2001 Texas Rally was Great!!

[JConley]

First off, any posts you read regarding a strange knocking sound after upgrading my Ram are for the most part...... More on this later...

Thanks to all the people that put this together. This rally was first class all the way. I dont know the final number of trucks that attended, but it was A LOT!! The food was great, the door prizes were great, and the RV park was one of the best that I have been to. Piers, Joe D, and Bill K ( from this point on known as Hydraulic Bill ) put on a great seminar the first day answering questions from the crowd covering a wide range of subjects. After the seminar, we had lunch at the resort, and then went on a hill country cruise through some of the most scenic routes in central Texas. We had about 30 or so Rams in the caravan. I was the fourth Ram from the front, and all I could see in my rearview were Rams. For some reason, there was this strange black cloud at times that seemed to follow us The last part of the cruise turned into a testing run to see when our trucks start to de-fuel Personally, my TC Saver started to kick in around 85 so I didnt do that well.

After the cruise we had a pot luck dinner at the resort. There was so much food that no one went hungry. in fact, I bet they are still eating the leftovers. After the dinner, BOMBing, and the BOMBing of the TDR members started. Thanks to a great doorprize, I got a discount on some parts from Piers company PDR. I decided to get a fuel plate, and everyone else decided FOR ME!! that I also needed a Governor spring kit. (thanks guys... ) Piers and I installed the parts, and after everything was together, I (unknowingly) turned into the nightime entertainment. Piers got under my truck with a hammer, and as soon as I started the truck, this loud knocking sound started and FREAKED me out!! To make matters worse... they have pictures I admit... Ya got me good. Oh well... it's a small price to pay for a great running truck. If you have a 12 valve, you HAVE to get the plate and governor! Holy cow is thing thing fun to drive!!!

They say it isnt a party until something breaks, so thanks Strick-9 for making this rally (and the tranny seminar in Dallas) a BIG party. (I hate to see what you have lined up for the next rally).

Someone will have to write about Bill K's seminar on Sunday. I had to go back to Austin Sat night Someone else will also have to explain the story behind the "Hydraulic Bill" nicname. (hint... it doesnt have anything to do with trannies )

Thanks Piers!!! for the time you took to show me the guts of my pump. Your great customer service, willingness to answer questions, and knowledge will guarantee the success of your company. I look forward to talking to you again in the future. Ya know... With Piers and Bill K in Canada, it looks like we have one stop shopping in Canada!!

I dont know how the 2002 rally could be much better than this years, but if it is only half as good, you can bet that I will be there. Thanks Lone Star TDR for all the great work!!