I have a 2000 ram 1500 4x4 5.9 and when accelerating or climbing a hill I can hear what sound to me like timing chain rattle (sounds like marbles in a tin can). Is this a common problem with these motors? Could it be something other than the timing chain? If it is the timing chain whats the best fix? Just replace with stock parts or what?

 

Sounds like spark knock. Have you fixed your plenum yet? Still running the death flash?

 

I reckon thats the cat???

Thats what I always thought it was. I have the same issue- first only during hill climbs/heavy towing, now all the time. I thought that BEFORE I replaced the timing set, plenum, etc. Still have the problem, but given that its a 98 with 120k miles, I wasn't going to waste money on a new cat...

 

Haven't had the time to do the plenum yet since its going to take a while as I have never done it before. It looks relatively simple just takes some time to do it.

I don't know if I have the death flash. There is no sticker to indicate that it got the flash and I bought the truck used so I dunno. How else can I tell?

 

My first guess would be the plenum. Fix that bad boy and replace your spark plugs. Should help a lot. Could also be the cat.

 

yup as soon as i read the thread i was thinking spark knock from the plenum.....this im 98% sure is causing your issue

 

what about the 8$ pvc valve? or exhaust header/manifold leak?

 

The whole "marbles in a can under load" thing gives it all away.

 

Looks like I have some work ahead of me. Trucks in the shop right now getting the transmission rebuilt

 

While its there, ask them to replace the block and head coolant core plugs, preferably with brass plugs.

Might think about the rear main seal too. Never a better time to do this then when the transmission is out of the way.