The fiery death of our truck - BA Baracus - on July 11, 2014.
Specs: 1998 Dodge Ram.
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I have always been a car / truck enthusiast. My first car in high school was a 1991 Jeep Cherokee that ran for over 207,000 miles so I have experience with Chrysler products. My friend Devon is on his 3rd Cummins diesel truck and had great experiences tuning, accessorizing, and maintaining his rides. I began researching and understanding diesel more when I began to realize the power and efficiency of the diesel engine. I became more interested in Cummins power when I read and talked with others about the longevity, durability, and tune-ability of the Cummins engines - especially the 12-valve models (made from 1994-98). I am a fan of the "Save the Manuals" campaign being spearheaded by Car and Driver magazine and have always preferred driving vehicles with manual transmissions. Having a young family, the quad cab sounded ideal. My search was on. It took over a year to find the right engine, cab, and transmission combination that I wanted for a reasonable price. I now have a 1998, 2500, quad-cab, long bed, 5-speed manual, 12-valve Cummins affectionately named "B.A. Baracus."
We love our truck and have owned it since October 09, 2010. It is even my favorite color: black. I am also pleased that it is an SLT with leather. We have added many accessories listed below.
We love our truck and have owned it since October 09, 2010. It is even my favorite color: black. I am also pleased that it is an SLT with leather. We have added many accessories listed below.
My Modifications.
Previous Owner Modifications.
Links.
Helpful links!
http://thinkblue.vw.com/diesel-tracker/ Inspiring Trucks: > 1996 Ram 3500 Diesel Power "Toughest Tow Rig" > GreenRVLife.com veggie-powered Cummins (also have an Airstream). > water/methanol injection on project rust bucket. Waste Veggie oil links.
> Good Grease. > Fill Up for Free. > TDI forums discussion on water/methanol with WVO. Also at good grease. WVO systems: > frybrid.com. > goldenfuelsystems.com. > plantdrive.com. > greasecar.com. |
Wish List.
http://www.fabfours.com/products/dodge/Accessories / Parts to Add:
MAYBE LATER / DREAM LIST...
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Winter 2013-2014.
Summer 2013.
Exterior and Interior Shots as of May 2013 (after most theft repairs).
These photos are after the truck was stolen 12/28/2012 and recovered about 24 hours later. I also repaired the fuel sending unit to make the gauge work properly and add plumbing for the auxiliary transfer tank feed and overflow lines.
Exterior & Interior shots as of March 2012.
Herculiner Project (winter 2011-12):
Truck after I purchased the canopy (photos from 01/02/2011).
Truck prior to my modifications. Purchased October 09, 2010.
A short overview of the Cummins Diesel engine I have.
(from "Diesel Engine Spotters Guide" in Diesel Power Magazine)
Engine: Cummins B-Series Configuration: OHV pushrod I-6 with 12 valves Displacement: 359 ci (5.9L) Horsepower: 160 to 215 hp at 2,500 rpm Torque: 400 to 440 lb-ft at 1,600 rpm Bore: 4.02 inches Stroke: 4.72 inches Block: Cast iron Cylinder heads: Cast iron Connecting rods: Forged steel Compression ratio: 17:1 Weight: 975 pounds Oil capacity: 12 quarts Year and Model Available: ’94 to ’98 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 Injection system: Bosch P7100 P-Pump, direct injection Emissions equipment: None Turbocharger: Holset HX35 fixed geometry Charge-air cooler: Air-to-air Biodiesel rating: None Transmission: Dodge 47RH four-speed automatic, 47RE four-speed automatic, or NV4500 five-speed manual Notes: This diesel is like the 350ci Chevy with the four-barrel carburetor of the gasoline performance segment. The 5.9L Cummins with a P-pump has just as much power potential compared to any other model. It can be modified on a low budget and is very reliable. Many over-the-road haulers, farmers, and sled pullers swear by these engines. Read more: http://www.dieselpowermag.com/tech/1301dp_diesel_engine_spotters_guide/viewall.html#ixzz2HJkpmoUr |
My truck is one that is recommended by Diesel Power magazine in this January 2012 article: "10 Best Used Diesel Trucks (and Cars)."
------------------------------------- (http://www.dieselpowerproducts.com/c-90-dodge-cummins-94-02-59l-12v24v.aspx) 1994-02 5.9L Dodge Cummins Diesel Performance Products, Parts and Accessories 1994 was the start of a new era in diesels. No longer were diesels only used for towing a fifth wheel or hauling a load of hay, they could be used for a hot rod of sorts, or for running the quarter mile. This new advent in diesels came with the release of the 1994 Dodge Ram sporting a 12 valve Cummins. This P7100 powered truck could be mechanically tuned to offer significant gains in horsepower and torque. In model year 1998.5, Dodge introduced the VP44 powered Cummins 24 valve sporting a similar power plant to the 12 valve, but with more electronic components. This engine did not have quite the versatility in mechanical performance, but has the ability to be tuned easily through simple programmers and chips. We at Diesel Power Products have the ability to custom tune your 12 valve with different BD fuel plates, Industrial Injection P7100 pumps, or about anything else you could think of. And for those of you with a 24 valve, we can help you determine which programmers or chips, such as Edge Juice with Attitude or Smarty, stack best together, then compliment that with a BD Super B turbo or maybe a set of Dynomite Diesel injectors. Even if you simply need a Diamond Eye four inch exhaust or an AFE intake, we will help you to tune your truck to your liking, and if you're having trouble determining what's best for you, then CALL US @ 866.379.8685 . That's what we're here for...we love this stuff! Many products in this section will work on all 1994-02 trucks. However, some are designated for 94-98 12 valves while others are designated for 98.5-02 24 valves. 12 valve years: 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998 24 valve years: 1998.5, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 |