Hello everyone

Thought I would drop a line to introduce myself

I just recently switched off a 1993 Jeep Wrangler 2.5L 4x4
Had many wonderful years driving it. Started at 165,000 KM. Currently sitting at 287,500 KM. Done all the Mechanics and services myself.

Just bought myself a 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 5.2L Off-Road Edition
Got it for $6500 CDN. Took it for inspection and it passed with flying colors. Truck has 156,000 KM on it. I'm the Third owner.
Compression test on the motor gave out 140-145 PSI across all cylinders.
Not a leak to be found or Rust anywhere.
Test Drive proved perfect. Transmission in Great shape, no Slippage or weird shifting. Look Forward to pulling my Bay Liner with it and heading to the lakes this summer for some good fishing, not to mention the camping.

Think I got one hell of a deal
Taking it in for a complete overhaul on the Spark Plugs, Cap, Rotor, Spark Plug Wires
Differentials are fully serviced. Just went to my Amsoil Dealer and picked up 12L of ATF Synthetic Fluid. Going to service the Transmission next week with a Full Flush. Going to remove the Check Valve near the Cooler lines since this seems to be the primary reason for Transmission Failure and it getting gummed up and then no fluid going into the tranmission cooler.
Going to do the Oil Change myself with Mobil 1 Full Synthetic/Mobil 1 Oil Filter plus Engine Flush from SeaFoam.
Plan on going with a Cold Air Intake shortly, help get the Power Up. Then I've Been debating about going with a Hemifever Tune SCT on the computer. Going to put some Sylvania Silverstar Ultra Lights in it, Maybe update to HID in the Future.
Need to get my Haynes/Chilton Repair Manuals for the truck. Already downloaded the Service and Parts Manuals off the Forum
Got lucky and the truck came with the Owners manual in the glove box. No Check Engine light on the Dash.

Pretty damn excited over this. Been waiting to get this truck since I first seen them in 2000-2001. Wasn't to impressed with the switch over to the 2002 Design.

Anyways, thats my Introduction and look forward to using this forum for posting on help and various items.

My First question is what is the Year Round Oil I can use on this engine?? Im guessing 10w30 is the way to go. 5w30 in the Winter if the temperature drops below -20c.

Seems like it has Remote Start with the Signal Reader I found behind the mirror. Can't miss the Blinking Blue Light on it lol. Just no Remote from the Dealer I got it from. Going to have to do some hunting I think.
Going to post some pics once I get the truck home tomorrow.

Cheers guys

 

Yup, 10w-30 all year will work. 5w-30 in the winter is recommended. Make sure to read the "end all be all plenum thread" and take care of the plenum if it hasn't been addressed already.

 

Sounds like you found a darn nice truck. Congratulations and welcome!

Think again and again about that transmission flush, and keep thinking on it until the notion leaves your head. Rethink putting anything that's not ATF+4 into the thing, until the same outcome.

You're right about the oil -- 10W30 unless/until the temps drop.

 

Thats a good question about the plenum
I've seen the thread on it, but i'm not sure where to see if it's been replaced

I'm guessing the best replacement Plenum is the Hughes One eh??
See what I can find for Canada Parts Suppliers carrying this.

You sure about not using Amsoil ATF Synthetic Fluid?? Only want to put the Best Fluid in this Transmission ya know.
My buddy with a 2003 1 Ton Dodge Ram has only been using that on his truck and his tranmission is in great shape.
He also drains it every 6 Months halfway and refills it.

 

DO NOT FLUSH THE TRANNY! That seems to be another cause of failure. Just drop the pan, change filter and fluid. Be a good idea to put a drain plug in the pan also.

 

I had quite the debate with a mechanic over this
He absolutely told me don't touch the Filter. He claims it's the primary reason for failure with some of the debris getting loose in it once you switch it out.
Trust this guy pretty much with everything. Always gives me deals and takes care of my vehicles when I don't have the tools to do the job myself.

 

Sooner or later the filter will clog enough that it wont flow. That equals a toasted tranny and a rebuild. Up to you though.

 

If it's flat and it fits, it's as good as any other. Use a high quality gasket -- I hear that the one Hughes ships is crap. (I'd never send a nickel to those clowns, but I'm particular about which businesses I support.)

I'm sure that there are Amsoil fanbois around who'll call me names and kick my cat for saying it, but for my money (and I've got a pile of it into my transmission) it's ATF+4 and nothing else.

The stock automatics are just not up to the task of pushing these big old dudes around, a thing you'll find out soon enough with a Bayliner in tow. When yours lets go, upgrade the heck out of it so you don't have to find out twice.

Edited to add: Holy, uh, cow, a mechanic told you to never change the transmission filter? I'm darn near speechless. Don't listen to that fool!

 

Yea, I'm already looking at a Performance Tranmission Upgrade from Martin Saine in California. Nothing but postive reviews about this guy and his builds.

For the Plenum, What's the best recommendation?? I honestly don't want to that change out again.
That plenum is on the intake manifold correct?

 

You can get the plenum pan from eBay or Hughes or aps, they're the same thing. I used the Hughes pan and gasket and know someone else who used it as well with no problems. But a fel-pro gasket is usually top of the line.