I had the same problem on my 1998 Ram 1500 with the 5.9L also. I tried higher octane 93 gas and it helped a little but the one thing I did that stopped it completely was when I had to put on a new waterpump I changed the thermostat also and put in a 180 degree. That ended the pinging completely. I would try that first. It is a BIT^% to get the housing off because of a small little tab that I suggest to you to grind off like I did. It will help for putting it back on. Good luck and hope this helps.

 

Care to explain how you can remove the programming update with factory equipment?

Iwas thedriveability techat the dealer for many many years. when I left there was no way to undo a pcm update. when you updated the controller you always get the latest revision. The latest revision supercedes all previous updates. So how can you get back the old programming? Even if you order a new computer it will have the latest programming.

That update fixed a mild pinging problem by retarding the timing and yes it will reduce your power and fuel economy But I think it only applies to 2000 and up vehicles. If your truck is pinging that badly you got other problems. most likely a blown plenum gasket (98 99) seemed to be the worst years for those. Or a really carboned up combustion chamber. Both easily repaired.

 

ok i cheked the gaskit 3 ways i yanked the 2 lines on the valve cover d put my thumb over the holes to see any leeking when build up it was fine the 2nd way was took my torch not lite just with the triger pulled in and the gas coming out and went all around the manifold and it didnt rev up at all the 3rd way was i use startng fluid and did the same thing nothing happen so i dont no if it is that ............. so you guys think the next step is to try the thermostat and put in a 180 degree one

 

and i also did the cap and rotor up and wires up date and it did nothing wast of money

 

what way would you guys check the plenum gasket

 

 

no more idea's

 

yes, yank off the TB and look in the intake... check your cam timing, stock timing chains suck... did you already swap the t-stat to a 180?

 

oh, and check your fuel pressure under load, you may be running lean under high load conditions

 

no i didnt so the 180 yet because of winter is comming up and im not sure if ill get enough heat in the truck yeah i yAnk off the tb