Was suggested I post here and in 3rd Gen---so---

Just bought a 2002 Ram 4X4 with the 5.9L engine and 72,000 miles.

It's so much better then the F150 I had prior but got a few potential issues and would appreciate some thoughts---

1> Took first road trip yesterday and at certain times the tach would "hiccup" a couple hundred RPMs around 60 to 70MPH and felt like a little miss or like I tapped the accelerator. Was running with Cruise on---any idea's wht to look for?

2> Truck has the RAZ Inifnity Radio and just discovered the AM soesn;t find any stations and I missed Rushbo today -- do I need ot replace the head unit?

3> Sometimes it's a PITA to get into PARK--have to fiddle arond with shift lever---is there and adjustment on the thing? Looks like it's partially electronic display--

4> Got some RACOR 30W full synthetic oil at work for $3.00 a quart--could I use that here in central Florida?

5> Can I change the front rotors myself or should I find a special and let them do it? How long should I plan for job to take?

Thanks for help

 

probably a bad throttle position sensor for the rpms. if not then it could be improper spark plug wire routing or a bad spark plug wire. test the tps via the instructions in a haynes or chiltons manual. then re-route and inspect your spark plug wires.
re-route procedure ~> http://dodgeram.info/tsb/1998/18-48-98/18-48-98-v8.htm

i didn't know anyone even listened to am any more. i've scanned with mine on am before and didn't get any stations. if you like talk radio (i assume thats what rushbo is) then you can find out what fm station NPR is on in your area.

we don't know a whole lot about your interior since you have a 3rd gen body on a 2nd gen drive train. if you mean park like the transmission going into park then someone may be able to help, if you mean getting the indicator to say park on the dash then i don't know what to tell ya. is your truck a 1500 or a 2500?

is it just 30w like sae 30 or is it 5 or 10w30. i believe 5w30 is recommended in the winter and 10w30 is for summer but being in florida you would probably want to go with 10w30.

rotors are easy. if you are just changing rotors then you have 2 big bolts that hold on the bracket that the caliper is attatched to (21mm heads). take them off and lift the whole bracket off the rotor and hang it from the shock tower or coil spring with rope or a metal coat hanger then slide the rotor off and slide the new one on. if you are changing the brakes too then you need to take the slide pins out of the caliper and hang it on the shock tower/spring then lift the pads out and take the caliper bracket off then the rotor. if the 2002 brakes aren't the same as the 94-01 then it may be a little different than what i just said but either way it is easy to change brakes and rotors. just make sure you torque the bolts to whatever the haynes/chiltons manual says. changing brakes should take about 20-30 minutes per side including the time to jack the truck up and take the wheel off.

 

good pic on the dodge , ONCE YOU GO DODGE YOU NEVER GO BACK !!!

 

Curses--forgot to include truck is a 4X4 1500 Quadcab with the Sport package.

I rechecek d the AM and am getting two stations only---and yeah Rushbo (Rush Linbaugh) is my entertainment in car around noon when I'm on the road.

Found a place I used way back for Mercedes factory radio and sent them an email--we'll see what they say.

Thanks for the tips---gonna check plugs and wires this afternoon. Gonna check the rotor situation out and see what deals there are and how badly I want to sit outside and sweat it out.

The local deal er gave a $4000 list of stuff to do--his fantasy!!! But I always go thru a car as if it has never been maintained if I buy used.

 

sounds like me, we bought a used Oliver tractor for towing irrigation, and making hay, and i had to go over it with a fine tooth comb, and change every fluid (the trans/final drive fluid was white and smelled worse than gear oil should)

 

its probably not a problem with your radio, you probably just don't get good reception on am stations in your area. i know both of the alpines that have been in my truck and the 2 pioneers and one sony xplod that have been in my cars barely pick up am stations if they do at all.

 

if worst comes to worst and you have to have it. i think "rushbo" (as you called him) might have a show on sirrius or xm. you have to pay for it but i find it tottally worth it and never plan on going back to regular radio again. actually i think those 2 companies have combind sence i left the states.

 

Yea, sirius and xm (or whatever their names are) have combined. I still have my stock radio and it picks up El Rushbo (Rush Limbaugh, AM talk radio) just fine. Maybe it's just a weak local station since he is syndicated. He isn't on satellite though. He has been smart enough to build up a huge audience over the past 25 years or so and he makes plenty of money for the local stations.

I would never pay for radio but I got 6 months free satellite when I bought my Mustang and have only listened to it once. I prefer to listen to my CDs. You load up a bunch of CDs with MP3 and you can have your entire music collection in your car with no need for radio.

 

yea but that always have good info on new bands, concerts, and whatnot plus they dont talk that much and when they do its usally good info or funny. I love it.