I have a 1996 Ram 1500 5.9L, and I am having a problem removing the starter. I was able to loosen the bottom bolt no problem, but the top bolt is a different situation. I am using 3/8" drive 5.8" socket, and I can not get it to budge. Of course, it is pretty tight in there, but, I don't know if I just need to get a 1/2" drive or if I will need to get a torque wrench. I don't want to brake the bolt off thats for sure. I would appreciate any help and advise I can get.
Thank You,
Emmett

 

You need a 5/8 box end wrench that a half moon shape, and a pry bar.

 

5.9 cummins!?!??!?!

they are a pain in the ars!!!

extension after extension....

 

on my 01 i used a 1/2 in ratchet and 2 or 3 extensions to reach it. it was very TIGHT. then once it was unbolted, i had to loosen a clip for the trans cooler lines, then lay the starter on my chest to unclip the wire harness and unbolt the big wire. pita.

 

Thanks for the help, I finally got it out. I cut of a section of pipe and put it over the rachet handle, used it as a braker bar, and it broke loose. What a pain in the --- that was. Ok, now off to the parts store and get a rebuilt starter, and put it in. Then I will be ready to hook up the boat and go fishing in the morning.

 

Well, once again Dodge Forums comes through for me. I was going to pay someone to do this because I couldn't reach the upper bolt. But after reading this thread, I got all my extensions out and my son got under the truck and got the darn thing off. The bottom bolt housing on the starter was cracked. I have no idea why. When we put the new rebuilt one back on, there was no space between starter housing and mount plate. Everything went snug.

Thank you people for being here for us 'noobs'.

 

I did a write up on this in the DIY section... you ned a ton of extensions to come from the front side of the motor.. huge pita!