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Dodge Ram 2009-Present: How to Install Throttle Body

Replacing the throttle body can give your Dodge Ram some extra power. Here's how to do it yourself in the comfort of your own garage.

By Weston Chadwick - July 31, 2015

This article applies to the 4th Generation Dodge Ram 1500 (2009-Present).

Larger aftermarket throttle bodies and throttle body spacers reduce the restriction of air flow into the engine. The results are increased horsepower, increased torque, and even increased fuel economy. It's not unusual for Hemi engine owners to see a 5-10 rear wheel horsepower increase with improved throttle response after installing a performance throttle body. Like any other modification, owners with more heavily modified engine setups will benefit more by increasing the throttle body size compared to a near stock engine. Here's how to replace the throttle body on your Dodge Ram yourself and save some money on labor.

Materials Needed

  • 1/4" or 3/8" ratchet
  • Flat head screwdriver
  • 10mm socket/wrench
  • Electrical tape (optional)

The procedure for the 5.7 Hemi engine and the 4.7/3.7 Magnum engines differ. Both will be covered in this how-to.

Step 1 – Disconnect battery and remove intake pipe

Using a 10mm socket/wrench, remove the negative (black) battery cable. Place the cable in an area where it won't accidentally come into contact with the battery post. You can also wrap the cable with electrical tape.

The intake pipe is attached directly to the throttle body and air box on the 5.7 Hemi. To gain access to the clamps holding the pipe in place, remove the plastic engine cover by pulling it straight up and off of the engine. Disconnect the IAT sensor from the intake pipe by pulling the red locking tab back while squeezing the connector plug. Using a flat head screwdriver, loosen the hose clamps holding the intake pipe to the throttle body and air box. With a little wiggling force, the intake pipe will slide off.

The 4.7/3.7 intake pipe is removed the same way; although, the IAT sensor is not connected to the pipe.

  • Figure 1. Removing the 5.7 Hemi intake pipe.
  • Figure 2. Removing the intake pipe on the 4.7/3.7 engines.

Step 2 – Remove the resonator box (4.7 and 3.7 only)

The resonator cover is held in place by two 10mm headed bolts. One is located on the passenger's side of the box by the intake opening. The other is on the driver's side. The IAT sensor's electrical connector will also need to be removed. Refer to Figure 2 for its location. The IAT sensor on the Magnum engines is removed the same way as the Hemi's.

On some 3.7 engines, you will find the 10mm headed bolts on the passenger's side behind the intake opening instead of the front. The IAT sensor may also be on the back side of the resonator box.

  • Figure 3. One of the two bolt locations on the resonator box.
  • Figure 4. The second resonator box bolt.

Step 3 – Remove the throttle body

Now that the throttle body is accessible, removal will be easy.

Remove the electrical connector from the throttle body by squeezing both sides of the plug and pulling it out. Four bolts/nuts hold the throttle body to the intake manifold. Remove these and pull/wiggle the throttle body off of the manifold. There is a sealing O-ring on the throttle body. Check to make sure it did not fall off into the engine.

  • Figure 5. Removing the throttle body from the 4.7/3.7 engines.
  • Figure 6. A removed throttle body from the 5.7 Hemi engine.

Pro Tip

Replace the sealing O-ring if damage is present (stretching or tears); a new one is not included with the replacement throttle body.

Step 4 – Install the new throttle body

Install the new O-ring onto the throttle body and place it back onto the intake manifold. Torque the nuts/bolts down in a crisscross pattern until snug. Re-connect the throttle body's electrical connector plug.

Install the resonator box on the 4.7/3.7, and then re-connect the IAT sensor's electrical connector. Install the intake pipe between the resonator box and air box.

For the 5.7, install the engine cover and re-attach the intake pipe. Connect the IAT sensor to the intake pipe.

Now, re-connect the negative battery cable to the post.

Step 5 – Calibrate the throttle body

Finish the installation by turning the key to the ignition's "on" position. Press the gas pedal to the floor, and then fully release it. Do this three times to sync the throttle body to the gas pedal.

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