There was something else that maybe someone else could answer for me. While under the truck looking at the fuel tank I saw the EVAP canisters and did a little digging about what they were and what they did. I am still not entirely sure what their function is. Also, the l vacuum lines coming out of them run into some kind of relay. But the relay was just sitting on the fender. Is it supposed to be bolted some where?

 

i have a 97 long bed and i have the 35 gallon tank and in the owners manual it said all long beds come standard with the 35 or it might even have been the haynes repair man. lol tank like u said maybe the prev. owner switched it out

 

I emailed Chrysler last night to see if they can clarify the fuel tank issue. If it really should have the 35 gallon and if the 35 was actually put on all long beds in 98 or not.

I also asked them to clarify the power rack and pinion issue :P

 

Evap canister if for vapor recovery. Its an emissions thing. Gas fumes are collected in the canister, and then burned when the engine is actually running.

The funny little box the hose runs into probably should be mounted somewhere..... From the manual: (2001)

The LDP and LDP filter are attached to a bracket
mounted to the right-inner fender (Fig. 2). The LDP
and LDP filter are replaced (serviced) as one unit.

All that stuff looks to be located on the right fender, at the front.

 

Thanks Hey, I found it in the manual by LDP search. Thats it alright. Now I can kind of tell how its supposed to be mounted.

 

I used to get 305 miles out of my 1996 5.2 auto with the mopar PCM with 23 gallons. So you should be able to get 350...not towing.

Gas lights are meant to come on and give you roughly 50 miles until your truck dies.

 

I mentioned earlier that I would post the answers I got back from Chrysler regarding the fuel tank and power rack and pinion questions I asked. Here are the answers I got back today:

I checked the VIN and build sheet again regarding the other two items. I agree the 35
gallon tank seems large and it might actually be a 24 gallon tank.
However, I must go by the buildsheet. The steering gear box has a rack
pinion and worm shaft, so that will clarify the rack and pinion
description.

I would still think that a long box would come standard with a 24 gallon
tank and a 35 gallon tank would be optional.

Thanks again for your email.


Sincerely,

Chris
Customer Service Representative
Chrysler Customer Assistance Center

 

Ok this is weird. But I got a second response on my email to Chrysler:

Dear Kevin:

Thank you for contacting the Chrysler Customer Assistance Center
regarding your 1998 Dodge Ram 1500.

Unfortunately, due to the age of the vehicle and the use of shared sales
codes, some of the build sheet information being provided may be missing
or incorrect. Therefore, we are unable to guarantee the accuracy of the
information provided.

After further research, your vehicle came equipped from the factory with
recirculating ball-type power steering and a 35 gallon fuel tank.

All 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 trucks came with recirculating ball-type power
steering.

All 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 trucks with an 8 ft. pickup box came with a 35
gallon fuel tank.

Thanks again for your email.

Sincerely,

Joe

Customer Service Representative
Chrysler Customer Assistance Center

 

Wondered what they were trying to say there..... Rack and pinion steering is just that, there are no recirculating *****..

Wonder if they could get a bit more accurate with the full VIN for folks. After all, the numbers are supposed to be unique.

 

That is weird... since our Rams never came with 24 gallon tanks, but 26... "Chris" doesn't know exactly what he is talking about.