I am not a mechanic by any means but like trying to do what I can when I can. My truck has been showing the signs of a leaky plenum. I don't want to think about what it would cost to have a shop do the work. Is this something that doesn't require an expert mechanic? I have done lifts on jeeps, replaced my t-stat, track-bar, alternators and starters, but not really any "engine" work.

Since it would be all torn apart would it be wise to do the timing chain at the same time? How tough is this to do? I have about 125K on the truck and it hasn't been done before.

I really like this truck and would like to keep it another 125K. I know the tranny will go someday but hows the engine for that many miles? 98 1500 5.9L

This is a fantastic site, thanks for the help!

 

There are a ton of threads on this subject that can be found by doing a search, some with pics. At 125k, a new timing chain is a good idea. I would even go ahead and replace the water pump since they're so cheap. It also helps if you fill out your profile info so we know more about your truck when you post. Welcome to DF.

 

I will plan on the water pump too. I will keep reading on the plenum and stuff, I have just heard some say they have trouble getting it back together and running. Didn't know if it is really tough to do, or people just don't follow directions.

thanks,
Bryan

 

Took me about 4 days, but I did several things in addition and was often inturrpted. In the best of conditions it should take a long day or a weekend.

 

welcome to df. its not real hard, but like most mechanic work, it requires understanding of how things work, patience, and attention to detail. there are a lot of things that can go wrong, including broken bolts, and incorrectly reinstalled components. if you can work through these and not get pissed off and make a major mistake, then you can do it.

things you need are decent basic tools, torque wrench, a good place to work, enough time to finish the job no matter how long it takes, and another vehicle to get back and forth to the parts store or work or school if things take longer than expected. you'll might need a couple of low cost special tools for fuel line disconnect, a balancer removal (rent/cheap) and air wrench (not cheap) for timing chain.

depending on how often you like to strip all the components off your engine, you should consider the plenum, the water pump, and the timing chain. for each of these jobs, you have to remove a lot of the same stuff and water pumps don't last forever. because i did my timing chain at the same time as the plenum, i can't be sure of the effect of each, but i had a ton of slack in my chain, and mine ran a lot better afterwards.

my factory water pump went out at about 125k and spit needle bearings everywhere. sorry for posting this for the thousandth time, but its got some good pics.
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...ater-pump.html


edit - for an non-pro, i think its real important to label every end of every wire and hose as to where the damn thing goes. tape is cheap and works well. also - put each set of bolts in separate little baggie and label it. i used to take stuff apart and just put everything in a bucket and then wondered why i had so much trouble putting it back together.

 

It's not hard at all, time consuming yes. It took me a full 12 hours, 10 am, to 10 pm, and that included dealing with a broken intake manifold bolt. I think I spent the most time out of the whole procedure cleaning the old gaskets off the mating surfaces. Theres nothing to difficult, just label everything, use a haynes or chilton manual, and you will be on your way!

 

to reassure what the others have said its not a hard job. just pay attention to where things go, and make sure everything is clean...ive done it twice on my Ram, for the first time i didnt do the mods i wanted to do.

took me 16 hours the first time (about 5-6 hoursof that was cleaning stuff), and the second time it took me 8 hours start to finish.

 

Thanks for the tips and advice. I think I may start collecting and buying all the parts and tools needed. I will have a few days off work in April which would give me an extra long weekend to do it all. Looks like I should have most of the tools needed, just missing a couple of the specialty type tools.

Which manual do you all recommend? I have a downloaded manual, not sure if it is the factory service manual or what but seems pretty good.

I will keep reading and learning and hopefully will be ready to go come the warmer weather in April. Should give me plenty of time and if something bad happens I guess I have to drive the Jeep to work and leave the wife home without wheels.

 

get the haynes repair manual...and the only special tool thats required is a fuel line disconnect which is like 6 bucks at AZ, the rest can be done with a basic socket set, wrench set, screwdriver set.

also if you dont have a torque wrench, now would be the time to get one. You're going to want everything to spec on the manifold, so it wont leak from being to loose, or break the bolts from tightening to much.

 

I have some older needle/t-style/beam torque wrenches but may use this as a reason to get me a newer clicker style wrench. Will also get the fuel line removal tool. Any specific size? 3/8 or 1/2 I would guess.