First Time Owner, New TDR member

dcasselberry · 09-27-2002, 04:50 PM

I purchased my first Dodge Cummins truck in 1996, it is the 3500 Extended Cab, with long bed. It has an auto tranny; couldn't find a standard out here in New Jersey. The biggest problems I've had to date is the death wobble at 80K miles, and had to replace a starter. About a week ago, my odometer hit the 100K mark, hence my warranty is history, so I'm looking to beef it up.

I've been looking into the Banks upgrades, but they seem pretty pricey for what you get. I'm not rolling in the dough, so I'd like to do things a bit at a time. I'd love to hear some advice from all the experienced folks here who can help me do this right.

At the present time, the only non-stock item I have installed is the K&N drop in filter. I have a wish list of sorts but don't know if there is a particular "order of upgrade" path I should follow, so I'll tell you what I want to do, and would really appreciate some guidance.

1. I want to add gauges.....turbo boost, pyrometer, and trans temp. I'm looking at ISPPRO brand and the price I was given to install these three gauges with A Pillar mount painted to match my interior for $800. Does this seem reasonable?

2. I want a new exhaust system......any suggestions?

3. Modifications to my injection pump and turbo.

Does it matter what order I do these upgrades? Or, I should say, have them done, as I'm too chicken to start messing around with the injection pump myself.

I'm mightily impressed with the TDR forums, and look forward to participating, if you guys can put up with a mechanical greenhorn.