I recently acquired a '95 5.2 (168k miles on original engine and trans) and at low speeds, it seems as if the engine is misfiring when driving under load -- no CEL. The RPMs jump when I give it throttle and it struggles a bit and it causes the transmission to clunk and jerk, not a grinding sound per-say. Coasting downhill and everything is fine.

This is my first new old vehicle so I am not very mechanically inclined.

 

Start with a tuneup. Plugs, wires, distributor cap and rotor, air filter, fuel filter, PCV valve. Reset the PCM, see if it runs any better.

 

That's naturally my next step, this weekend's project along with an oil change.

 

Replying back as the problem may have gotten fixed but still has an issue. I replaced the following, oil/filter change, air filter, PCV valve, distributor cap + rotor, spark plugs + wires, PCM reset.
Between 50-65mph under slight load, seems as if the engine just cuts for a second jerks the whole truck. RPMs dip. Under no load (downhill or coasting) does not have this issue. Could this be a fuel pump going bad or clogged filter? I am assuming the worst and saying the fuel pump has never been replaced.

 

How old are your O2 sensors? (there may only be one......)

 

Double check the spark plug wiring layout as per the TSB or the factory service manual. Also check the coil wiring per the TSB.

http://dodgeram.info/tsb/1998/18-48-98/18-48-98-v8.htm has the TSB and the fix notes.

The FSM is downloadable from a link in the FAQ.

RwP

 

Hows your tranny fluid smell/look?

 

Did not receive any info on this when I bought the truck. I haven't gotten any CELs since ownership.

I'll give this a go. When I replaced the plugs and wires, I made sure to route them somewhat correctly so they don't touch each other, perhaps I missed something.

Will have to check next time I have the truck on a lift. Was saving a flush and new fluid for an early spring project.

 

Don't flush the trans. Just drop the pan, change the filter, adjust the bands, put it back together, and fill it up. Flushing it tends to cause more problems than it resolves.

 

You can always check the dipstick for discoloration and smell. It would be safer to drop the pan and refill the fluid, be sure to use atf+4 only.