A new drivetrain?RustyPW wrote:Think you have it backwards. 40's are the new 31's. wonder what it would take to put 40's on that cheby?
ZR2 diesel test drive & test tow
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Re: ZR2 diesel test drive & test tow
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Re: ZR2 diesel test drive & test tow
DamageWagon wrote: ↑Tue Nov 06, 2018 12:15 amA new drivetrain?RustyPW wrote:Think you have it backwards. 40's are the new 31's. wonder what it would take to put 40's on that cheby?
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2008 POWER WAGON RC
My build thread. http://forum.powerwagonregistry.org/vie ... =13&t=2826
Moab '09, '10, '12, '14.
Rausch Creek - Summer '10, Spring-Fall '11, Spring '12, Summer '13, Summer '14, Summer '15, Summer '16, Summer '17, Summer '18, Summer '20, Summer '22,
AOAA Summer '19.
Russ
NRA - Benefactor, Golden Eagle.
Re: ZR2 diesel test drive & test tow
Apparently, you can lock the rear diff in 2wd but only if it is in "off-road mode". Also, front will only engage in 4Lo & also only if the rear diff is locked first. No 2wd Lo though. I will learn more about this after delivery. The rear locker will not engage unless under 20 mph in "off-road mode", but once locked, you can go over 20 mph with it locked. Personally, 2Lo would be more useful to me.
Another thing i like is that many things on the ZR2 are so much less expensive than the PW. ZR2 rear leaf springs are $136 each. Thinking about a set, to dismantle & add a leaf or 2 to help with towing. Maybe not even needed, time will tell. PW leafs squatted after a while so thinking these might too ??? Tires are at least $40 cheaper....and up to almost a $100 cheaper per tire. This little diesel just seems to check more box's than the 4Runner towing, or our PW towing. Still has the benefit of lockers F&R. A winch would be nice but can be added later if need be. By being able to get 15-19 mpg towing & 20-30 mpg empty is just icing on the cake. It will allow us to travel more & spend less.
I get the whole full size vs mid size debate. We are retired now, kids are gone, so don't really care too much if people are comfortable in the back.....even though I have the same knee room as the rear seat in the PW. I really never thought i would get rid of our PW. It just tows & drives empty with SO MUCH LESS DRAMA than the wagon. It is also coming up on needing some major repairs. Thats what started us looking elsewhere.
The whole diesel thing is kind of a PITA, of that there is no doubt. A little harder to find fuel, then there is the DEF fluid, then there is the treatment for the fuel & then there is the winter treatment for the fuel. Luckily, we have 2 major truck stops by us that sell everything needed. Been reading that people who use the stuff made by "HOT SHOT'S" have all but eliminated their idiot lights coming on & DPF issues. I certainly am not hatin' on PW's. Still love em. Always will.
Another thing i like is that many things on the ZR2 are so much less expensive than the PW. ZR2 rear leaf springs are $136 each. Thinking about a set, to dismantle & add a leaf or 2 to help with towing. Maybe not even needed, time will tell. PW leafs squatted after a while so thinking these might too ??? Tires are at least $40 cheaper....and up to almost a $100 cheaper per tire. This little diesel just seems to check more box's than the 4Runner towing, or our PW towing. Still has the benefit of lockers F&R. A winch would be nice but can be added later if need be. By being able to get 15-19 mpg towing & 20-30 mpg empty is just icing on the cake. It will allow us to travel more & spend less.
I get the whole full size vs mid size debate. We are retired now, kids are gone, so don't really care too much if people are comfortable in the back.....even though I have the same knee room as the rear seat in the PW. I really never thought i would get rid of our PW. It just tows & drives empty with SO MUCH LESS DRAMA than the wagon. It is also coming up on needing some major repairs. Thats what started us looking elsewhere.
The whole diesel thing is kind of a PITA, of that there is no doubt. A little harder to find fuel, then there is the DEF fluid, then there is the treatment for the fuel & then there is the winter treatment for the fuel. Luckily, we have 2 major truck stops by us that sell everything needed. Been reading that people who use the stuff made by "HOT SHOT'S" have all but eliminated their idiot lights coming on & DPF issues. I certainly am not hatin' on PW's. Still love em. Always will.
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Re: ZR2 diesel test drive & test tow
What kind of major repairs could you possibly need at 30K, spark plugs?
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Re: ZR2 diesel test drive & test tow
Hair plugs.Retired BLM Rig wrote: ↑Thu Nov 08, 2018 10:58 pmWhat kind of major repairs could you possibly need at 30K, spark plugs?
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Re: ZR2 diesel test drive & test tow
We have to remember that the ZR2 towing comparison was made to the manual 2008 PW with the 5.7 and not the newer 6.4...
I noticed quite a bit of difference in towing ability between my '13 and '14
I noticed quite a bit of difference in towing ability between my '13 and '14
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Re: ZR2 diesel test drive & test tow
Reloaderguy wrote: ↑Fri Nov 09, 2018 12:10 amHair plugs.Retired BLM Rig wrote: ↑Thu Nov 08, 2018 10:58 pmWhat kind of major repairs could you possibly need at 30K, spark plugs?
PWOC #53
2008 POWER WAGON RC
My build thread. http://forum.powerwagonregistry.org/vie ... =13&t=2826
Moab '09, '10, '12, '14.
Rausch Creek - Summer '10, Spring-Fall '11, Spring '12, Summer '13, Summer '14, Summer '15, Summer '16, Summer '17, Summer '18, Summer '20, Summer '22,
AOAA Summer '19.
Russ
NRA - Benefactor, Golden Eagle.
2008 POWER WAGON RC
My build thread. http://forum.powerwagonregistry.org/vie ... =13&t=2826
Moab '09, '10, '12, '14.
Rausch Creek - Summer '10, Spring-Fall '11, Spring '12, Summer '13, Summer '14, Summer '15, Summer '16, Summer '17, Summer '18, Summer '20, Summer '22,
AOAA Summer '19.
Russ
NRA - Benefactor, Golden Eagle.
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Re: ZR2 diesel test drive & test tow
An auto 6.4... tow better than twinsticks twinstick 5.7?! Pfffffffffffffffffff.
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Re: ZR2 diesel test drive & test tow
Steering gearbox upgrade, t-style tie rod upgrade, corresponding steering brace upgrade, shocks, tires, etc....etc.... . We all know every single vehicle has its issues. Just tired of dealing with them.Retired BLM Rig wrote: ↑Thu Nov 08, 2018 10:58 pmWhat kind of major repairs could you possibly need at 30K, spark plugs?
Hope the new one doesn't have as many as our PW. As I said before, I am not a hater, just tired of the issues. I LOVE how no one else ever talks about Dodge being bold & "grabbing life by the horns" & re-introducing the PW is what set the stage for the Raptor & ZR2. From a marketing standpoint, it was the smart move. Instead of competing head to head with the PW, the competition chose to each be in their own niche. Full size truck that works & plays, full size go fast, small mid sized work, play & go fast-ish. By doing that, they can each claim they have "the only truck in its class" that can do x, y or z & claim "class superiority".
Finding a vehicle that is smaller but tows better, squats less under load with no helper springs than the PW W/1 ton helpers, gets more than double the mpg towing or empty, has lockers front & rear & rides 10x better empty or towing, sounds like a win/win to us. Just sayin' . Your needs may vary. Haters gonna hate!
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Re: ZR2 diesel test drive & test tow
I understand!
Buddy, we'll still come pull you out when you get the toy stuck!
Buddy, we'll still come pull you out when you get the toy stuck!
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Re: ZR2 diesel test drive & test tow
Yeah man I totally get wanting something that just WORKS. I ran the math once, I made sure I never wrote down how much money I have in repairs in the ‘11. I do know I’m over $5000 into the front axle now
I hope the Chevy is reliable, isn’t it nuts how good modern diesels are???
I hope the Chevy is reliable, isn’t it nuts how good modern diesels are???
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Re: ZR2 diesel test drive & test tow
"Tows better"
Re: ZR2 diesel test drive & test tow
Yes, it really does tow much better. Much less drama. Reason being: the abundance of torque from idle. Because all the torque is available right from idle, there is no engine screaming as you roll through the gears, also meaning that there is no "transmission hunting for the right gear" as there is with most gas autos while towing. People with it tuned are actually able to have more hp & more torque AND increasing fuel economy by 1-4 mpg Both empty & towing. It locks the torque converter into 6th and lowers engine by 500 rpm even while towing. Stock-towing-& 6th gear usually don't happen unless on flat ground & wind at your back. Any mods are gonna have to wait until warranty expires for us. Tow/haul mode in the ZR2 diesel engages the exhaust brake, locks out 6th & lets it hold gears longer before shifting. I only used 6th on down hills anyways in the PW while towing. 5th is 1:1. Having the torque avail from idle in the diesel is what lets them be able to use 6th while towing after the tune. Torque in my truck was good at 3000 rpms but really came on after 5000 rpms.
I hope it is reliable as well. This is a huge decision for us. Going from 3 vehicles down to 2 means no standby to tow with if it is in the shop for some bullshit. I would have lost money on that bet, for sure. Never in my life would i think a mid-sized 4 cyl anything would tow better than a fullsize w/V-8 & 6-speed manual. Crazy how it would spin the rear tires with the camper on during our test tow. It was wet out but still, crazy.
I hope with some regular preventative maintenance, it will be a reliable long lasting vehicle. Found 1 guy that has one with 164,000 miles on it. That's encouraging. Some things will be the same as with any diesel with variable vanes in the turbo. Cleaning every couple of years or so, along with the EGR. The EGR looks like it could be a PITA though. All separate rubber gaskets/o-rings. Maybe a couple of dots of RTV before gaskets & let dry before install, idk. Time will tell i guess.
I hope it is reliable as well. This is a huge decision for us. Going from 3 vehicles down to 2 means no standby to tow with if it is in the shop for some bullshit. I would have lost money on that bet, for sure. Never in my life would i think a mid-sized 4 cyl anything would tow better than a fullsize w/V-8 & 6-speed manual. Crazy how it would spin the rear tires with the camper on during our test tow. It was wet out but still, crazy.
I hope with some regular preventative maintenance, it will be a reliable long lasting vehicle. Found 1 guy that has one with 164,000 miles on it. That's encouraging. Some things will be the same as with any diesel with variable vanes in the turbo. Cleaning every couple of years or so, along with the EGR. The EGR looks like it could be a PITA though. All separate rubber gaskets/o-rings. Maybe a couple of dots of RTV before gaskets & let dry before install, idk. Time will tell i guess.
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Re: ZR2 diesel test drive & test tow
Of course it tows better! It has a whopping 191 Hp
Or is it 186 Hp?
2014 Power Wagon Laramie
Titan V5 2.5" Receiver Pintle Hook
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Re: ZR2 diesel test drive & test tow
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Re: ZR2 diesel test drive & test tow
What's the redline on that little smoker? 3,000 rpm max? It's screaming at that rpm. That's where the Hemi starts to make torque.
Pulling the turbo off to clean the vanes. Good luck with that one.
Spinning the rear tires with the camper on the back. There's no weight back there. Just want until a semi passes you at 70 mph.
Hope you never get a bad jug of DEF fluid. Could be costly. It freezes at 12F. Don't ask me how I know.
With diesel. You better add a winter additive to it to keep it from jelling. Don't ask me on how I know.
Pulling the turbo off to clean the vanes. Good luck with that one.
Spinning the rear tires with the camper on the back. There's no weight back there. Just want until a semi passes you at 70 mph.
Hope you never get a bad jug of DEF fluid. Could be costly. It freezes at 12F. Don't ask me how I know.
With diesel. You better add a winter additive to it to keep it from jelling. Don't ask me on how I know.
PWOC #53
2008 POWER WAGON RC
My build thread. http://forum.powerwagonregistry.org/vie ... =13&t=2826
Moab '09, '10, '12, '14.
Rausch Creek - Summer '10, Spring-Fall '11, Spring '12, Summer '13, Summer '14, Summer '15, Summer '16, Summer '17, Summer '18, Summer '20, Summer '22,
AOAA Summer '19.
Russ
NRA - Benefactor, Golden Eagle.
2008 POWER WAGON RC
My build thread. http://forum.powerwagonregistry.org/vie ... =13&t=2826
Moab '09, '10, '12, '14.
Rausch Creek - Summer '10, Spring-Fall '11, Spring '12, Summer '13, Summer '14, Summer '15, Summer '16, Summer '17, Summer '18, Summer '20, Summer '22,
AOAA Summer '19.
Russ
NRA - Benefactor, Golden Eagle.
Re: ZR2 diesel test drive & test tow
Actually, it is 181 hp @ 3400 rpms.
Already did that. It was VERY windy the day we took the camper out with the ZR2. It had no issues towing into the wind. Transmission was not hunting at all because of all the torque down low. Even felt fine at 80 mph. Had no issue getting up to 80 mph towing camper either. Living close to the interstate helped out that day. Torque is avail from idle to 3500 rpms on the 2.8L Duramax.
On my Hemi, hp peak is at 5600 rpms & torque peak is at 4400 rpms. So, as you can see it really only has about a 1200 rpm sweet spot. Both hp & torque falls off sharply after 5600 rpms. It is the manual transmission (meaning: its gear ratio's) & the 4.56's that made it a good tow vehicle. Being able to hold it in any gear also helped. But now, the auto transmissions can do that i think.
With the ZR2's 6L50 trans, just put the lever in L, & tap the button to pick the highest gear (1-5) you want to use, & then it auto shifts but stops in that gear. Or you can shift the auto trans manually with the button on the shifter. Yes it does stay in gear. Tried that out with our salesman in the test truck. It stayed in 1st till red-lined & did not upshift. Cool ! Our Toyota 4Runner has that feature as well but will NOT stay in the gear you selected if it red-lines, it will upshift. Another "save us from ourselves nanny" I suppose.
I know, it still boggles my mind too. It's like a mind trick. It shouldn't work as good as my full sized truck. But it does. We camped next to a guy in the New England states that had a reg Z71 CC LB w/the 2.8L diesel. He was towing a 27' Prowler with his. It looked way to big for the truck. He said it towed it just fine, towed at 65 mph & got 15 mpg towing 7000 lbs & got 28-32 empty !!! That is what got us looking into them in the first place. He had 43k on his & said the only time it went to dealer was for the typical new vehicle stuff like electronic re-flashes & upgrades & 1 recall item.
Already did that. It was VERY windy the day we took the camper out with the ZR2. It had no issues towing into the wind. Transmission was not hunting at all because of all the torque down low. Even felt fine at 80 mph. Had no issue getting up to 80 mph towing camper either. Living close to the interstate helped out that day. Torque is avail from idle to 3500 rpms on the 2.8L Duramax.
On my Hemi, hp peak is at 5600 rpms & torque peak is at 4400 rpms. So, as you can see it really only has about a 1200 rpm sweet spot. Both hp & torque falls off sharply after 5600 rpms. It is the manual transmission (meaning: its gear ratio's) & the 4.56's that made it a good tow vehicle. Being able to hold it in any gear also helped. But now, the auto transmissions can do that i think.
With the ZR2's 6L50 trans, just put the lever in L, & tap the button to pick the highest gear (1-5) you want to use, & then it auto shifts but stops in that gear. Or you can shift the auto trans manually with the button on the shifter. Yes it does stay in gear. Tried that out with our salesman in the test truck. It stayed in 1st till red-lined & did not upshift. Cool ! Our Toyota 4Runner has that feature as well but will NOT stay in the gear you selected if it red-lines, it will upshift. Another "save us from ourselves nanny" I suppose.
I know, it still boggles my mind too. It's like a mind trick. It shouldn't work as good as my full sized truck. But it does. We camped next to a guy in the New England states that had a reg Z71 CC LB w/the 2.8L diesel. He was towing a 27' Prowler with his. It looked way to big for the truck. He said it towed it just fine, towed at 65 mph & got 15 mpg towing 7000 lbs & got 28-32 empty !!! That is what got us looking into them in the first place. He had 43k on his & said the only time it went to dealer was for the typical new vehicle stuff like electronic re-flashes & upgrades & 1 recall item.
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Re: ZR2 diesel test drive & test tow
So.....when are you picking it up?
PWOC #53
2008 POWER WAGON RC
My build thread. http://forum.powerwagonregistry.org/vie ... =13&t=2826
Moab '09, '10, '12, '14.
Rausch Creek - Summer '10, Spring-Fall '11, Spring '12, Summer '13, Summer '14, Summer '15, Summer '16, Summer '17, Summer '18, Summer '20, Summer '22,
AOAA Summer '19.
Russ
NRA - Benefactor, Golden Eagle.
2008 POWER WAGON RC
My build thread. http://forum.powerwagonregistry.org/vie ... =13&t=2826
Moab '09, '10, '12, '14.
Rausch Creek - Summer '10, Spring-Fall '11, Spring '12, Summer '13, Summer '14, Summer '15, Summer '16, Summer '17, Summer '18, Summer '20, Summer '22,
AOAA Summer '19.
Russ
NRA - Benefactor, Golden Eagle.
Re: ZR2 diesel test drive & test tow
Yup, I know Rusty. All the typical diesel stuff. I have also had gas go bad once. Lots of people get water in their gas when tanks leak. That also destroys an engine. Last year I think, maybe longer, there was a gas station on the Reservation in Niagara County where 34-54 people had engines seize or blow up because of water in the fuel. Tac goes up to 5K. I don't think it actually will though, not sure. Wasn't looking at the tac when i red-lined in 1st. It hit the govenor.
Like i said, already been on I-90 with it in tow. No issues passing or being passed. A rocket-ship it ain't. Look in your mirrors, pull out & pass. Easy peasy.
Supposed to be delivered in the 1st 1/2 of January. It actually don't look that bad to work on. But i am sure there will be many "WTF did they do that" moments when working on it.
Like i said, already been on I-90 with it in tow. No issues passing or being passed. A rocket-ship it ain't. Look in your mirrors, pull out & pass. Easy peasy.
Supposed to be delivered in the 1st 1/2 of January. It actually don't look that bad to work on. But i am sure there will be many "WTF did they do that" moments when working on it.
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Re: ZR2 diesel test drive & test tow
I wonder why the manufacturer only rates it at 5000 pounds towing?
Hmmm that's less than half what my PW is rated to tow. And Much less than the 12,470 lbs that the 6.4 is rated to tow in a standard crew 2500.
Just doesn't add up. Sure my CTD tows the same load easier and at lower rpm than my Power Wagon - But the loaded Power Wagon is still faster off the light! - and that's compared to the REAL CTD not the baby!
Don't be that guy holding up traffic when the light turns green... Watching the loaded tractor trailers next to you burn you at the light... and all the cars behind you pulling behind the tractor trailer because he's faaster...
It's not too late.......
Hmmm that's less than half what my PW is rated to tow. And Much less than the 12,470 lbs that the 6.4 is rated to tow in a standard crew 2500.
Just doesn't add up. Sure my CTD tows the same load easier and at lower rpm than my Power Wagon - But the loaded Power Wagon is still faster off the light! - and that's compared to the REAL CTD not the baby!
Don't be that guy holding up traffic when the light turns green... Watching the loaded tractor trailers next to you burn you at the light... and all the cars behind you pulling behind the tractor trailer because he's faaster...
It's not too late.......
2014 Power Wagon Laramie
Titan V5 2.5" Receiver Pintle Hook
Warn wireless winch controller
.188" DOM White Knuckle Rock Sliders
Locker Bypass & Nanny Kill Switch
Moab 2006
Titan V5 2.5" Receiver Pintle Hook
Warn wireless winch controller
.188" DOM White Knuckle Rock Sliders
Locker Bypass & Nanny Kill Switch
Moab 2006
- Reloaderguy
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Re: ZR2 diesel test drive & test tow
I don't want to harsh the man's new ride. As an offroad toy they look super cool and have tons going for them. GM did some stuff really right on the platform and if you're a Mod junkie they look like an unpainted canvas. However, as a tow rig they're still a compact truck and I just don't see how the small chassis is going to ever handle weight as well as a 3/4 ton truck. Maybe I'm wrong though.Bill2014 wrote: ↑Tue Nov 20, 2018 7:40 amI wonder why the manufacturer only rates it at 5000 pounds towing?
Hmmm that's less than half what my PW is rated to tow. And Much less than the 12,470 lbs that the 6.4 is rated to tow in a standard crew 2500.
Just doesn't add up. Sure my CTD tows the same load easier and at lower rpm than my Power Wagon - But the loaded Power Wagon is still faster off the light! - and that's compared to the REAL CTD not the baby!
Don't be that guy holding up traffic when the light turns green... Watching the loaded tractor trailers next to you burn you at the light... and all the cars behind you pulling behind the tractor trailer because he's faaster...
It's not too late.......
Now, how about those long travel arms and 35's?
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Re: ZR2 diesel test drive & test tow
Perhaps that came across harsh - I just see so many leave the PW platform and then come back.
With a smaller camper - it may all work out fine...
But it's still not too late...
*hugs* all around!
With a smaller camper - it may all work out fine...
But it's still not too late...
*hugs* all around!
2014 Power Wagon Laramie
Titan V5 2.5" Receiver Pintle Hook
Warn wireless winch controller
.188" DOM White Knuckle Rock Sliders
Locker Bypass & Nanny Kill Switch
Moab 2006
Titan V5 2.5" Receiver Pintle Hook
Warn wireless winch controller
.188" DOM White Knuckle Rock Sliders
Locker Bypass & Nanny Kill Switch
Moab 2006
Re: ZR2 diesel test drive & test tow
I agree I but they obviously did their homework weighed their needs, know the trade offs, and made their best choice, good luck w the newZR2, Enjoy & keep us posted
2005 Mineral Grey; QC- #0666: "Laramie", power heated Leather seats, tow mirrors, dual zones, Alpine 9 speaker surround sound, steering wheel cruise control, music & volume controls; remote start, 6 CD player, AC; dark charcoal silver interior.
Additions: Frame mounted .188 DOM 3" steel rock rails, low profile steps;1.5” Skyjacker leveling kit; Bully Dog GT Platinum A-pillar mount programmable performance chip, monitor,& tuner; Linex Platinum OTR HD bed & rock panel coating; Red Ryder matching cab high fiberglass canopy; 2” Linex brush guard w/4-4” Halogen off road lights; Hopkins Trailer Mate brake controller; Bearcat Pro 68XL CB; Mopar black fender flares; PW winch accessory kit/remote control.
Tools: hand tools, 60” Extreme High Lift; rigging; straps; shackles; F&R chains; (2ea) rear wheel well NATO 20 L narrow gas cans & 5# extinguishers
Updates: Jasper Remfgr’d 5.7 Hemi Engine; Open Range AT 35x12.5 x17 MP3 10 ply E tires; Moog HD U/L front axle ball joints & wheel bearings; new link, sway, y bar & bushing assemblies; fuel pump; A/C exhaust fan & compressor;1 ton HEMI transmission cooler; OEM radiator; front pinion seal & bearing; Denso 180-amp alternator; Megatron 850 CCA HD battery; water pump, serpentine belt, Bilstein 2 5100 shocks/HD steering damper; F&R locker motors,sensors/u joints; 3" Magna flow cat back rear exit dual exhausts; Performance Brake/slotted rotor/caliper/pads
Additions: Frame mounted .188 DOM 3" steel rock rails, low profile steps;1.5” Skyjacker leveling kit; Bully Dog GT Platinum A-pillar mount programmable performance chip, monitor,& tuner; Linex Platinum OTR HD bed & rock panel coating; Red Ryder matching cab high fiberglass canopy; 2” Linex brush guard w/4-4” Halogen off road lights; Hopkins Trailer Mate brake controller; Bearcat Pro 68XL CB; Mopar black fender flares; PW winch accessory kit/remote control.
Tools: hand tools, 60” Extreme High Lift; rigging; straps; shackles; F&R chains; (2ea) rear wheel well NATO 20 L narrow gas cans & 5# extinguishers
Updates: Jasper Remfgr’d 5.7 Hemi Engine; Open Range AT 35x12.5 x17 MP3 10 ply E tires; Moog HD U/L front axle ball joints & wheel bearings; new link, sway, y bar & bushing assemblies; fuel pump; A/C exhaust fan & compressor;1 ton HEMI transmission cooler; OEM radiator; front pinion seal & bearing; Denso 180-amp alternator; Megatron 850 CCA HD battery; water pump, serpentine belt, Bilstein 2 5100 shocks/HD steering damper; F&R locker motors,sensors/u joints; 3" Magna flow cat back rear exit dual exhausts; Performance Brake/slotted rotor/caliper/pads
Re: ZR2 diesel test drive & test tow
Hey, thats ok. I don't need permission You will most definitely beat me at the light. I simply do not care about that. What i do care about now is: how well will it tow our camper & mpg & longevity. It checked all the box's. Shame on Ram IMHO. They finally lost me as a customer. There is simply no reason anymore to NOT offer a small diesel in the Power Wagons . If it fits in a midsized truck like the Colorado, no reason they couldn't put a 4L diesel in the Wagons, making 450-500 ft lbs of torque. There are diesel ZR2 guys that have a 10k winch and a trans cooler along with the stock intercooler. If someone offered you a Power Wagon that got 16 mpg towing & 24+ mpg on the hwy, wouldn't you buy it ? I know I would have. And, anybody who has really towed at the PW's limit (old or new gens) like I have, knows it is NOT an enjoyable experience. It was only possible with mine because of the 6-speed manual & 4 leaf 1-ton helper springs. I have measured my PW's squat with current camper (w/o the helpers or w/d hitch on) & it squats below level a fair bit more than the Colorado. Colorado was 1/2" above level with camper on. Maybe the leaf springs on the Wagon are plum wore out from towing at 10,500 lbs for 8+ years, idk. Maybe the Colorado will squat the same or more when a cap is on & more weight is in the bed, idk. But that is an easy fix anyways. Still have the helper springs from our 2000 Dakota & they will fit, checked that while we had the truck for 2 days. How many people actually get the luxury to take their "prospective" next truck home, hook up their camper & go for an all day drive with it, climb hills & hit the Interstate to make sure it is gonna work like they want ? Well, I did & it does work well. So, i am not going in blind. If I had been able to do that with all of the 4 trucks we have bought new, I would have only bought 2 out of the 4 again (88' Ranger & the 08' PW.) It is sad how the big auto makers go in spurts. They will come out with something great, that really works good, then stand and beat their chests for decades, instead of continuing to innovate, they stagnate. It ended up costing $1k less, than the PW we bought in 2008. Crazy right ? $43k for a mid sized truck. Whod'a ever thought ?
- Retired BLM Rig
- 1000_Posts
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- Joined: Sun Jan 31, 2016 6:51 pm
- Model Year: 2008
- Location: State of Jefferson
Re: ZR2 diesel test drive & test tow
Twinstick, if you still have your OE alternator, you should reinstall it and sell your 270 in the classified section. The dealer won't give you any better trade-in value for it. If that's too much work, just sell your OE unit, I bet someone might be interested in it.
I could be interested in the 270, depending on your asking price.
I could be interested in the 270, depending on your asking price.
2008 Quad Cab - Stock RTI = 655, curb weight = 6081 lbs. Abel Components Plug & Play Locker Bypass®, Abel Components Full SmartBar Bypass®, Abel Components Nanny Kill Switch®, 2000 Watt ProMariner TruePower Plus Pure Sine Wave Inverter, Trailer Hitch Storage, MOLLE Door Panels, Wilton Hitch Vice, Locking Under Seat Storage Drawer, Smittybilt 2781 Air Compressor, 14K PullPal, Hi-Lift First Responder Jack, 25' Jumper Cable System, Slip Yoke Eliminator in a Can, Evolution vs. God, Share the Umbrella, Make sure you're right with God before you meet him!