shaking at shut-off

[schorbf]

I just bought a '03 diesel. I've never owned a diesel before, so I'm pretty new with this stuff. Can anyone explain to me that when I kill the engine it shakes so badly? It's super-smooth upon starting, but when I shut it off, hold on!
My previous trucks have been gas engines so I've never experienced this situation before. I would appreciate any comments.

Thanks!

[dodge_em]

Some shaking is normal. The diesel engine is running over 16:1 compression. When you shut the key off, the motor stops right here and now. So there is a little shake, due to the fact that if the crank stops turning all of a sudden, the motor will actually try to turn the other way due to physics. So what you feel is the motor just sort of shaking in the motor mounts. You may also hear the infamous Cummins "sneeze" when you shut it off. This is also due to the abruptness of the engine stopping, while the serpentine belt slips a little on the accessories pulleys. Neither is much to worry about. After awhile, you won't even pay attention to it. Only time I even notice it, is if I have a door partially opened when it is shutting off (like I have just started to exit), and the door will rattle against the striker.

Welcome to the diesel owner's group. We are not as numerous as the gassers out there, but we are a proud bunch!!!!

--dodge_em

[schorbf]

Thanks for the reply dodge_em and thanks for the welcome. I noticed reading through your signature that you incorporated a 2" leveling kit on your 2001 truck. How did it change the ride? Would you recommend doing it again?
My truck is a 4x4 and I do notice a slight downward angle towards the front. I would rather it be level, but don't know how much stiffer the ride would become.
By the way, nice truck!

Thanks again,
schorbf

[dodge_em]

The two inch levelling kit was a 2" cap that sits atop the spring between the spring and the hat that normally holds the top of the spring. So as far as ride, it didn't change anything, since the factory spring is still used, and with just a 2" lift, the original shock could be used as well. I also have the camper special package, which adds additional leafs to the rear springs, and futher exaggerated the "nose down" look that dodge gives the trucks for aerodynamics. The springs are very difficult to compress. A buddy of mine that owns a body shop tried it with his air powered spring compressor, and it couldn't quite compress it far enough to fit it back in. So I just took it to a 4WD shop and had them do it. I would recommend a wheel alignment if you do it (or any front end work for that matter). I would definitely do it again. I ordered mine from Tuf Country, and if I remember, it was around $130 bucks for the levelling kit.