New guy 1999 Dodge Ram 1500
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From: South Cackalacky
New guy 1999 Dodge Ram 1500
Hey guys, just got a 1999 Dodge Ram 1500 Laramie SLT 2wd with 65,000 miles with the 5.2l Magnum V8. its my first vehicle an I dont know much about Rams at all. its completely stock, so Im definitly gonna get it Line-x when i get the money an plan on gettin a CAI, lift, exhaust, paint job an anything else. So wht do u guys think i should do to it. Any suggestions? thanks in advance. sorry for the crappy cell phone pics.
now i definitly need to put in a aftermarket sound system cause this thing is just cassette and the speakers arent that good either
now i definitly need to put in a aftermarket sound system cause this thing is just cassette and the speakers arent that good either
Last edited by tigerphan128; Dec 18, 2010 at 11:24 PM.
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Joined: Sep 2010
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Welcome! Other than the plenum issue already mentioned;
1. I wouldn't lift it. You can, and it has been done to 2wds, but seems like a pointless proposition to me. Your call here.
2. Check the tranny fluid, in neutral with the engine idling, on a flat surface with parking brake engaged. Should be red. Give it a good smell too, shouldn't smell burnt. If it is brownish, or burnt smelling, plan for a transmission fluid change very soon (NOT a flush). This involves dropping the trans pan, draining the oil from it, changing the transmission filter, reinstalling the pan, and refilling with only atf +4. Do not use additives either. Our trucks are prone to transmission failures, and this is one way to help prevent that. Also look into doing a "check valve delete" for the transmission cooler lines...
3. Probably wouldn't be a bad idea to check the rear diff fluid either.
4. Do a full tune up;
-PCV valve (ONLY buy a PCV from the dealer, aftermarket pcvs=trash)
-Before cat O2 sensor (buy an NTK O2 sensor, it's an NGK brand)
-cap, rotor, and standard copper spark plugs (no e3 junk/ fancy plugs needed, magnums don't like these types). Champions and NGK plugs are recommended most.
-Make sure to route your plug wires according to the spark plug wire routing TSBs found on this forum.
5. Read the FAQ's at the top of the page... wealth of knowledge.
This should get you started. A little preventative maintenance will pay off in the long run, and you will get more familiar with your truck. Nice truck btw, very clean interior!!
Good luck!!
JT
OH! almost forgot, download the service manual and read it!! This is your most useful tool. It's for a 2001, but almost everything should be the same for your 1999.
Thanks goes to RM-Indy for hosting the manual.
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...-gen-rams.html
1. I wouldn't lift it. You can, and it has been done to 2wds, but seems like a pointless proposition to me. Your call here.
2. Check the tranny fluid, in neutral with the engine idling, on a flat surface with parking brake engaged. Should be red. Give it a good smell too, shouldn't smell burnt. If it is brownish, or burnt smelling, plan for a transmission fluid change very soon (NOT a flush). This involves dropping the trans pan, draining the oil from it, changing the transmission filter, reinstalling the pan, and refilling with only atf +4. Do not use additives either. Our trucks are prone to transmission failures, and this is one way to help prevent that. Also look into doing a "check valve delete" for the transmission cooler lines...
3. Probably wouldn't be a bad idea to check the rear diff fluid either.
4. Do a full tune up;
-PCV valve (ONLY buy a PCV from the dealer, aftermarket pcvs=trash)
-Before cat O2 sensor (buy an NTK O2 sensor, it's an NGK brand)
-cap, rotor, and standard copper spark plugs (no e3 junk/ fancy plugs needed, magnums don't like these types). Champions and NGK plugs are recommended most.
-Make sure to route your plug wires according to the spark plug wire routing TSBs found on this forum.
5. Read the FAQ's at the top of the page... wealth of knowledge.
This should get you started. A little preventative maintenance will pay off in the long run, and you will get more familiar with your truck. Nice truck btw, very clean interior!!
Good luck!!
JT
OH! almost forgot, download the service manual and read it!! This is your most useful tool. It's for a 2001, but almost everything should be the same for your 1999.
Thanks goes to RM-Indy for hosting the manual.
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...-gen-rams.html
Last edited by JSTMoto; Dec 19, 2010 at 03:48 AM.
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Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Gainesville, Ga.
welcome to df. nice truck.
surely you meant to say that it had 165K, not 65K.
don't lift it. its a 2wd. just say no.
read old threads to learn about common problems you will experience. plenum, clogged cat, vac leaks, wild vents, surging idle, weak transmissions.
enjoy it.
surely you meant to say that it had 165K, not 65K.
don't lift it. its a 2wd. just say no.
read old threads to learn about common problems you will experience. plenum, clogged cat, vac leaks, wild vents, surging idle, weak transmissions.
enjoy it.
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From: South Cackalacky
Yea its got 65K. an thts probley the only reason i got a Ram because of the low miles.
I'm not planning on lifting way high like guys here do. just 'level' it cause i think it sits way low. But it might be those running boards. And i plan on taking those off real soon
An thanks for all the maintenance suggestions. Ill check them out
I'm not planning on lifting way high like guys here do. just 'level' it cause i think it sits way low. But it might be those running boards. And i plan on taking those off real soon
An thanks for all the maintenance suggestions. Ill check them out
Last edited by tigerphan128; Dec 19, 2010 at 11:59 AM.
