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hello. new here. got a few questions

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  #1  
Old 05-03-2008 | 11:01 PM
boostintt's Avatar
boostintt
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Default hello. new here. got a few questions

hello to all.

just bought me a 1999 ram 1500, color blue.

i have a few newbie questions.

1. can i use stock wheels from the newer dodge rams?
2. who makes aftermarket front bumper covers? i need to replace mine but i rather buy an aftermarket front bumper.
3. whats the widest i can go on tires? 305 315 etc?
4. this truck has 135k miles, what issues should i be worried about?
5. also how much weight can i tow with only my rear bumper? no trailer hitch just a ball on the rear bumper.
6. can i use the front bumper from a 2001 ram sport?
thanks for your time.
 
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Old 05-03-2008 | 11:08 PM
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98cherryram
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Default RE: hello. new here. got a few questions

heres the questions that I can help answer, I dont know about some others.

1. Yes, if it is the same lugnut pattern, thats easy enough to figure it out, basically look at the wheel and count the lug nuts :P, sorry for being a little sarcastic...

2. http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/de/full.asp?page=2

3. stock, 4X4 you should be able to possibly get 12.5 wide in there, if its 2 wheel drive though, then 10.5s is probably your best bet.

4. my truck is up at about 190K and its on the original transmission and still running real strong.

and 5, Im not real sure, but try and be safe and keep it to a max of probably 2k, I would keep it at less if you can though. Try and get a trailer hitch please though, Its so much better for your truck. I might be wrong about how much you can put on it though. someone else can probably answer that better, I just think with the history I have with dodge bumpers not being the strongest mounted part on the truck I would play it safe.

6. I dont see why not, I think they are the same fit and mounts. Its basically the same frame, just the suspension and some other things change.
 
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Old 05-03-2008 | 11:16 PM
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boostintt
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Default RE: hello. new here. got a few questions

ORIGINAL: 98cherryram

heres the questions that I can help answer, I dont know about some others.

1. Yes, if it is the same lugnut pattern, thats easy enough to figure it out, basically look at the wheel and count the lug nuts :P, sorry for being a little sarcastic...

2. http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/de/full.asp?page=2

3. stock, 4X4 you should be able to possibly get 12.5 wide in there, if its 2 wheel drive though, then 10.5s is probably your best bet.

4. my truck is up at about 190K and its on the original transmission and still running real strong.

and 5, Im not real sure, but try and be safe and keep it to a max of probably 2k, I would keep it at less if you can though. Try and get a trailer hitch please though, Its so much better for your truck. I might be wrong about how much you can put on it though. someone else can probably answer that better, I just think with the history I have with dodge bumpers not being the strongest mounted part on the truck I would play it safe.

6. I dont see why not, I think they are the same fit and mounts. Its basically the same frame, just the suspension and some other things change.
thanks for the info...
 
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Old 05-04-2008 | 12:10 AM
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98cherryram
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Default RE: hello. new here. got a few questions

its the best I can do, I hope it helps, and I hope if I did get anything wrong someone else might have some input to help
 
  #5  
Old 05-04-2008 | 12:12 AM
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Default RE: hello. new here. got a few questions

5000lbs max weight on the rear bumper ball mount. Rear bumper is a class III hitch.

Issues you may need to be concerned with are transmission, plenum plate leak, regular maintenance stuff, and the condition of the lube and fluids inside the truck right now.

Most of the transmissions in these trucks have their issues eventually so preventative maintenace is a must. Fresh ATF+4 fluids and filter, adding an additional transmission fluid cooler to increase the life of the tranny seeing as how excess heat is very often the cause of tranny failures, a shift kit from Transgo for firmer shifts to make the clutch packs last longer, and most importantly, not beating on the thing if it's already got 130 thousand miles on the clock.

The plenum is prone to failure on these trucks. It's under the intake manifold, and either needs a new gasket for $20 for a temporary fix until it blows out again or you can get the "hughes engine" plenum plate fix kit from their website.

About changing the wheels, The wheels will fit but the stud sizes might be different, at least that's what I've heard. To properly install a newer generation Dodge's rims on a 2nd Gen, you might need to get a larger size set of studs. Find out for sure by measuring the studs on your truck now, and the studs on a newer generation truck to see the difference. If there's no difference, no problem, otherwise just look into getting those.

For bumper accessories, check that LMCtruck link that was on the second post or just browse through ebay. I got a bumper for $25 off ebay and the plastic coverings weren't too pricey either.

 



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