I just purchased a 1998 1500 with a 360cid, auto, 4X4, air. The truck won't start when it rains. I want to replace the spark plugs, wires, cap, rotor and coil. The title says it a 1998 but the build date is 11/97. It looks like the ignition system was changed sometime in this time period. What year parts should I be looking for? I want to upgrade the coil, (MSD, Accel) and see it may need an adaptor. Any recommented products? Thanks

 

Auto manufacturers start building the 98 model year trucks in mid 97...... same for every other year. the "new models" actually hit the dealership floor in september or so. So, with a build date of November 97, you do indeed have a 98 model year truck.

If there is a significant number of miles on your truck, you should look into possible plenum issues before doing anything else. (do a search on this forum for "plenum", there are a TON of threads about it.) If it ends up you have to yank the intake, there is no better time to do cap/rotor/wires.

I think MSD, and Accel both make direct fit coils for our trucks, check out Summit Racing, or Jegs......

 

While you're at it, check the hood seal at the back of the hood/top of the firewall. If you have a leaker find a way to seal it up so dew, rain, and snow melt won't drip into the engine compartment and particularly onto the top of the distributor cap.

Welcome to the forum!

 

New wires, cap, rotor, plugs, coil and a lot of dielectric grease seems to have solved the problem. Thanks