Thanks in advance for any advice. Here's the story:

• The truck was starting to stutter/bog during it's 10 minute warm up drive. Then it would ran fine. So I decided to change 1) distributor cap 2) rotor 3) spark plugs 4) spark plug wires
• All went fine except the previous distributor cap two screw holes were stripped and the previous owner drilled them out and put screws with nuts underneath.
• Installed all above equipment
• Tried starting truck and the first 5 times it just turned with an occasional fire and then it would quit firing and just turn

I've double-checked the firing order that is engraved on the engine and my wires are correct.
I have a feeling I hit a ground wire or something while laying on the engine.
One time when I was just holding the key in the starting position for about 20 seconds, the negative black cable near the battery started smoking.
Tomorrow I'll buy a $10 spark tester to see if I'm getting spark.
Oh, my engine shows codes P0351 and P1391 (but I'm not sure they're recent). Tomorrow I plan on disconnecting my battery to clear them.

Any ideas?

 

I would see what the codes mean here: https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen-ram-faqs-diys-and-how-tos/221397-diagnostic-trouble-code-list.html

You may also find this helpful: 2nd Generation Dodge Ram Service Manuals

The FAQ and DIY sections in this forum are great. Lots of info.

This forum is like "Alice's Restaurant." You can get anything you want at Alice's Restaurant - --- or the DF.

(just a note - everyone here likes pics als!)

Welcome to DF.

 

Fuel sync jacked up... Oops.. need a scan tool to fix, or a lotta luck.

 

Should have read your entire post before responding.. check your cps connections... It's in the dizzy, under the cap and rotor button.. it will certainly cause a no start, as it will do the same thing as a jacked up fuel sync..

 

I've now downloaded the Service Manual and will check the Distributor's Camshaft Position Sensor. It's crazy that the truck ran before the tune-up and now it doesn't. I'll keep you posted on the final solution.