I just got a 96 ram 1500 SLT 2wd from my dad for a birthday gift. it has a few problems and i was wondering if you can point a noob in the direction of a correct fix.

the first problem is that the left taillight dosnt light up. i have replaced the bulb but no luck, it lights up when the headlights are on but not when braking, i did notice that the trailer connector looks bent up a bit.

Second problem is that there is a TON of play in the steering wheel, is there any way to adjust the gearbox or shoud i just get new idler/pitman arms?

and the third- the fuel level gauge is inop and was wondering if its easier to just lift the bed off to change out the sending unit, or should i just drop the tank?
Thanks for any help!

 

Steering fix


http://www.rocksolidramtrucksteering.com/

 

1. Check the fuse.
2. Track bar and steering shaft may be worn
3. IMHO taking the bed off i probably eaiser.
4. Do a search

 

Taking the bed off is pretty easy just take out like 6 or 8 bolts and get some people to help lift it off. Also if you do it this way make sure you spray the bolts with wd-40 or something like it makes it a lot easier.

 

.....And take the tailgate off!

 

for the brake light when you change the bulb you will notice 3 wires the one that says major controlls the brake and it runs from the taillight to the trailor connector you should see if any of the wires got disconnected

 

thanks for the replies. im about to go out and check the wiring(with a flashlight in hand) and as for the sending unit, should i just go ahead and replace the fuelpump along with the sending unit while i have the bed off? the truck has 127k on a stock one.

 

ive got some bittersweet news- i checked the wireing harness and found a red/green wire and a black and yellow wire broken. could this be the problem?

 

it costs a little bit of money to replace the fuel pump but when mine went it sucked i had to walk home which was about 2 miles away and this was at 90,000 miles so from that experience i would unless its already been done

 

i think you should pokearound under there and see were they came disconnected from tape em up and it should be good