Well got some new parts for the truck, ball joints, tie rods, idler and pitman arm.
Gonna order up some energy suspension control arm bushings and the sway bar kit either tonight or in the next couple days.

 

Installed new dash and gauge bezel. Ordered SCT tuner from hemifever. Now only wish list item left is 1.7 roller rockers.

 

told the truck to stop being so dam slow. (turbo has no more life in it)

 

Past few days removed radiator, water pump, alternator, ac, timing cover, tb, intake manifold, and lots of other stuff. Today started to put stuff back on. Found out the torque wrench wasn't working on the first bolt putting the plenum back on, the bolt sheared off in the intake manifold. That was fun getting that out, but was successful without damaging the threads. Got a new wrench and bolt, finished putting the belly pan on. Installed a new timing chain and gears, put water pump back on, put intake manifold back on, replaced one of the transmission lines that was ruined in the whole process.

Hopefully will finish putting everything back together tomorrow and it will start. Maybe even run.

 

Bought a new radiator for my dads truck since his is cracked in the same place that mine was a few years ago, right where the plastic meets the metal.
I was going to go out there and fire up the burn barrel and the torpedo heater and put it in but I changed my mind, he can change it this weekend. The radiator is mega-easy to change in these trucks anyway.

 

Fixed my damn trailer lights pigtail, was messed up and would turn on hazards when you turn on either blinker, got one with them little red LEDs so that you can see that the truck wiring is good vs. looking at the trailer instead

 

Went and picked up my new project, the first long drive I had taken since the hughes plenum kit, and the SCT from hemifever. I forgot what having a vehicle with power felt like.

 

Lemme guess..... Your "best gas mileage" Mod?

 

Yep, should get me around 50mpg compared to the 10 or so the truck is currently getting, all for $250 - and the wife didn't shoot me.

 

Hey guys i have a BIG question. My 97 5.2 ram auto tranny. it goes ito 4th gear at 40 mph. whatts up with that? i dont like it at all. whats the problem?