2001 Starts sometimes
 

2001 Ram 1500 5.9l V8. One morning wouldn't start. Cranked and Cranked it. Acted like it might start but wouldn't. Sounds like it turns over fine. Backfired through carb and blew air cleaner box off the carb. Repaired that and new air filter and just seemed to start and run fine. Idled rough a couple of mornings but started and evened out after warm up. Couple of weeks later wouldn't start again. Left set 2 days tried again and started fine. I was going to start with Dist cap,rotor,wires and plugs. Any other thoughts? Thanks

If it backfired through the throttle body (our trucks dont have carbs), i'm going to assume you have an intake valve thats sticking open/not seating somehow. Under normal conditions there should be no way for that (backfire into intake mani) to happen. Pop the valve covers and check the springs. If theyre good, I'd point to a lifter issue/bent pushrod.