carefully. However, I began reviewing your photos, started laughing at the ways you enlisted the help of the winter guy, and couldn't read any further....
Years ago, 1990 to be precise, our youngest son came home from school with a Domino's Pizza Noid in hand. I took one look at the Noid and knew he'd make the perfect helper for technical photography. He wore a red outfit and had white gloved hands that could point out details underhood or on the benchtop, showing off mechanical subjects, just the perfect pointer outer guy for photo close-up projects! He could do things like your bright eyed helper and even stood on his head well—it was the long ears.
I was on a roll when the editor (happened to be Duane Elliott at Argus' OFF-ROAD Magazine) put the kibosh on the Noid. Duane was certain that if we published any of my technical photos with the Noid pointing out parts or demonstrating safe shop practices, Domino's would sue the magazine for trademark infringement. I thought this was nonsense. If anything, we might have gotten fined for violating Noid labor laws. I had the Noid tagging along on my feverish pitch assignments and hadn't considered the overtime involved. I took it for granted that he was supposed to buck up...
In fact, this seemed like incredible advertising for Domino's, but I had no choice and was forced to crop the photos and retire the Noid before his debut in the magazine...He's still atop my bookcase with his long rabbit-like ears, silly grin and, unfortunately, idle hands.
Will read your Wicked Wheel 2 details with earnest...as soon as I stop laughing at your helper in action...
Posted by Moses Ludel on 29 January 2015 - 01:36 PM
This is ingenious, Megatron! Compressing all four valve springs at one time, using the factory pedestal/fulcrum shaft mounting point as a base...fast, easy, failsafe with all four valves closed and the piston for that cylinder at TDC! This is a good one...What a time saver!
Looks like the valve keepers are well exposed, too, reducing risk (as you hinted earlier) of the valve keepers dropping through an engine opening and into the inner workings or the oil pan. Still a good idea to fill all exposed openings with clean rags when you do this job...
Posted by Moses Ludel on 27 January 2015 - 12:19 PM
This review and testimonial are very helpful, Megatron...I have the one-piece factory rear shaft with my 140.5" wheelbase Quad-Cab. This driveshaft has a massive damper at the slip yoke end (transfer case), which apparently does nothing to prevent vibration. Your OE shaft had this damper, too.
I replaced the first U-joint set myself at just under 95,000 miles, which is supposed to be a longevity record for these OEM drivelines. Frankly, I thought the permanently sealed joint failure was way premature for the conservative service this Ram 3500 4WD has seen. I replaced the OE joints with HD grease-fitting type Delco, they've held for 50K miles so far with periodic lubing—using my commercial grade hand grease gun.
Note: A grease fitting joint is always regarded as having less stamina than a permanently sealed joint. This is because the cross gets drilled for the lube fitting and passageway, weakening the cross section of the joint. I was assured that this replacement joint is Delco's "Heavy Duty" item, though I'm not convinced...On 4x4 front axle shaft steering joints or any high load joint, a permanently sealed cross-type joint is required. The only "exception" to this rule would be a cross joint with the grease fitting at an outer face of a bearing cap. One could speculate about the "weakening" of the bearing cap by the drilled and tapped grease fitting hole. Balance could also be affected, though the weight difference would be negligible: The grease fitting likely weights the same as the missing (drilled and tapped) bearing cap material.
Your driveline being a non-CV type with a single cross joint at each end, the length actually helps diminish the drop angle (side view). This is a good thing. If your front and rear joints have properly cancelling angles, this shaft should last a very long time. I see the U-joints are Spicer XL 1480 permanently greased and sealed type, incredibly strong and well suited for your performance upgrades.
So, I'm listening carefully here, as I would like to boot kick the OE driveline and weighty damper. The 4.56 axle gear change moved the subtle driveline vibration to a different road speed, and the vibration is driveline speed related. I distinctly believe this rear shaft is out of balance.
Posted by Moses Ludel on 23 January 2015 - 02:13 PM
You're welcome...Note that the Performance Diesel product is for the rear main seal. They may also have a product for the front snout/timing gear cover seal end. Again, I'd like to know if Cummins offers a front/timing gear seal kit. If Cummins offers this rear repair kit, maybe it has a front crank snout kit as well!
Posted by Moses Ludel on 22 January 2015 - 03:54 PM
Megatron, I read your post with great interest. As a career automotive/truck wrench, I'm familiar with sleeve repair kits for crankshaft snouts, and they are popular for Cummins engines or any engine with seals designed to last a long time, i.e., seals with greater lip pressure and made of a stronger (higher durometer) material. There are actually two "remedies" available, and the groove in the snout is not that unusual.
Solution One: A redesign seal specifically with an offset lip. Quality automotive seal manufacturers often do this as a matter of course, by designing a seal with either an offset lip or a double lip, sometimes making the outer (dust) seal lip more functional. In any case, this would be noted in the seal manufacturer's catalog or be obvious by comparison with the OEM seal. That's a quick solution because you're simply replacing the OE seal with this improved or modified aftermarket seal. One limitation would be a seal jacket depth that is too shallow and will not allow for a significant off-set of the sealing lip.
Solution Two: A crankshaft snout sleeve repair kit. This is a press-on or tap-on bushing/sleeve, always reasonably thin, that can be pressed or driven onto the crankshaft snout. Depending upon the application, the snout repair sleeve kit may allow installation with the engine in the chassis. Some sleeve kits are for the engine remanufacturing or machine shop industry and may require a press-on approach with the crankshaft removed from the engine...Knowing us, Megatron, we'd likely find an in-chassis way to press/pull the sleeve onto the snout. I'm thinking of something like a harmonic balancer installation tool with some improvised adapters.
Here are some quick links to products of interest:
1) Here's a National OEM replacement seal with a proprietary bore seal, a nice design that would not require sealant, maybe the type you installed? https://www.rockauto...4386&cc=1432342.
2) Timken's equivalent seal with a protective nylon installation sleeve, not to be mistaken for a snout repair, merely for installation without seal lip damage, the tool does not stay in place: https://www.rockauto...7397&cc=1432342
3) This seal comes with a "wear sleeve", though the device looks more like a spacer that repositions the seal lip and maybe adds a deflector or wiper seal? http://www.cumminspa...t.com/DS3802820
4) Rear main seal and crankshaft repair sleeve, a popular item though the wrong end of the crankshaft for what you want: http://www.perfdiese...hp?Product=1094
6) Here's a Speedi Sleeve kit advertised for the front crankshaft seal, perhaps what you seek: http://www.dieselstu...macrspsl59.html. Verify the quality before plunging.
Suggestion: Cummins may have its own crankshaft front sleeve and seal kit. I would check directly with Cummins before buying any product.
I fully agree that a front timing cover seal will be much easier to install with the cover off the engine. You can back up the seal seat in the cover and discover that the seal will actually drive into place without the cover absorbing each tap of the hammer. You can then use the nylon protective sleeve that comes with a quality seal to install the cover and seal over the crankshaft snout. Make sure the seal is compatible with the larger O.D. created by the repair sleeve.
Keep us posted on the solution you find!
Posted by Moses Ludel on 21 January 2015 - 09:51 PM
Megatron...Since the proper re-torque of rod bolts is essentially the same clamping force as the 5.9L engine's original torque setting, you likely did not distort the big-end bores of the connecting rods. Insert type bearings have a built-in "crush" design that makes the bearing round when the big-end bore is tightened and concentric. Simply installing new (better quality) bolts should not distort these rod big end bores. Over-torqueing rod or main bolts or nuts could create an issue, however, as the bearing saddles (mains) and rod big end bores can be distorted.
Rod cap alignment is crucial, but this is controlled by the rod design or the rod bolt/stud shank. Most connecting rod bolts have a near interference fit, intentionally designed to keep the cap from moving or migrating under load. Knurled or serrated bolt shanks create that "must have the cap perfectly square" during assembly feel. Cummins builds troughs and raised surfaces in its rod cap-to-rod shank interface. Unlike the common flat, parallel faces of most rod shanks and caps, the Cummins design helps hold these two pieces in alignment.
I like your take on ever so slight changes in the rod big-end or bearing shape. Yet there is always oil clearance on rod bearings. The Cummins 5.9L ISB is no exception. If you did "distort" the bearing during your work, that would likely be well within the 0.0001"-0.0005" range. You would still be floating the rod on a film of oil. Oil separation is what keeps these metal parts from making contact during normal operation. Normally, the oil pump supplies ample oil; the bearing clearance allows the oil film to prevent parts contact. This is why 95% of rod and main bearing wear over the lifespan of an engine is from initial engine startup, before these bearings have a pressurized charge of oil.
Note: This is also why I have always changed my own engine oil. I fill my vertically mounted oil filters, like the Cummins 5.9L, with fresh oil prior to installation. I cut the initial start and oil pickup time considerably.
I'll share some quick anecdotes...In the course of my automotive career, I've worked at and with automotive machine shops. This dates back to the late 'sixties. In 1997, we purchased a used 1987 Ford F150 SWB 4x4 pickup for our son's first ride. (At cowboy country, this was the machine.) Nice truck with the legendary 300 CID/4.9L inline six and an NP435 truck-type four speed transmission, 8.8" rear axle. First year for MPI, had the power steering option and an aftermarket sound system...The vehicle, though very clean and well kept, came with nebulous miles on it, and the engine had a very subtle cold morning start-up rattle (lower end) that got my attention.
I planned out a father/son rebuild, we removed and tore down the engine, then sublet the machine work to a local and reputable shop. The owner being a friend, we were on the same page about machining practices. After hot tanking and new cam bearings, every machining need was met, including full cylinder head work, rod machining and new piston fitting, re-boring, decking and reciprocal parts balancing. I went along with his recommendation to "polish" rather than regrind the crankshaft's journals. (Journals were remarkably true despite obvious, visible wear on the insert bearing shells.) The crankshaft was original with its standard size FoMoCo bearings. I thoroughly built the engine to my usual "blueprint" aims. The bearings furnished were high quality at standard journal size.
Turns out that Ford had a recognized problem with excessive oil/bearing clearance on these engines. In particular, there were warranty and shop repairs addressing 300 sixes with cold start knock even when new or near new. (In the 'nineties, GM had this problem with V-8 truck engines.) The problem was a common one: two much oil clearance on the rod-to-crankshaft journals. Well, it just so happens that I had the 1993 Ford factory workshop manual set on one of my library shelves, a book provided graciously by friends at Ford Motor Company while I was writing and illustrating the Ford F-Series Pickup Owner's Bible (Bentley Publishers). That book earned a Ford SVO part number.
In the factory shop manual is a section devoted to every detail of the 300 CI six, including a specific reference to how a crankshaft bearing knock could be remedied in the chassis—like a warranty repair. The solution was simple: 1) Plastigage/measure the existing oil clearance on a "standard" bearing crankshaft and bearing set, 2) "roll in" undersize bearing shells to compensate for the excessive clearance.
Now this would seem simple enough until one reads the fine print. There are two common undersizes for a standard U.S. journal size crankshaft: 0.001" and 0.002". Ford talks about trying each size with a Plastigage test. Ford also recommends splitting up 0.001" and 0.002" size bearing sets if necessary and placing the 0.002" bearing shell half at the top side of the crankshaft (in the rod shank) and a 0.001" bearing shell half in the bottom side rod cap. Visualize these two bearing halves crushed and "round" in the bolted together rod shank and rod cap. Yes, one shell, the 0.002" bearing half, has a smaller inside radius than the other!
So, why is this acceptable as a new truck warranty fix? Because the rod rides on an oil film, and the overall bearing clearance, verified by Plastigage, provides the necessary space between the bearing and rod journal. Does this work? Yes, indeed. After running the freshly built engine and hearing a lessened cold start rattle (thanks to the new standard size bearings versus worn standard size bearings—plus a new Melling high volume oil pump to assure lubrication), I dropped the oil pan in the chassis.
Ford had built "high side" clearance into the crank-to-rod bearings, compounded by polishing the crankshaft journals. Using Plastigage, 0.001" undersize bearings were still too much clearance, and 0.002" undersize would have been too little clearance. I did the 0.001" and 0.002" mix per journal and brought the clearance into specification. The ever so slight morning knock now disappeared completely. Oil pressure picked up a token amount, too.
Note: According to my seventeen-year-old son (at the time) who wanted to drive the truck after the engine rebuild, I was the only person who could hear the excess clearance rattle at start-up with the standard size rod bearings, though that's unlikely. Over two decades earlier, I had donated a percentage of my hearing to the I-80 by-pass of Winnemucca highway job, running heavy equipment alongside the tortuous, high pitch screaming of two-stroke Jimmy diesels and raucous Caterpillar 1693 engines.
If anyone is curious about this two-size bearing remedy and its use as a bona fide and official repair, see pages 03-00-21 and 03-00-22 of the 1993 Ford factory F150 through F250 and F-Super Duty powertrain manual. The factory "Desired" rod clearance is 0.0008"-0.0015". "Allowable" is 0.0007"-0.0024". Plastigage is the final say, and I achieved the equivalent of 0.001" oil clearance with the use of the split size bearing halves on a polished OE crankshaft. We sold the truck six years later and have been updated since. It's running flawlessly to this day.
My bearing clearance parable points to a singular conclusion: Despite the extreme loads on your rod bearings and the Cummins diesel's propensity for making massive torque under a high compression ratio, I'm betting that your changing rod bolts and torqueing them properly has not diminished this 5.9L engine's lifespan by 27 seconds.
Footnote: My first tutelage at automotive machine shop work was with a postwar trained machinist, George Zirkle, who knew the intricacies of Stovebolt Chevy sixes with hot poured rod bearings. These were connecting rods that had Babbitt material melted and "poured" into their big ends—no insert bearings. Shims between the rod cap and shank could be pulled out to remedy minor rod clearance issues if the crankshaft journals were still reasonable round. These engines also used oil troughs across the top of the oil pan with connecting rod cap scuppers to pick up oil for the rod. The system was affectionately known as "dip and splash" oiling, and these 1937-53 216 engines ran a maximum of 15 PSI oil pressure on the gauge...By contrast, I also had the pleasure of working with the period GMC "Jimmy" inline sixes. The 270 GMC six featured insert rod bearings and many other durability features that helped the Allies win WWII with the deuce-and-a-half trucks. 1939-59 228/248/270/302 Jimmy sixes, GMC/Pontiac V-8s from 1955-59, and even the GMC 305 and 351 V-6s of the 1960s were days when a GMC truck meant considerably more quality and engineering than a Chevrolet, especially the engines and the upgraded chassis and axles. Imagine what the WWII outcome would have been if instead of GMC 270 sixes, General Motors had supplied Bowtie trucks with the 216 Stovebolt and its dip-and-splash oiling?...While I know this old iron intimately, I actually came of motoring age during the Muscle Car era. Knee deep in muscle cars, Jeep, light trucks and 4x4s, I had worked for several years as a light/medium duty truck fleet mechanic before the machine shop stint with George Zirkle in 1970-71.
Posted by Moses Ludel on 19 January 2015 - 08:39 PM
Incredible account and very helpful to forum members and our many guest visitors...Thanks, Megatron! I have a few comments to toss into the mix...See them embedded in italics below...Moses
Well today marks the 500 mile mark of my recently cam swapped 2006 Ram 3500 MegaCab. So I decided to share some of the things about why I did it and what I have experienced so far.
First things first. I am not a certified Cummins or Ram mechanic, or any other certified mechanic for that matter. I do have an appreciation for all things mechanical and attention for detail. Ever since I was old enough to tear things apart and put them back together, I did so. Some with success and some without (ask my dad, he will tell you all the stuff I messed up ha-ha). I probably should have gone on to school to become a mechanic, but my choice to join the military lead me down a different path. Either way this is just an FYI that I might not do everything per the book (even though I buy the book and follow them as much as any mechanic does). I do have respect for the mechanics in the industry and I support them when I can. I can only imagine it's a hard business to make money in. Lord knows if I was getting paid per the fix on my personal jobs and not by the hour, I would be so far in debt that I couldn't get a cheeseburger on credit at McDonalds. That being said unless you have a good mechanical understanding, proper tools and a shop, this modification might not be a good one for the first time DIY type.
Now I may be newer to diesels, but I am not in the dark about cam swaps. I have done them in old school SBC's and newer LS platforms. This does not qualify me as an expert nor an engine builder, it just gave me the knowledge and understanding of the effects the camshaft has on the internal combustion engine. This experience also helped me to understand the process and things required to do such a job even though it is on a diesel. By no means is this a how to, just some points of interest and some insight for someone thinking about doing this themselves or having it done.
In the diesel world, the 5.9L Cummins is (in my opinion) the Small Block Chevy of the diesels. It is an inline 6 cylinder engine that has a very simple design with fairly robust parts. Many of these parts are interchangeable over the year models which is why I compare the two engines. While I do not know with 100% accuracy which parts can go which direction, there are many places on the internet that do.
Fully agree...Often condemned for its "ancient" design, the Cummins ISB is incredibly rugged. Over-built, however, Gale Banks shared in a conversation we had, "We blow the heads off these engines!" Gale is a Duramax guy and also likes the VM Motori line-up. With due respect, if built within norms and driven like a commercial diesel engine, the ISB engines will outlive any light truck diesel on the market—while delivering better fuel mileage.
The aftermarket world, like that of the gas engines, fully supports this platform (5.9) and it shows with many available parts for replacement, performance and better MPG. I don't know of many Diesel Performance groups that don't make at least one part for the Cummins 5.9, or at least sell ones that someone else makes. My choice to own a Cummins over the Powerstroke or Duramax was partially accredited to this. I like to take things a bit further than what the factory has done and with the 5.9 your wallet is the limit. This holds true for cam selections. There are a few known cam makers and probably others I have yet to hear of. Selections are plentiful depending on your build plan.
Okay back on track.. Why the cam swap you ask?? Well let me start with my understanding of the factory cam and its roll in the 5.9. Feel free to correct me if any of this is wrong. I like to learn and I know I don't know it all.
First things first, Ram. My understanding is that Ram produces a lot of trucks per year but nowhere near that of Ford and Chevrolet. Why does this matter? Glad you asked. With lower production numbers the EPA (and whatever powers that be govern emission outputs) gives lenience to Ram on installing emission controlling parts on their trucks. This is evident with EGR and cooling systems on later year trucks than Chevy and Ford. Same for the urea systems that have been in place longer with Ford and Chevy. Ram is always a year or so behind before they must become compliant with the EPA. Yea for me. This is another reason my research lead me to purchasing the 06 Ram with the Cummins. The following year, 07, they had to fall in line with EGR systems thus leading to the release of the 07.5 trucks with the 6.7 and a full EGR system. So by owning the 06 I will never be in trouble for removing these items from my truck when the man finally drops the hammer in the future, mainly because they were never installed. That being said it may come to we all have to have them, but that's another topic for another day in the far, far, far future, I hope lol.
One major benefit of EGR is reduction of NOx emissions. In gasoline engines, this is accomplished by diluting the incoming air/fuel flow with exhaust or spent fuel. Upper cylinder temperatures drop down (from as high as 4,800 degrees F to below 2,500 degrees F) to lower NOx. That being the gain from EGR, I was very curious whether your EGT increased without the OEM camshaft. You share that it did not...Keep us posted on EGT, please!
Now, my research would also lead me to discover that just because my truck doesn't have a traditional EGR system, doesn't mean the 5.9 doesn't have one.. Mind blown right?? So what is it and where is it at?? Well if my understanding is correct, and the information I have obtained, the cam is the EGR.. Confused? I was, at first. Turns out the profile of the cam allows for the intake valve to open slightly early at the end of the exhaust stroke allowing some of the exhaust to be pushed back into the intake. Thus allowing for a percentage of the exhaust gasses to be recirculated (AKA EGR haa..) Well after further research this turns out to be something done by other engine manufacturers such as that of my beloved LS1 (only in certain years if I am to understand that correctly).
Now does that really cost you any power?? Maybe. MPG?? Maybe. Unfortunately I never did find a posted test on the internet of a cam swap that only had the EGR profile removed from the lobe design to compare with or without. At the trouble of a cam swap most people made a change for more lift and duration so comparison was out the window, such as myself. The EGR delete from the cam was not my focus but it is something that happens with the majority of the aftermarket cams on the market. While I don't have hard evidence to prove what the effects of the EGR profile on the cam do to the engine, I can still only assume there are performance and MPG gains without it. I don't think I have ever heard of anybody adding an EGR to pick up MPG or power, but I have heard and seen plenty to be gained without it. Think about it. Now that all the diesels trucks have EGR compliant parts, they all had to jump up in cubic inches/liters to make the same power as the previous year models.
Onto the cam itself. In the world of Cummins camshaft you have a few options for performance. You also have a few choices for material and design. Lift and duration is your real first choice but that's not for me to decide for you. It strictly depends on your vehicle requirements and use. Talk to your choice of cam manufacturer for their advice, not some guy in a forum with a cool looking truck or claims of 1.5 million horsepower.
What is the biggest shortfall of the stock camshaft? Did Hamilton explain the importance of ditching the stock camshaft? Who needs the stock cam? Who doesn't?
First options you will see for the street lineup are new cam or a regrind on your cam. Regrind what?? Ya I was thrown off at first when I saw that you could send your cam in for a regrind to pick up performance, but after some knowledge from one of the machine shops that do this it made sense. With a regrind they shave some of the base circle off of the cam thus changing its geometry and the centerline, plus they shave the intake ramp off to remove the EGR profile. You then make up the difference by adjusting your valve lash to this new zero at the bottom of the cam. Essentially adding a bit more lift by way of the adjustment on your rockers and push rods. Now I know there is a more mechanical and better explanation of this but I get it. My explanation may not make sense, sorry lol
Well to me there were 3 issues I had with this. First was a different ramp speed, Second was removing the hardened surface from the cam. Third was I couldn't get the lift I was after so this was not an option for me. Also I feared this may change the rocker to bridge geometry causing excessive wear. These are my own fears. I know company's do this with success and I take nothing from them. Just wasn't the choice for me.
Camshaft regrinding is as old as performance camshafts. Most early camshaft improvements were based upon original camshafts reground from performance "master" profiles. Your point about rocker bridge geometry is important. Also, the camshaft hardness or original heat treatment is critical and needs consideration with any regrind. If a new cast camshaft is available, I would do like you did and get it instead!
Your next option was cast or billet. Well I like billet so that was my option.. Well until Zack Hamilton at Hamilton cams set me straight haha. Turns out the factory cam in the Cummins is cast, a very good cast piece, but not billet. What's the big deal?? Same thing I asked. Billet is better right?? Sure is, matter of fact it's better than the block your engine is made of. Well if you don't know anything about the Cummins cam and engine, you're about to. The Cummins engine (my 06 5.9 anyways) only has one cam bearing. It is in the front of the engine where the loads are probably greater from cam gear deflection. The rest of the cam journals are ground to match the diameter of the cam and the required oil tolerance, no bearings. Thus if you run the better grade steel of the billet cam it will literally wear your block out. They do offer roller bearings and more traditional cam bushings, but these either require machining of the block or a cam that matches the new diameter. Either way if you go billet steel you will need to do one of the bearing upgrades for your block to have a long life. So billet was out and cast was in ha-ha. I'm on a budget and I'm not pulling the engine..
Cast is good, indeed! Wearing out a Cummins block prematurely would be a colossal waste of a great block!
Now there is nothing wrong with cast. Guys have been making thousands of horsepower at higher RPM for years with them. I was assured it was good for my use and then some.
Other options you will find are bolt on cam retainers. Well I didn't need one but that's because my cam gear is a straight cut gear not the helical cut one. The helical cut gear can walk out and literally try to walk the cam gear off of the cam. I'm not 100% on which Cummins motors came with helical cut gears but my 06 5.9 CR didn't...Saved me 50$ lol. if your cam gear is cut at an angle you will probably need this little thing.
Great point about the helically cut gears and recommended use of a camshaft retainer. This is not unusual in gasoline engines, even with sprockets and a chain. Buick V-6 and many other engines use a spring loaded "button" at the front of the camshaft to help hold the camshaft in proper alignment. Your comments about helically cut gears seems even more important!
So the cam I chose was a Hamilton 188/220. It was the largest selection for a stock motor that did not have valve reliefs cut in the piston. It has more lift at max lift and more duration. In a nut shell that means the valves open more and for longer periods of time. Thus allowing more air into the combustion chamber so we can add more fuel. The key to power is air and fuel. More of it makes more power. This longer lift and duration on the cam also allow me to turn more RPM than the factory camshaft, however, that is a whole other animal that requires matching modifications, another topic if you will. This cam is designed to work with 62mm or larger turbo's. It requires no machining of your engine, assuming you have the right piston to valve clearance at top dead center. This is a measurement that can be confirmed with the head still on the motor. It is imperative that you confirm this before installing the cam, otherwise you just trashed your motor. Mine was well within range so on with the install. FYI, cam selection is solely based off of your personal build and application. Mine was hot street and performance. This cam would not work well for everyone's application, but I wasn't shopping for everyone...
Please share what Hamilton recommends as the best use for this camshaft grind...Many will be curious why you selected the grind—beyond just the valvetrain friendliness.
Lifters.. New or used?? This is an option you must decide on your own. Many places will tell you that your factory one (with lower mileage) are fine to use on the new cam.. Sorry but that's advice I passed on. Now after removing the old ones I must admit they looked new. Except for the extreme shine on the wear face, there wasn't much else to look at. Maybe you can have them re faced?? I don't know. For the price of new ones I just went with new to match a new cam. This way they could wear in together. If you didn't, I assume they would last but I don't know how long.
I always change flat tappet lifters with a camshaft change. The lifter base of a flat tappet camshaft will wear to match the cam lobe. (Never mix the lifter order when reusing a camshaft and its old lifters! Lay the lifters out in order of disassembly.) I've shared that the PSI load at the lifter base, which is actually convex, is the highest measurable load in an engine—over 200,000 PSI at the convex contact point with the camshaft lobe when the valve is at full lift!
Part 2 of lifters. Replacing them. This is why everyone says to leave them in haha. This, single handedly, has to be the most complicated thing I have ever done on any vehicle to date. I did this with the engine in the truck and the oil pan on. There is no tool on the market for it (that I could find). You will use everything from PVC pipe, dowel rods, string, pocket mirrors and magnets. This will show your true ingenuity and skill. I could go on for hours about this but it deserves its own shade tree mechanic write up. It can be done, with time and patience. A couple of them took me hours to swap out. Now, with the knowledge gained, I could get it done pretty quick. Don't drop one because that means the oil pan is coming off and that's not going to happen with the engine sitting in its mounts, at least not in the 06.. Dropping one is an easy task in case you're wondering lol. Apparently, per design, the lifters are installed at the factory with the engine upside down and the cam goes in at the same time. The cam holds the lifters up like any other car but the lifters cant come out the top. They must go back down. This means you have to hold them all up (dowel pins lol) while you remove the cam, then insert a piece of conduit cut in half to catch them as you remove the dowel rods. Way harder than it sounds. FYI, taking them out is the easy part.. Putting the new ones in?? Don't do it around your preacher because I'm sure you will earn detention at church for about 6 months, plus some community service..
In the chassis, the lifter change must be done by the "book". This is not for the faint of heart. Stuff clean lint-free rags into every exposed orifice when removing valve locks or dowels. Keep an extension magnet handy!
Cam gear. Using the factory one is acceptable, assuming its within spec, but be prepared to remove it and replace it with the cam sticking out of the block. It will not clear the lower radiator support while still on the cam. It can be done with a gear puller and a gear installer. Much like a power steering pump gear. it is press on with an alignment key and key way. Heat is your friend for this, but be aware of temps. Use a temp probe and don't over heat gear. 250 degrees was plenty enough to loosen it from its grip for removal and install. I have seen a few shattered gears from rushing this process. Take your time.
I like your use of a temp probe. My infrared surface temp gun is a popular tool at my shop! What did you use for heating the gear? Years ago, I built the classic GMC truck engines, and the 248/270/302 "Jimmy" originally had a press-on fiber (later aluminum) camshaft gear. A popular upgrade replacement was the aluminum camshaft gear. (The crank gear was steel.) The shop manuals called for heating the gear in oil before installation. A metal camshaft gear is even more stubborn than a fiber gear.
Pushrods. More lift is more stress on the valve train. Get a matched set for your application. I went with the hardened chrome moly 3/8". They make bigger but it wasn't needed. Don't want to run your engine with a bent pushrod..
Valve springs and locks, ya they need to match the added performance of everything else. 103# springs were recommended from Hamilton. The old go to was 110# springs but turns out they can put unwanted stress and wear on the cam and lifters. I intended to add a bigger turbo so the additional seat pressure was a must with the new cam. Plus they need to match your cam's lift profiles so you don't get spring bind or float a valve at higher RPM's. Locks are just added insurance.
I like your prudence with the springs—for exactly the reasons you cite. This was a wise choice!
Valve spring replacement. It can be done with the head on. There is a cool tool from Torx that makes this a breeze. Bar your engine over until the piston is at TDC. Put this tool on and compress all 4 springs at once. They will sit on top of the piston allowing you to compress the springs and release the locks. Remove the locks, remove the tool, remove the springs. Now is a good time for new valve seals if the budget allows. Why not, you are right there.. Only word of caution I have is the valve locks. They are tiny and there are plenty of holes on top of your head to swallow them right up and spit them out in the oil pan. Take your time and handle with care.
Do you have a link to this Torx tool? The tool sounds intriguing!
Rocker arms are good enough from the factory. Plus I don't know anyone besides Harland Sharp that make aftermarket Cummins rockers. Those aren't cheap lol. Disassemble, inspect for wear. Re-assemble with some assembly lubricant. Track where they came from and return them to that spot.
Your engine is in good shape. Some would benefit from machine shop resurfacing of the rocker arms at the valve stem contact points. Your valves were reused, so there is a normal wear pattern between the rocker arms and their original, matching valve stems.
As far as the valve train goes, that's a new cam, new lifters, new pushrods, new valve springs, locks and valve seals. Keep your old cam gear, your old valves and rocker arms.
Very thorough, a wise investment for a camshaft profile change plus performance upgrades!
Trust me this is an involved project. There are many things not listed that need to be done to get to this point and to go from this point to the end. Such as checking your installed centerline height. But like I said I didn't start this thread as a how to, more of reference and topic for anyone wanting to do it. Your skills and confidence as a DIY guy will be tested..
Thanks for being so matter-of-fact, Megatron! This kind of project could easily turn into a nightmare—or at least tie up someone's work truck or transportation for some time. The SBC is a cakewalk next to the task you tackled—and in the chassis!
Hamilton Cams required a 15 minute long strict cam break-in procedure WITH proper oil additives. Checkout the other topic in the forum about cam break ins for the Cummins. After that you are free to do what you want. However with so many other things new to my truck I will not be on the dyno for another 2500 miles or so.
Excited about the pending dyne testing! Waiting to see the results from all of these mods...Fuel mileage, peak torque and horsepower gains at what rpm—should be interesting!
Now performance gains, the reason most of you read this much or skipped to the end. While I am still going through my own personal break in procedure for the truck (because I did cam, turbo and transmission less than 500 miles ago), I cant report fully on overall performance gains. Also, I did more than just a cam so my results are irrelevant on the topic. I can report, for now, the truck idles quieter. Perhaps the EGR delete from the cam?? Hard to say. This cam with a 64.5mm turbo upgrade and some 100hp nozzles has made this truck run like a dream. It has less than factory turbo lag off the line even with the bigger turbo. MPG is on the way up, EGT is in check with the stock configuration. My rear tires will not last long with this set up lol. It has no problem with getting with the program at any speed. Matter of fact I rolled on it from about 25mph going up the on ramp and it flat smoked the rear tires ha-ha.. I have 37's so the kid in me was giggling but the adult in me said you just spent 10 dollars in fuel, knock it off..
Well, the fuel bill equals the right foot pressure at a given time! Sounds like a diesel...or a gasoline engine for that matter.
For those wanting to know what tuner, I run EFI Live. I have my own custom tunes. However, with this modification your truck will run just fine with box type tunes (Smarty, H&S etc.). It will finally use up all that extra fuel you have been turning into black smoke. Sinners.. Once my break in is complete I will get it to the dyno, build a new tune and get the numbers you all want to see.
Would like to hear more about your building the tune yourself. When you do the dyne and start programming, please share details. Sounds exciting!
All in all it was a challenge but the rewards out weigh them. The power curve is huge on the truck with no loss in MPG, just a loss on my son's college savings.. I would recommend this for people wanting to get more power out of their truck. Feel free to ask questions but don't ask me what cam is right for you. I have no idea. Contact Zack at Hamilton cams. Great guy, friendly and an all in one shop for a complete setup.
So far, you're pleased all around. The turbo upgrade, in itself, would be something. You likely need this camshaft to realize the turbo's potential, though...
If any of my information is incorrect please feel free to correct me. Like I said, this is the information my research found.


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text: LSB Industries Company Profile (NYSE:LXU) Tweet Analyst RatingsEarningsDividendsInsider TradesCompany ProfileSocial ActivityToday's Chart Consensus Ratings for LSB Industries (NYSE:LXU) (?) The ratings breakdown includes the most recent rating from each analyst that has rated the stock within the last twelve months. The ratings score is a calculation of the average number of sell, hold, buy and strong buy ratings (0-1.5 = Sell, 1.5-2.5 = Hold, 2.5-3.5 = Buy, >3.5 = Strong Buy). The consensus price target is a mean average of the most recent price target set by each analyst that has set a price target for the stock in the last twelve months.Ratings Breakdown: 3 Buy Rating(s)Consensus Rating:Buy (Score: 3.00)Consensus Price Target: $47.00 (17.50% upside) Analysts' Ratings History for LSB Industries (NYSE:LXU) Show: All Ratings For This Stock Only the Most Recent Rating From Each Brokerage DateFirmActionRatingPrice TargetDetailsShare3/24/2015TheStreetUpgradeHold -> BuyView 11/7/2014TheStreetDowngradeBuy -> HoldView 7/29/2014Feltl & Co.Initiated CoverageBuyView 5/13/2014Singular ResearchBoost Price TargetBuy$44.00 -> $47.00View 11/12/2013Singular ResearchLower Price TargetBuy$55.00 -> $50.00View 5/22/2013TheStreetDowngradeBuy -> HoldView 4/24/2013Global Hunter SecuritiesInitiated CoverageBuyView (Data available from 3/26/2013 forward) Earnings History for LSB Industries (NYSE:LXU)DateQuarterConsensus EstimateActual EPSRevenue EstimateActual RevenueRelease LinkConference CallDetailsShare3/2/2015Q414$0.35$0.09$181.80 million$181.30 millionViewListenView 11/7/2014Q314$0.32($0.17)$190.00 million$171.00 millionViewListenView 8/8/2014Q214$0.78$0.47$221.42 million$201.70 millionViewListenView 5/7/2014Q114$0.46$0.49$144.89 million$178.53 millionViewListenView 2/27/2014Q413$0.81$1.58$169.45 million$149.00 millionViewListenView 11/6/2013Q313$0.74$0.43$206.50 million$177.40 millionViewListenView 8/8/2013Q2 2013$0.32$0.31$181.26 million$202.20 millionViewListenView 5/6/2013Q1 2013$0.37($0.02)$168.88 million$150.70 millionViewListenView 2/28/2013Q4 2012$0.20$0.49$178.36 million$177.10 millionViewListenView 11/6/2012Q312$0.64$0.28$175.29 million$182.40 millionViewN/AView 8/8/2012$0.91$1.11ViewN/AView 5/9/2012$0.48$0.61ViewN/AView 2/28/2012$0.86$1.19ViewN/AView 11/7/2011$0.68$0.27ViewN/AView 8/8/2011$1.05$1.22ViewN/AView 5/5/2011$0.62$0.90ViewN/AView (Data available from 1/1/2011 forward) Dividend History for LSB Industries (NYSE:LXU)No dividend announcements for this company have been tracked by Analyst Ratings Network Insider Trading History for LSB Industries (NYSE:LXU)Transaction DateInsider NameTitleBuy/SellNumber of SharesAverage Share PriceTotal TransactionSEC LinkShare8/13/2014Linda F RappaportMajor ShareholderSell20,000$39.16$783,200.00View 6/11/2014Barry H GolsenCOOSell9,259$40.81$377,859.79View 6/11/2014Sbl, LlcMajor ShareholderSell54,467$40.81$2,222,798.27View 6/6/2014Barry H GolsenCOOSell2,699$40.02$108,013.98View 6/6/2014Sbl, LlcMajor ShareholderSell15,877$40.02$635,397.54View 6/4/2014Harold L RiekerVPSell3,000$38.50$115,500.00View 6/3/2014Mark T BehrmanVPBuy1,000$37.90$37,900.00View 5/13/2014Ronald PerryDirectorSell1,575$38.29$60,306.75View 5/9/2014John ShelleyDirectorSell1,880$37.00$69,560.00View 12/30/2013Michael AdamsVPSell5,000$40.00$200,000.00View 9/24/2013Barry GolsenCOOSell5,100$33.72$171,972.00View 9/24/2013Sbl, Llcmajor shareholderSell30,000$33.72$1,011,600.00View 3/12/2013Ronald V PerryDirectorSell1,000$39.40$39,400.00View 3/5/2013Barry H GolsenCOOSell17,001$38.28$650,798.28View 3/5/2013Golsen Family LlcMajor ShareholderSell100,000$38.28$3,828,000.00View (Data available from 1/1/2013 forward) About LSB Industries LSB Industries, Inc. is a diversified holding company involved in manufacturing and marketing operations through its subsidiaries. The Company together with its wholly owned subsidiaries owns Chemical Business and Climate Control Business. Chemical Business manufactures and sells nitrogen-based chemical products produced from four facilities located in El Dorado, Arkansas; Cherokee, Alabama; Pryor, Oklahoma, and Baytown, Texas for the agricultural, industrial, and mining markets. Climate Control Business manufactures and sells a range of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) products in the niche markets the Company serves consisting of geothermal and water source heat pumps, hydronic fan coils, large custom air handlers, modular geothermal and other chillers and other related products used to control the environment in commercial/institutional and residential new building construction, renovation of existing buildings and replacement of existing systems. Headlines: (3/25) LSB Industries Stock Rating Upgraded by TheStreet (LXU) (3/25) LSB Industries Lifted to Buy at TheStreet (LXU) (3/23) LSB Industries (LXU) is Overbought: Is A Drop Coming? - Tale of the Tape (3/23) LSB Industries: The Winning Streak Continues (LXU) (3/15) LSB Industries to Establish New Position of President of Its LSB Chemical Business; Retains Spencer Stuart to Execute Search (3/11) LSB Industries, Inc. (LXU): Starboard Nominates Slate of Directors; Two Other Stocks Jeff Smith is Bullish On (3/15) LSB Industries to Establish New Position of President of Its LSB Chemical Business; Retains Spencer Stuart to Execute Search (3/16) LSB Industries to Establish New Position of President of Its LSB Chemical Business; Retains Spencer Stuart to Execute Search Industry, Sector and Symbol: Sector: Materials Industry: Chemicals Sub-Industry: Diversified Chemicals Exchange: NYSE Symbol: LXU CUSIP: 50216010 Key Metrics: Previous Close: $40.0350 Day Moving Average: $37.66200 Day Moving Average: $34.58P/E Ratio: 48.23P/E Growth: 2.37Market Cap: $907.00MCurrent Quarter EPS Consensus Estimate: $1.74 EPS Additional Links: View LXU on Google FinanceView LXU on Yahoo FinanceView LXU's Company Profile on ReutersSearch for LSB Industries, Inc. on Google LSB Industries (NYSE:LXU) Chart for Thursday, March, 26, 2015 (Chart Provided by Yahoo Finance)


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February 20, 2015
Kenworth named Truck Enterprises Hagerstown its 2014 Parts and Service Dealer of the Year and named Worldwide Equipment as the 2014 TRP All-Makes Dealer of the Year.
July 2, 2013
Kenworth dealer Trans Power has opened a new parts location one mile west of U.S. Interstate 75.
May 3, 2013
Peterbilt honored several dealers during its recent annual dealer meeting, held at the Paccar MX Engine manufacturing facility in Columbus, Miss. The company handed out Medium Duty Dealer of the Year, Parts and Service Dealer of the Year, Paccar MX-13 Engine Dealer of the Year and TRP Dealer of the Year awards.
TRP announced a new line of durable clutch replacement components including clutch brakes, pilot bearings, clutch release yokes and clutch installation kits.
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February 1, 2013
TRP announces the availability of aluminum wheels for all makes of trucks and trailers, offering significant weight reduction and fuel efficiency benefits to operators everywhere.
We offer e-newsletters that deliver targeted news and information for the entire fleet industry.
The expert, Mark Betner from CITGO, will answer your questions
The expert, Rence Oliphant from Hendrickson, will answer your questions
Drones And the Future of Package Delivery
How Will 3D Printing Affect Trucking?
Ultimate Test Drive Video: Brain and Brawn
Ultimate Test Drive Video: Small Block, Big Load
Reading SL 132 is A Dual Wheel Service Body
Dynasys SL Auxiliary Power Unit
Webasto Releases Advanced Heater Controls
V-Flap II is An Aerodynamic Mud Flap


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Anyone know the syns for the above?? Thanks in advance
Sent from my GT-N7000 using MiniMins.com mobile app
Young's, Gastro Lightly Seeded & Dusted Haddock Fillets, frozen, twin pack, each baked = 6 Syns on EE / Red, 10 Syns on Green
Princess Stevie
Slimming World Veteran, now following 5:2
Restarted 5:2 AGAIN on 9th March 2015
Aiming to get back to my lowest weight of 10st 10lb for Fuerteventura
Week One: -3.6lb!
You can follow my 5:2 food diary here!
The haddock is only 75% of the total weight - the rest is the topping, and the ingredients are:
Haddock (75%),Seeded Coating (Wheat Flour, Maize Flour, Water, Cornflour, Salt, Hulled Millet, Pumpkin Seeds, Brown Linseeds, Quinoa Seeds, Sugar, Yeast Extract, Yeast, Raising Agent: Diphosphates, Sodium Bicarbonate; Wheat Starch) ,Vegetable Oil