Recent content by schmidja

I put slightly talller tires on my 2020 right after buying it new, and it made a noticeable difference in ride quality. I sold the "almost new" tires that came standard, so my overall cost was only about $400.00.

I called a Chrysler/RAM dealer in Florida (where I spend a few months in the winter), gave them my VIN (last 8 characters), and they ASSURED me that my truck came with a 195 degree thermostat. I called a Chrysler/RAM dealer here in Milwaukee, gave them my VIN (last 8 characters), and they...

I finally bit the bullet and took the front of my 2020 Ram 1500 apart, in order to get to the AGS. It was a painful 45-50 minutes. First, you have to remove a whole bunch (maybe 20 or so) of fasteners and bolts on the radiator plastic top cover, and just below the cover. You can now remove...

Yeah, I'm an engineer by trade as well and in my business, like many, the engineers don't have the final say. Turns out that the bean counters call the shots - and it's usually all about cutting cost out of the product. Boeing is a great example ... great engineers who were shot down, until...

Hi. What's all necessary to remove in order to get to the AGS on a 2020 Ram 1500 DT (non-classic)? Thanks.

Okay, sorry. Let me try again. I'm not sure exactly what you're referring to as "my theory", so I'll address each of my statements - maybe that will help. First, though here's the statement verbatim from the manual regarding the 5w20 oil recommendation. "This engine oil improves low...

Not sure what you're looking for as "proof", but the statement in the Owner's Manual is FCA's attempt to explain why they are recommending 5w20. That was supplied to support my original statement ....

Why not? FCA has "messed with" oil weight/viscosity 3 times. First 5w30, then 5w20, now 0w20 -- all on the same engine. Why do you think these changes are being made (why the move to lower viscosity oil)? Thanks - John

I'm curious to know more about the idea that letting MDS kick in being a bad thing - other than the crappy sound I thought I saw a particular video that showed MDS engaging increased the oil flow to the MDS lifters. I've been letting my truck go into MDS (ECO) as often as possible - thinking I'm...

Hello MrGrid. Yes, I have heard/read that there are some similar characteristics with Havoline. I actually tried to go down that path in the early days of my hemi adventure, but came up short somewhere along the way with the Havoline. I'll see what I can find on that ... I seem to recall that...

It could, but you could also get less friction by using sewing machine oil. That would give even better economy - at the expense of the life of the engine. There's a fine line between friction, lubrication, economy/efficiency, and protecting the engine ... Thanks.

"This engine oil improves low temperature starting and vehicle fuel economy." -- RIght out of the Owner's Manual, under Engine Oil Viscosity (SAE Grade) — 5.7L Engine.

Lifter and/or cam noise is lifter and/or cam noise, WHATEVER engine it's coming from - and in most cases it's not a good thing - certainly not a good thing on the 5.7L hemi. So if there's an oil or a component in an oil that quiets things down, it may be doing something good for the engine now...

But it feels good knowing that you're trying your best to do the right thing ....

Yes, they do it for ONE reason ... and that is to slightly improve their reported mpg (CAFE). Nothing (okay, much less) to do with "what's best for the engine". They're probably giggling at how successful they've been at fooling so many people. Remember, these are the same people that chose...