2003 SLT+ 5.9

I have searched this topic but only have come to find the majority of corresponding results just state the issue is the freeze plug(s).
I have had a slow coolant disappearance and couldn't track it down. Well the other day when changing the oil I finally noticed a small puddle of coolant about to drip and traced it up to near the driver side motor mount. Coming to the conclusion it is a freeze plug(s) in need of changing.

Now my dilemma:
What size do I need to get and is it recommended to get the longer ones?
Any tips and/or tricks I should know to change them?
I have searched and searched but have only been able to locate a couple things on this topic but nothing that helps all to much. Asking so I can mentally prepare and know what I am getting into since I have not changed freeze plugs before. Really don't feel like paying $500-900 to change $20 worth of parts.
Thanks in advance.

 

You should be able to buy a freeze plug kit from a lot parts store. I don't recall the diameter, but any machine shop or parts store would have access to them.

First, make sure it's an area where you have some room to work, swing and hold tools...and such. Start by draining the remaining fluid. Use the block plugs at the base of the block, to get all the old fluid out.

Next, using a punch, chisel, or flat head and hammer, slowly start tapping on one of the edges. The freeze plug...should...start spinning like a coin. Be careful not to tap it IN the water jacket. Once you have it spun enough to grab it with some locking pliers or Vice Grips, do so, and twist and yank until it pops free.

Next, clean the freeze plug bore carefully scraping away corrosion or debris and make sure the surfaces are clean.

Finally, grab a socket that fits nicely in the cup of the new freeze plug, dab some Indian Head or similar sealant on the surrounding lip, center it in the bore, and lightly tap on the socket with hammer to get it started. Once started, keep tapping evenly to keep it true, and tap until the outermost part of the lip is just barely in past the block face.

Fill with fluid, and make sure it doesn't leak.

Inspect the other freeze plugs, because if more are leaking this is the best time to address them too.

 

I have 3 that need to be done on the block. And all are in hard to reach area's so I am screwed. My motor is the 5.2 but it's the same block as the 5.9. I hope you have good luck getting the plug in.

 

Just thought I would mention, I have a 360 in my '98 Ram, and it has two slow leak freeze plugs. While it's 'possible' to sometimes get to them in the truck...I plan to remove the engine.

I might rebuild the whole engine, or I may just change the freeze plugs, the rear main, and transmission seals. That maintenance is well worth the effort it takes to pull an engine and work on it on a stand.

 

Good luck if you go the rebuild route I wish I had a place to do that but lost the house (financial not the storm) and have no garage to do anything in. Unless I get time to go to a friends house.

 

Do they still sell the rubber kind? Back in the eighties I put that type into my 67 cougar, I couldnt get enough room to swing a hammer in there, it never leaked .

 

I imagine so, but I don't recall seeing them. From what I remember, they had reliability issues with them. I'm sure many worked just fine, but I know of several of my own personal experience with them where they had failed.