Hey guys,

I just got a 2001 Ram 1500, Laramie 4WD, 5.9L V8, w/ 137,xxx miles it. Aside from a couple of small rocker rust repairs, the truck is amazing for it's age (and location)! Engine purrs like a kitten, tranny runs smooth through every gear in 2WD & 4WD, and the undercarriage (and under bed) is surprisingly rust free.

Without knowing any of the trucks history - aside from an immediate oil change, and all around fluid check/replace, what suggestions would you guys have, from experience, for upcoming routine maintenance?

I'm also trying to find an Owner's Manual for the truck - I've seen the hard copies for sale on eBay and other sites - but instant gratification, and a general lack of patience when it comes to my toys, led me to search for a downloadable pdf version. I like to think my Google skills are above average, but I've had no luck finding an online copy... Has anyone ever run across one?

Thanks for the feedback!

 

Not sure I've seen an online copy, but there is a (free) Factory Service Manual in the DIY/FAQ Section.

Check out the plenum thread stickied at the top of the Tech Section, yours may or may not be experiencing any issues, but it's best to check and see.

O2 Sensors and Catalytic Converters usually go out with a bad plenum, O2 sensors are usually 50,000 mile parts anyway..

Most of the Magnum engines prefer standard copper plugs over fancy metal.

Yours being 4wd means you've got all kinds of 4wd maintenance to look forward to, but I can't help with that

Is it by chance an Off Road Edition Ram?

 

Personal experience on my old 98 4x4 5.9:


Front wheel bearings changed (mine went out)
left front ball joint changed (worn)
RTV for differentials, don't submerge axles
Get a brake controller
Keep it tuned
Tow with OD off
50/50 mix on coolant
engage 4wd once a month (low)
watch your gauges while operating
no 4wd on dry pavement
Use seafoam every so often in fuel tank
Use your manual (have one on the 98)
87 octane if you can get by with it
maintain the drive train
recognize the difference in turning arc while in 4wd
Take OD off while in 4wd (at least I do)


Enjoy it.............K.

 

tincan57 - that's a list filled with good, sound advice. many thanks!

 

stewie01 - Sadly, no, not the Off Road Edition.

A Google search hit on that Service Manual in the FAQ section is actually what led me to the group! I snagged the manual, read some threads, then decided I couldn't pass up joining the group!

I did notice the Plenum sticky earlier, and had every intention of getting around to checking it out...eventually... but the truck threw a P0138 code tonight on the way home, so "eventually" will now be tomorrow morning! Not interested in the cost of a new Cat, so we'd best nip this one fast!

My life would be boring without projects - thankfully this truck is already keeping me busy.

Thanks for the help!

 

Sometimes, a little "boring" would be a welcome change.

 

Well, good news is, I don't seem to be suffering any of the ill side effects of having Plenum-itus! Just that one time 02 sensor code.

I wish I'd read the End-all Be-all before doing yesterdays routine stuff, and changing the air filter - that would have been a convenient time to attack this!

Speaking of the air filter though, it appears that the previous owner couldn't read, and tried to change the filter without taking the whole unit off - so all of the plastic tabs in back are broken! I guess that explains the zip ties that were holding the plastic shell together... Super duct tape for now, I guess!