2001 Ram 5.2
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2008
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2001 Ram 5.2
Hello all,
I saw a truck for sale that I am interested in. It's a 2001 Ram 1500 5.2 V8 with manual transmission 4x4,cab-and-a-halfshort bed. it has 99k miles. It wouldn't be a primary vehicle, just for some driving around and pulling a horse trailer/small boat every once in a while. I looked on Kelly Blue Book, it said it's worth $6,600. The guys says he had the water pump and thermostat done and the rear-end redone, but no timing belt. I guess the timing belt would need replacing about now because they usually say to do it at about 100k. it was never plowed with.
Are there any specific problems with this year or configuration? This is the VIN number: 3B7HF12Y81G165009. Realistically, what kind of mpg canI expect unloaded? Is this transmission similar to the ford ZF4, with a low gear and OD with four in between? How does this engine pull with the manual, what is the max towing capacity? One more question, does anyone tow horses with this truck, and if so, how do they do with the manual transmission?
Thanks,
Jack
I saw a truck for sale that I am interested in. It's a 2001 Ram 1500 5.2 V8 with manual transmission 4x4,cab-and-a-halfshort bed. it has 99k miles. It wouldn't be a primary vehicle, just for some driving around and pulling a horse trailer/small boat every once in a while. I looked on Kelly Blue Book, it said it's worth $6,600. The guys says he had the water pump and thermostat done and the rear-end redone, but no timing belt. I guess the timing belt would need replacing about now because they usually say to do it at about 100k. it was never plowed with.
Are there any specific problems with this year or configuration? This is the VIN number: 3B7HF12Y81G165009. Realistically, what kind of mpg canI expect unloaded? Is this transmission similar to the ford ZF4, with a low gear and OD with four in between? How does this engine pull with the manual, what is the max towing capacity? One more question, does anyone tow horses with this truck, and if so, how do they do with the manual transmission?
Thanks,
Jack
Captain
Joined: Feb 2008
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RE: 2001 Ram 5.2
no your in the right place. That seems like about right. In my opinion, I wouldn't replace the timing belt. Many people have over 200,000 and I've never heard them say that they had to change it. Also that truck would be a good buy. These trucksare very strong but the automatics are very problematic. Definately go with a stick shift. I wish I had
Registered User
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 45
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From: South Texas
RE: 2001 Ram 5.2
Your particular application uses a timing chain as opposed to a timing belt (only the 2.5L engine uses a belt). If the previous owner changed the oil at the proper intervals, the chain should not need replacing but it's a good idea to check for yourself when dealing with a used vehicle. The following procedure will prove useful here:
Dodge Ram 1500 3.9/5.2/5.9
[align=right] [/align] CHECKING THE TIMING CHAIN SLACK
NOTE: This procedure applies to all models that use a timing chain. [ol][*]Position a scale (ruler of straightedge) next to the timing chain to detect any movement in the chain.[*]Place a torque wrench and socket on the camshaft sprocket attaching bolt. If the cylinder heads are installed on the engine, apply 30 ft. lbs. (41 Nm). If the heads are removed, apply 15 ft. lbs. (20 Nm) of force to the bolt and rotate the bolt in the direction of crankshaft rotation in order to remove all slack from the chain.[*]While applying torque to the camshaft sprocket bolt, the crankshaft should not be allowed to rotate. It may be necessary to block the crankshaft to prevent its rotation.[*]Position the scale over the edge of a timing chain link and apply an equal amount of torque in the opposite direction. If the movement of the chain exceeds 1â„8 in.(3mm), replace the chain. [/ol]
Dodge Ram 1500 3.9/5.2/5.9
[align=right] [/align] CHECKING THE TIMING CHAIN SLACK
NOTE: This procedure applies to all models that use a timing chain. [ol][*]Position a scale (ruler of straightedge) next to the timing chain to detect any movement in the chain.[*]Place a torque wrench and socket on the camshaft sprocket attaching bolt. If the cylinder heads are installed on the engine, apply 30 ft. lbs. (41 Nm). If the heads are removed, apply 15 ft. lbs. (20 Nm) of force to the bolt and rotate the bolt in the direction of crankshaft rotation in order to remove all slack from the chain.[*]While applying torque to the camshaft sprocket bolt, the crankshaft should not be allowed to rotate. It may be necessary to block the crankshaft to prevent its rotation.[*]Position the scale over the edge of a timing chain link and apply an equal amount of torque in the opposite direction. If the movement of the chain exceeds 1â„8 in.(3mm), replace the chain. [/ol]
Legend
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 7,843
Likes: 13
From: DFW, Texas
RE: 2001 Ram 5.2
Yes, you will need to replace the timing chain. I have a 2001 5.2L single cab long bed and it was shot at 75K. The factory chain is nylon coated and when the nylon wears off it stretches. Replace it with a HD double roller chain and it won't give you fits for a good long while.
Realistically, the mileage will be somewhere between 12-18 depending on how you drive it. Never towed a horse with mine, can't help there.
The three biggest things you'll need to watch out for are:
Plenum gasket leaking. There's a DIY here on how to replace it.
Tranny taking a dump. Get some form of extra cooling for it.
Dashboard cracking into about 300 pieces.
Realistically, the mileage will be somewhere between 12-18 depending on how you drive it. Never towed a horse with mine, can't help there.
The three biggest things you'll need to watch out for are:
Plenum gasket leaking. There's a DIY here on how to replace it.
Tranny taking a dump. Get some form of extra cooling for it.
Dashboard cracking into about 300 pieces.
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 14
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From:
RE: 2001 Ram 5.2
Hi all,
How much would the chain replacement cost? I asssume it is comparable to a belt change?
Thanks,
Jack
How much would the chain replacement cost? I asssume it is comparable to a belt change?
Thanks,
Jack
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Thread Starter
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 14
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From:
RE: 2001 Ram 5.2
Hmmm, sounds like mixed opinions. I don't think that the timing chain is something that I would do myself, I don't really have a shop. So, if i was to take it some place, what could I expect to pay for a new timing chain? They wouldn't have to do the thermostat or waterpump, they were already done.
Thanks,
Jack
Thanks,
Jack
Legend
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 7,843
Likes: 13
From: DFW, Texas
RE: 2001 Ram 5.2
They'd have to take off a lot of stuff including the Waterpump. It'll cost you a minimum of 4 hrs labor, probably more.
The parts on the other hand, are relatively cheap. I got the gaskets and HD timing chain and gears from rockauto.com for under $60.
If you have any mechanical skill you can do it. There might be a good deal of swearing involved the first time thru, but there's a great DIY article over at pavementsucks.com in the tech section I believe. A Haynes or Chilton manual wouldn't be a bad idea either, and there's a Chrysler Field Service manual online, just search for the Merry Christmas thread.
The parts on the other hand, are relatively cheap. I got the gaskets and HD timing chain and gears from rockauto.com for under $60.
If you have any mechanical skill you can do it. There might be a good deal of swearing involved the first time thru, but there's a great DIY article over at pavementsucks.com in the tech section I believe. A Haynes or Chilton manual wouldn't be a bad idea either, and there's a Chrysler Field Service manual online, just search for the Merry Christmas thread.
