If you don't wish to see the above ads, that is one of the many benefits of TDR membership. To receive a free copy of the TDR magazine and find out more information about membership benefits click HERE.
TDR Issue 60 was mailed from our printer's facility from April 28 - May 2, 2008. Please allow 10 - 14 days for delivery to your doorstep.
Issue 60's theme: we are celebrating 15 years of the Turbo Diesel Register. When the magazine arrives at your doorstep, you may be polarized by its art deco cover. On the inside, you'll find a surprise or two or three.
What can you expect in Issue 60? This anniversary issue sparked the creative efforts of Greg Whale as he composed a quiz for the TDR audience. How much TDR/Dodge/Cummins trivia do you know? Find out by taking Greg's "Are You A Diesel Dufus?" quiz on page 116, or take it online by clicking here: Are you a Diesel Dufus? Hey, there are prizes involved, so get busy and take the quiz.
Greg's quiz required back issue research, and I was also forced to go back to an old magazine in an effort to understand the plight of the aftermarket performance vendors in the new world of NOx and particulate emission control for the 6.7-liter engine. Blending old information with new, you'll find my report on page 50.
- Joe Donnelly does a follow-up on compound turbochargers.
- Holmes, Dalgleish, and Leno evaluate new products.
- Whale, St. Laurent, Mikonis and Patton review the new 2009 Dodge Ram.
- Whale, Freund, Patton and Cameron give you something to think about in their discussions on diesels, fuel mileage, diesel prices and government mandates.
Finally, your 2008 TDR Member decal is inserted into the cover wrap. I am hopeful it finds a place alongside your 2007 decal that was already prominently displayed on your truck.
Thank you to all of the TDR membership for your unyielding support over these many years.
Another Turbo Diesel Register in 2010? What do you think about the possibility of a Nissan with a Cummins Turbo Diesel? Here is a link to an article we found at http://www.reuters.com titled, "Nissan to build light work trucks in Mississippi." Take a look and express your thoughts. We know you'll have a few.
Traveling with TDR Writer, Sam Memmolo, last week, we discussed a whole lot of stuff. One topic we tossed around was ways to have a some fun on the TDR website. We both agreed that the best way to generate some fun would be to give something away. So, let’s give a $100 diesel fuel card away. Consider your response to the following:
“If I knew then, what I know now . . . .” And no, we do not want to hear about your sex life or marital woes. We do want to hear about your turbo diesel exploits.
To be included in this drawing, you simply need to post your response to this question. We will put the name of all TDR Members who respond to our challenge into a hat on Sunday, March 16, and we will draw one lucky TDR Member to receive a $100 diesel fuel card.
Gentlemen (and ladies), start your posts.
Robert Patton Editor, TDR
* * *
Updated: March 17, 2008. And the winner of the $100 fuel card (to be mailed on Monday morning) is . . . (drum roll please) . . .
TDR Issue 59 was mailed from our printer's facility this week (January 28 - February 1, 2008). Please allow 10 - 14 days for delivery to your doorstep.
Issue 59's theme is, "The more things change, the more they stay the same."
Realize that that the assignment was made to TDR Writers back in October, so their comments did not take into account the newly unveiled 2009 Dodge Ram. We'll have them share their views on this truck in the next Issue of the Turbo Diesel Register.
I didn't know how the writers would respond to this theme. Yet again, they managed to address this topic while providing insightful information on a number of technical issues relating to our trucks:
- Clutches. Leno, Holmes and Anderson discuss clutch repair.
- 6.7-Liter Engine. Writers Patton, Holmes, Anderson and Mikonis share their experiences working on the 6.7-liter engine and driving '07.5 trucks with the new engine.
- Batteries. Writers Holmes and Anderson discuss problems that often occur with batteries in the winter months.
- NV4500 Fifth Gear Nut. Anderson and Nelson give updates on the problem that continues to plague this gearbox.
- Steep Learning Curves. Patton, Holmes, Memmolo and Cameron talk about their 6.7-liter engine and the steep learning curve that Dodge and Cummins are experiencing with this engine. Note that Kevin Cameron's "Getting It Right" article is particularly insightful.
- SEMA Show. Several writers attended the show and have written about their impressions. After attending for the past eleven years, I can assure you that there were not any earth-shattering new products released at 2007's show.
In addition to these articles, what else can you expect in Issue 59? Well, in the past five issues we've been talking about lube oil. I'm thinking that this issue's correspondence by John Martin will be the conclusion to our technical discussion. Martin shares with us comments from others in the lube oil business about the CJ and CI lube oil products.
You'll also see a follow-up article on my personal Mega Cab long-bed conversion. I am very impressed with the truck. I hope you enjoy my insights. The only problem? Where to park when in crowded urban areas.
And in an attempt to address the ever popular question of air intake systems, we've included a five-page update that discusses air density and its impact on your engine.
Don't forget, we've included the 2008 Travel Companion in this mailing. I'd like to express my personal appreciation for all of you who offer assistance to other TDR Members. It is this kind of community alliance that makes us what we are. We get telephone calls regularly from stranded TDR Members seeking help while traveling. And in almost every case we get a follow up call passing on praise for the TDR Member who rendered help.
I'm hopeful you will enjoy this 144-page issue of the Turbo Diesel Register.
The Fourteenth Annual May Madness will be held on May 5–10, 2008 in Pahrump, Nevada.
Other brands of diesel trucks will be welcome in addition to Cummins-powered Dodges. We plan to hold most events at Saitta-Trudeau Dodge, at the nearby Pahrump Nugget (the host hotel), and at Preferred RV (the host RV Park).
This year we will again have high quality polo shirts with the logos sewn above the pocket. These shirts are suitable for more formal activities than T-shirts, and we got a great deal on them. You will like them!
To an outsider it would appear that each issue of the TDR has a different problem du jour. We could go back and chronicle the various problems, but that’s the reason for the phenomenal index that was supplied by Bob Vallier and published in previous Issues: 57, 53, 49 and 45. Prior to Bob’s summaries, indexes in Issues 41, 37, 33, 29, 25, 21, and 17 were compiled by Clay Maxam. We are indebted to Bob and Clay for their many hours of research.
Although some will dwell on the problems, the majority of TDR members take the initiative to solve/correct anticipate/prepare for a future situation. That’s what the TDR is all about!
Surprisingly, there have been comments by those unfamiliar with the truck (a prospective buyer of either a new or used truck, or a visitor on the internet or at the truck show) that “the Turbo Diesel certainly has its share of problems.” To them, no doubt, the grass looks greener on the other side. However, thanks to the TDR membership group and the support from Chrysler and Cummins, we are equipped with answers and solutions, rather than the dismay and isolation that would exist without a support group.
With that brief introduction out of the way, Issue 58 includes our yearly review of Dodge Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) issued to date (8/2007).
Previously, Dodge vehicle TSBs were published in CD format and were available for purchase in July/August. As a service to the members we would purchase the TSB directory and then search through the CD to isolate only those bulletins relating to the Turbo Diesel truck.
The TSB directory is no longer available. However, the service that replaces it is an improvement. Armed with your truck’s vehicle identification number (VIN) and a credit card you can log on to www.techauthority.com and, for $20.00, you can view/print all of the TSBs that apply to your vehicle.
Using several VINs from years 2003 to 2007.5 we downloaded the TSBs and have summarized the subject, the description of the problem, and the corrective action. Should you need the entire text, you should consult your dealer or use the www.techauthority.com web site to purchase the bulletin(s) pertaining to your truck. See page 102 for further information on TechAuthority.
In an effort to consolidate the TSBs for the magazine, we use the same index system categories as Chrysler. Below are the index categories.
A note concerning the TSBs and their use: The bulletins are intended to provide dealers with the latest repair information. Often the TSB is specific to the VIN. VIN data on the Chrysler service network helps the dealer in his service efforts. A TSB is not an implied warranty.
Issue 58 was mailed week ending November 9, 2007 from our printer's facility in Anderson, SC. Please allow 10 - 14 days for delivery to your doorstep. International subscribers, you're in luck. Your magazines were mailed week ending November 2, 2007 from our offices in Atlanta, GA. Your magazines should also arrive over the next 10 - 14 days.
What is in Issue 58? As the Chrysler Group drafts its key personnel, we take a look at those personalities in our BITW Column.
Yet, the real highlight for most Turbo Diesel owners may well be the continuing saga of the CJ Spec lube oil.
Here at the TDR offices, we've purchased a new '07.5 Mega cab, long bed with the 6.7-liter engine. In Issue 58 we asked our writers to revisit the topic of "best truck accessories" to help us dial in the new '07.5. You'll enjoy reading about their favorite things.
Writers Doug Leno and Scott Dalgleish talk about a common goal of 500hp from a HPCR 5.9-liter engine. It is interesting to watch them in their quest for horsepower through their informative "How To" articles.
Andy Mikonis follows up with the "Ask the Engineer" questions covering the Chrysler 68RFE automatic transmission that web readers submitted. Editor's Note: In my 7,500 miles with the new transmission, it is a great gearbox.
As is a yearly occurrence, we've summarized Dodge's Technical Service Bulletins for the year '06 - '07.
Last - but certainly not least - another yearly occurrence, the TDR 2008 calendar will be shipped with Issue 58. This year we had over 250 entries, and the photo quality was excellent. Did you make the final 12? Congratulations to everyone who had a truck published in this calendar, and thank you to all who participated. It is time now to start working on your entries for 2009.
As always, I sincerely hope you will enjoy this issue of the TDR.
At a minimum Jay Leno would not have immediately alienated a majority of the customers, dealers, and employeees.
Or am I misguided? Nardelli supporters, speak up. You have a forum to do so at the end of this editorial.
Back to "am I misguided?" As I searched for editorial and talked to others in the business, I was directed to the following website, and this rant by Peter DeLorenzo.
I was looking for an insiders view, and I found it. DeLorenzo minces no words in his assessment of the New Chrysler.
Looks like we've got five years.
You know, Jay Leno is not such a bad idea. He's a great public figure with a spotless reputation. He is funny, and most importantly, he is a car guy. The American public would eat it up. Bring Roger Penske in to do the behind-the-scenes work. As one who was in the trucks at Cummins when Penske took over Detroit Diesel, it was amazing to watch him bring back a company that was down to only 5% of the Class 8 truck engine marketplace.
Leno and Penske . . . what do you think? My idea is nowhere near as absurd as Bob Nardelli.
TDR Issue 57 was mailed from the printer during the week of July 30 - August 3, 2007. Your copy should arrive shortly. What's in Issue 57? Let's start with the following directive that was sent to the TDR Writers:
For Issue 57, the theme will be coffee table/internet engineering. You know the kind: You get the Jegs/Summit/JC Whitney catalog and spread ‘em out on the table. You chose the biggest and the best cam, intake manifold, headers, carb, pistons and cylinder heads. The orders for parts arrive, and on the way back from the mailbox you sing a little Frank Sinatra, ‘I did it my way.’
The next stop is assembly. You work through some minor problems and the components are forced together. The moment of truth: It cranks and runs! Congratulations.
Yes, it runs, but it runs like a dog. Would it have been better to consult someone with experience? Do you really believe all the stuff you read on the internet?
Coffee table/internet engineering. Do you have any stories to tell? This should be fun.
Now you know the directive. As usual some of the writers used the theme, some did it. You’ll find their articles on this subject scattered throughout the magazine.
In addition to the staff's assignment, you will find these articles of interest in Issue 57:
- 2008 TDR Calendar Contest (UPDATE: the calendar will be printed as we have found advertiser sponsors to offset the cost of printing)
- Timbren Suspension System installation by Bill Stockard.
- Wheels, tires and suspension upgrades by Doug Leno.
- 5.9 HPCR engine performance upgrades, Part 5, by Doug Leno.
- 6.7 engine overview by Joe Donnelly.
- A revisit of the best repair techniques for fixing the dowel pin on 12-valve engines.
- Analysis of lube oil (we added 13 more oils to our previous comparison of 8) and conclusions about the CJ specification of oil by John Martin.
- An article on a Mega Cab Long Bed Conversion.
With the TDR at 172 pages, you should be busy reading and not sweating the hot August sun.
Another Turbo Diesel Register in 2010? What do you think about the possibility of a to Nissan with a Cummins Turbo Diesel? Here is a link to an article we found at http://www.reuters.com titled, "Niss...
TDR Issue 60 was mailed from our printer's facility from April 28 - May 2, 2008. Please allow 10 - 14 days for delivery to your doorstep.
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Traveling with TDR Writer, Sam Memmolo, last week, we discussed a whole lot of stuff. One topic we tossed around was ways to have a some fun on the TDR website. We both agreed that the best way to generate some fun would be to give something away. So, let’s give a $100 diesel fuel card away. Consider your response to the following:
TDR Issue 59 was mailed from our printer's facility this week (January 28 - February 1, 2008). Please allow 10 - 14 days for delivery to your doorstep. 
Issue 58 was mailed week ending November 9, 2007 from our printer's facility in Anderson, SC. Please allow 10 - 14 days for delivery to your doorstep. International subscribers, you're in luck. Your magazines were mailed week ending November 2, 2007 from our offices in Atlanta, GA. Your magazines should also arrive over the next 10 - 14 days. 
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TDR Issue 57 was mailed from the printer during the week of July 30 - August 3, 2007. Your copy should arrive shortly. What's in Issue 57? Let's start with the following directive that was sent to the TDR Writers: