My dad has a mint 1998 2500 ram truck. He recently bought a 5th wheel trailer and wants to go out west within the next year. he took a trip through some smaller hills in TN and the truck really struggles going up inclines. This truck is mint with 30k miles and is perfect all but the power aspect. He doenst have the money for a newer diesel truck so are there any tried and true upgrades to increase power output for towing. If so what is the logical order in which to start with upgrades. I would think a 50hp gain would be very beneficial.

 

Lower gears would be a good first step.

On my truck I'd say I'm close to 50hp over stock. The Harland Sharp 1.7 roller rockers are a dyno proven 10-15RWHP and help in all RPM ranges and are dirt simple to isntall. The Mopar PCM was advertised by Mopar as a 25hp gain (so take that with a grain of salt) but I believe it after installing it, it's not recommended for towing though because of the aggressive timing, I'd look into a tuner since it's a 98 anyways. I've seen dynos of the M1 intake manifold showing a 20HP gain on a stock engine, but for a towing application I would recommend cutting 2" off of the runners on the stock intake. Exhaust is a must too. Larger throttle body doesn't hurt either.

IMO the best thing after gears that you could do for towing would be to add an "RV" cam to really bump up the low end torque.

 

I have basically the same truck. My truck falls flat on it's face when I hit a hill. It's a fresh rebuild with a geat epoxy job to seal the intake so I know that's not an issue. I thought the intake mod was for higher rpm torque. What cam would you recommend for a freshed up, stock 360, auto with 3.92 gears and any idea what the HP gains would be?
Also I am considering shorty headers since my exhaust needs redone anyway.

Since the truck is 11 years old, I'm not independently wealthy and MARRIED for now, I was considering the 1.7's and possibly a tuner but the cam would be a little cheaper. I don't mind the tear down if it's going to pay off with a least 30 hp..

 

Anymore opinions guys? Im leaning hard toward getting him the SCT tuner from Hemifever, a CAI kit and possibly a more free flowing exhaust. What other mods are big bang for buck items? Cam, throttle body, intake etc?

 

1. intake is always a great start. i put the spectre system on mine. works great
2. fastman throtle body also good for a little power gain
3. my super chip in tow mode works good but sucks gas faster

better exhaust people say will help. i have a full flowmaster 40 series on mine and im sure it did something. but nothing huge

 

save some money and make your own CAI. Then you have some left over for other stuff. exhaust will help it too.

 

I wouldnt waste your money on a CAI kit.I would look into the 1.7rr or the intake upgrade.You could start with the superchips