XDP Now Offers Deep Billet Aluminum Lower Oil Pans for Diesel 6.7L Powerstroke

Give your 6.7L Powerstroke an additional two quarts of oil capacity and a custom race-inspired look with the Xtreme Diesel Performance (XDP) X-TRA Deep Billet Aluminum Lower Oil Pan XD454. The XD454 is designed as a direct-fit replacement for the factory plastic pan on the early models and a replacement for the steel oil pans on the late model trucks.

This Lower Oil Pan features a CNC-machined finned bottom for enhanced looks and added strength. Unlike cast pans on the market, this billet pan has a welded design that gives you a high-performance look with a deep sump design for added oil capacity. 
https://www.xtremediesel.com/xdp-x-tra-deep-billet-lower-oil-pan-xd454

Each pan has a machined groove for the built-in O-ring seal and a large magnetic drain plug for easy oil changes. Each pan comes ready to install and is backed by the XDP 1-year, unlimited mileage warranty.

Features:

• O-Ring Gasket
• Magnetic Drain Plug
• Welded Aluminum Construction
• Stainless Steel Mounting Hardware
• 2 Quarts Increased Capacity Over Stock
• CNC-Machined Finned Billet Aluminum Bottom

Products manufactured by XDP carry a 1-Year warranty against defects in materials and craftsmanship. The Warranty is Limited to one (1) year from the date of sale and limited solely to the parts contained within the product's kit.  

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Related Link

Looking For Blue Flame Diesel Engine Oil? Now Available at Xtreme Diesel Performance

Champion Creates Professional Grade Poly-7 Red Grease for Diesel Trucks

Not all grease is created equal. Here's an excellent new grease from Champion Brands, Poly 7 Red.

(Clinton, MO. 04.01.21) For over six decades Champion Brands, a blender of packaged motor oils, gear lubes, brake fluids, and other specialty diesel and automotive chemicals, has recently announced a Professional Grade Poly-7 Red Grease for driveshafts, tie rod ends, fittings, U-joints, kingpins, drag link, spring pins, spring shackles, slack adjusters, etc. in diesel street, off-road, and racing applications.

Champion Poly-7 Red Grease, Part #4053T/40- 14 oz., is red in color, a NLGI #2 classification, tacky, multi-purpose, and high temperature grease that incorporates polymer and premium additive technologies, hydro-treated base oils, calcium sulfonate, and a lithium complex thickening system. Its unique chemistry prevents melting and breakdown of the grease at temperatures over 500°F.

 

These additive and polymer technologies ensure for the racer maximum lubricity, adhesion, resistance to water wash-out, and defiance to sling-off. Strong tackiness additives keep this grease in place under high pitch line speeds, and provide ease of application. It is engineered with extreme-pressure anti-wear additives to deliver excellent protection in heavily loaded diesel applications, ensuring long component life.  
https://www.championbrands.com/poly-7-red-nlgi-2-high-temp-super-tacky-grease/

 

Poly-7 Red contains a premium combination of additives that provide excellent resistance to oxidation, rust and corrosion. Extreme-pressure chemistry and polymer technology work together to ensure reduced wear, especially under extreme shock loads, and protects against scuffing, spalling, fretting, and pitting of bearings, gears, and bushings.

 

The high base oil viscosity index improves pumpability while offering higher protection at high racing operating temperatures, while lithium complex thickening provides top tier run-out resistance at heightened operating temperatures. Its superior friction-reduction properties help ensure diesel street, off-road, and racing type vehicles operate at peak performance.

 

About the company: Champion Brands, LLC, is a globally recognized industry leader in specialty lubricants for over 65 years. Champion   produces and blends over 350 products including fuel, oil, engine additives, and lubricants for the automotive, racing, heavy truck, agricultural, industrial, and specialty markets. For more information about Champion Racing & Performance Lubricants contact your nearest Champion distributor, or call Champion at 660-890-06231. Champion Brands, LLC; 1001 Golden Drive, Clinton, MO, or go to  http://www.championbrands.com

 

UREA Costs Are Climbing; Expect Increases in Diesel Exhaust Fluid

Urea

Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) is a non-hazardous solution, which is 32.5% urea and 67.5% de-ionized water. DEF is sprayed into the exhaust stream of diesel vehicles to break down dangerous NOx emissions into harmless nitrogen and water. DEF is not a fuel additive, however, and never comes into contact with diesel.

Here’s the kicker…The price of urea, a key component in Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF), reached $392 a ton at the end of March, up from close to $350 at the start of the month. This represents a 9% increase over the period. Strikingly, the price of urea has skyrocketed by close to 80% over the past six months. The majority of the price increases have been seen since the beginning of 2021 and are shown below.

“DEF, as diesel vehicle owners know, is an important component in keeping trucks and machinery operating within federal emission guidelines. What DEF is, at a simplified chemical level, is a combination of deionized water and urea that transform harmful nitrous oxide emissions into harmless water and gas,” stated Karl Dedolph of Champion Oil.

 

“Starting in 2010, DEF became a major need for companies using medium and heavy-duty diesel vehicles. Changes in EPA emission standards required reductions in diesel burning engines to reduce their pollution output to the lowest levels in history, and Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) is the technology of choice for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). As this emission standard has increased to include off-road vehicles, generators and a variety of engines, DEF is being used now more than ever."

 

“Assumedly, as regulations increase, DEFs importance in keeping emissions down will continue to be high. Modern technology has quickly adapted to DEF's role in our lives, “ added Dedolph  “Vehicles with SCR technology have a display on their dashboard that can easily alert the driver as to DEF levels. The improved fuel efficiency ,with the addition of DEF, is a great benefit for diesel vehicle owners when by law they have to conform to DEF emission standards.”

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Diesel Tech Seeking Submissions for Their Special Salute to Our Troops Edition

If you've ever been involved in the car and truck scene in this country, it doesn't take long to see the variety of ways this industry steps up to support our troops. Organizations like Support Our Heroes and The Wounded Warrior Project have done much to raise awareness and to be there for those who have served. Raising awareness is an especially important aspect of all these organizations. Those who have made sacrifices to serve our country ought not be discarded and forgotten. 

This is why Diesel Tech is planning a special "Salute The Troops" issue this summer for its July magazine. 

If you have served in the military, or have friends or family members who do, Diesel Tech wants to share your modified diesel trucks. We're certain that there are some seriously striking trucks out there. If you have something inspiring to share, visit this page to fill out their submission form: 

https://www.dieseltechmag.com/2021/03/2021-salute-the-troops-submissions

Diesel World Spotlights History of Vintage Diesel Light Trucks Beginning with Those Early Land Rovers

Jim Allen's chronology of diesel-powered light trucks in America is a well-researched history of how we got to where we are today. As the saying goes, "We've come a long way, baby." The title of this Diesel World piece is Vintage Diesel Light Trucks: Part One. 

Allen begins by explaining the role money plays when it comes to technology. In the beginning, diesel engines were large. Downsizing them for land transportation presented challenges. Since people use money (capital) as an investment only when they see the potential for a return on investment, the incentive to put diesel engines in cars was not there. The was no market demand at the time.

The first diesel engines, circa 1890s, were of such a size as to be suitable only for ships and stationary powerplants. It wasn't till the 1930s that they had been downsized to fit into big trucks, tractors, construction equipment and the like. Ongoing developments slowly brought the idea closer of using diesel engines for cars and light trucks. 

One of the big challenges, Allen notes, had to do with batteries. (Sidenote: We've seen this in recent decades as the world moves inexorably toward renewable energy. Batteries were heavy and expensive. The motivation to solve these problems has been high and progress is being made.)

The initial stumbling block for diesels was that cold weather depleted cranking power. Consumers had additional complaints about diesels in the past. There were noisy, smelly, rode rough and had limit rpm ranges. Add to this, the process for starting a diesel in the '40s and '50s was a pain, and they didn't deliver on power. The last nail in the coffin for diesels was the lack of filling stations that carried diesel fuel. 

As a result of these factors, Allen writes that market demand in the U.S. was 20 year behind Europe. The 1973 gas crunch, however, proved to be a big kick in the pants to move things forward. 

The funny thing is how the perception of diesel owners changed after that. Instead of being nerdy and weird, diesel owners were perceived as ahead of their time. Investment in infrastructure took place and suddenly owning a diesel was practical and made sense.

There were still hurdles to overcome for the diesel market. One of the biggest, Allen notes, was the lamentable Olds Diesels that GM introduced and sold from 1978 to '81. Since that time the diesel car market in the U.S. never recovered nor realized its potential.

All this serves as setup for a detailed chronology of diesel-powered light trucks and SUVs in the U.S. market up through the end of the '80s.

1957-73: Land Rover Series I and II Diesel SUVs and Pickups 

People who have owned Land Rovers loved them. If you've ever known a Land Rover owner, their passion for the Rover was akin to that of a cult member. 

The first Land Rover prototype was developed in 1947 using a Jeep chassis and components. The Land Rover was officially introduced in April the following year at the Amsterdam. It wasn't till 1957  that the 2.0L diesel first became an option for both the short- and long-wheelbase 4x4s. Allen writes. "It was a modern IDI design that featured roller tappets and its base architecture was also used for the OHV gas engines that replaced an aging line of low-power F-head gassers."

Unfortunately, Land Rover stopped importing to the U.S. in 1973, leaving a lot of Land Rover fans bummed for awhile. They resumed again in 1987, but without the diesel option in this market. Overseas, yes you could get your diesel-powered Land Rover, and they remained popular 'round the globe.

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To see more vintage diesel light trucks, read the full article here.

https://www.dieselworldmag.com/diesel-trucks/vintage-diesel-light-trucks-part-one/ 

2021 Yukon Diesel Brings Back Memories of the Gold Rush Era

Shortly before the end of the 19th century, gold was discovered in an inhospitable corner of Northwest Canada. As word got out, more than 100,000 prospectors migrated there in what became known as the Klondike Gold Rush. The famous American author Jack London was one of these. Through stories like Call of the Wild and White Fang the rest of America learned how challenging and dangerous this terrain could be.

By understanding the Klondike, its terrain and its history, we might gain a greater appreciation for the the Yukon name when it was introduced in 1991 for the '92 model year. The terrain is rugged, and half the year downright treacherous. You have to learn how to be a survivor there or you're a goner. Hence the Yukon name speaks of a toughness the exceeds the normal.

The Gold Rush image speaks of value. When you "strike gold" it is something you longed for but seldom really expect. So the Yukon name goes along with a search for something of value, and perhaps the joy of finding it. 

One of the nice "discoveries" of this year's crop of SUVs was that of finding a new Duramax diesel engine under the hood of the 2021 Yukon. This story by Fox News focused on yet a third way that the Yukon parallels the Gold Rush of 1896-99, its temporary duration. The title of the article is The 2021 GMC Yukon Diesel is built for the long haul, but may be short-lived. The meaning behind these words is that yes, it is exciting to have a diesel Yukon, but by 2035 GM will only be producing EVs.

The article by Gary Gastelu begins by noting, "It’s the same 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six-cylinder offered in the Sierra pickup and an alternative to the 5.3-liter and 6.2-liter V8s that are also available in both trucks." Then he switches gears to address the "Why now?" question. The answer is clear. Not everyone is ready to go electric yet. Gastelu cites a stat from the Diesel Technology Forum that diesel pickup and SUV sales were up 28% in 2020. 

After noting the excellent fuel economy of the Yukon the author highlights the hefty towing capacity. (8100 pounds with 2-wheel drive and 7800 with 4-wheel drive.) One gets the impression that Mr. Gastelu likes this compact big boy. 

After a look under the hood, the author takes us inside the cockpit with its unique interior dashboard design. The electronic goodies are many, but it all comes with a price. Then again, gold has value, and this Yukon does, too.

Read the full story here. 

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2021 Champion New Products and Announcements

Champion Brands Celebrates 65 Years in the Lubricant Business

Champion Oil's Winter-Blend Diesel Flo Fuel Additive Gets an Upgrade

Highlighting A New All-Season Air Brake Anti-Freeze from Champion Brands

Champion’s Classic & Muscle 15W-50 Motor Oil for Vintage Trucks

Blue Flame Contingency Program for Drag Racers: How to Get Your Piece of the Action

Champion Oil Seeking Diesel Vehicle Builds for SEMA 2021

Special Offer For New Champion Diesel Oil Distributors

Champion Blue Flame Diesel Engine Oil Recommended for Limited-Edition Shelby F-250 Super Baja Pick-Up

Champion Oil Introduces a Professional Grade 80% Ether Starting Fluid

Champion Blue Flame Diesel Engine Oil Supports OOIDA Members

ATTN: Diesel Racers. Click on the Orange Button (top right) for contingency program details.

Truck Trend Pinpoints the Most Powerful Pickups of 2021

A look under the hood of the potent 2021 Jeep Gladiator Ecodiesel

They say it's the sizzle that sells the steak. When it comes to pickup trucks, the sizzles most truck owners are looking for are horsepower and torque. That is what Jason Gonderman's "Most Powerful Pickups of 2021" focuses on in an article that appeared last week on the Truck Trend website.

In the Powerful Pickups of 2021 his opening salvo pretty much sums up where this article is going. "Power may not be the only thing when it comes to pickups, but it affects everything." It certainly does. You want to drive a vehicle with "giddyup and go," not a lame, limping lunker. When you don't have power, it really limits some of the fun of owning and driving a truck. 

Yes, there are other factors that weigh on a decision as regards your next truck purchase. Drivability, fuel economy, towing and hauling capacity, off-road performance all have a say, but at the end of the day power is the first thing on the list that truck buyers look for.

With this mindset serving as the lens through which the contenders are measured, Gonderman runs through the potential heroes of 2021. I've listed below all the winning trucks in each category, but the article includes the second and third place contenders as well. I don't want to steal their thunder by sharing everything. A link at the end will take you to the complete coverage.

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Midsize Truck with the Most Horsepower

Winner: 2021 Nissan Frontier - 3.8L V-6 - 310 hp
(The author did not list competitors with diesel in this category.)

Midsize Truck with the Most Torque

Winner: 2021 Jeep Gladiator - 3.0L EcoDiesel V-6 - 442 lb-ft

Half Ton Trucks with the Most Horsepower

Gas
Winner: 2021 Ram 1500 TRX - 6.2L Supercharged V-8 - 702 hp

Diesel
Winner: 2021 Chevrolet Silverado - 3.0L Duramax I-6 - 277 hp (tie)
Winner: 2021 GMC Sierra - 3.0L Duramax I-6 - 277 hp (tie)

Half Ton Trucks with the Most Torque

Gas
Winner: 2021 Ram 1500 TRX - 6.2L Supercharged V-8 - 650 lb-ft

Diesel
Winner: 2021 Ram 1500 - 3.0L EcoDiesel V-6 - 480 lb-ft

Heavy-Duty Trucks with the Most Horsepower

Gas
Winner: 2021 Ford F-250/F350 Super Duty - 7.3L V-8 - 430 hp

Diesel
Winner: 2021 Ford F-250/350/450 - 6.7L Power Stroke V-8 - 475 hp

Heavy-Duty Trucks with the Most Torque

Gas
Winner: 2021 Ford F-250/F-350 Super Duty - 7.3L V-8 - 475 lb-ft

Diesel
Winner: 2021 Ram 3500 Heavy Duty - 6.7L Cummins I-6 High-Output - 1,075 lb-ft

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The article at Truck Trend includes much more than data. There are also videos and photos of our 2021 crop of pickups in action. To check it out, click here.
Or visit http://www.trucktrend.com/features/most-powerful-pickup-trucks-for-2021

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Jason Gonderman has been interested in trucks ever since his childhood days in Southern California. Over the years he's held various roles with The Enthusiast Network (TEN) including online editor for Four Wheeler and feature editor at Diesel Power. Today he is editor at Truck Trend. His wife, on staff there with TEN, is also into trucks.