Alright, I'm getting ready in a couple of weeks to do the plenum repair, along with the water pump and timing chain on my 97 ram 318. I was wondering if anyone would be so kind as to supply a complete list of tools to do these correctly and easily. I've learned from experience that having the right tools is half the battle. Thanks ahead of time.

 

Only special tool you will need is a puller for the harmonic balancer. The rest is just basic hand tools.

 

Torque wrench, fuel line disconnect tool.

 

Thanks guys. Any other special tools that you can think of? I know you said basic hand tools, but what about any large sockets or wrenches that a person may not normally have? I already have a lot of basic tools, but not anything large. What about impact tools? I'm trying to get a list together to take to the store. Don't want to have make a bunch of trips if I can help it. Thanks.

 

An impact will help with the crank bolt, I think it's 32mm.

 

And here I always thought that was part of the job?

Need a torque wrench that will do 12 inch pounds. I had a very hard time finding one here...... doesn't seem to be a standard inventory item for anyone..... Of course, I live in a podunk little town too....

 

Seal installer for the crank seal. Which I made by drilling a 1-1/2" hole in a 4x4 piece of wood.

I'd also reccomend a harmonic balancer install tool. I screwed up the bolt trying to put the balancer on with the bolt.

 

3/8" fuel line disconnect.
i used a 1-1/4 socket on the crank bolt. (31.75mm which is about 32)
air impact wrench. my big electric impact was too long to fit in the hole.
i used only a 3/8 drive, foot pound, torque wrench. i didn't have an inch pound at the time. i think the little plenum plate bolts are 72 INCH pounds (6 FT lb)
i used a hi-tech block of 2x4 and hammer to seat the front seal.

getting the fan off the water pump pulley was my hardest part. do a search for a cool S shaped hook somebody made to hold it still. i used a large adjustable wrench for the fan nut. hey-you said if you hit it hard enough with a hammer with the belt still on it'll come off, but it didn't work for me.

 

When you say front crank seal, are you referring to this part: http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=1117368

 

When you buy the timing cover set, it will come with it, but, it looks a lot like that one.

I just used a piece of 2x4, and a hammer to drive the seal. Worked fine. (like it always has in the past.....)