Hello all, i just purchased a 1998 dodge ram 1500 and have a few questions. Its a pretty clean truck inside and out minus some rust spots. First off the shift lever (auto) handle is broken off. I am just using the metal end and there are wires coming out of it from tape, should I replace the whole thing or try and squeeze a new one on?

Second question, when it is driving there is a howling noise from the middle/back end of the truck. I checked all fluids minus the front and rear ends. Could it be low diff fluid? Its currently not on the road yet

thanks

 

The wires coming out the shifter are for the OD on/off button. Personally, Id look into how hard it is to replace the shifter and look for one at the JY.

The howling could be tires or rear diff. Check diff fluid. Would really be best to just change it. See if it still makes any noise after you know its full.

 

+1.... And also.


Do yourself a favor and read this , https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...um-thread.html

Download the 01 service manual and get a Haynes also, https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...e-manuals.html

Look through the FAQ/DIY section for lots of info on other stuff, https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...d-how-tos-143/

Send for one of these, http://www.dodge.com/wccsapp/univers...ull&category=U

And last but not least, please add all the info about the truck to your sig and profile please. Welcome to DF

 

Z man is on the ball !

 

I have an issue that popped up today, my truck is not insured yet and after work I took it for a little drive, everything was normal then I put the two wires together to shut off overdrive. in about a minute the truck randomly shut off, but would start up fine, it did this three times within the next 2 minutes and the last time it took a few minutes to start. I'm hoping it's not the fuel pump. I have been having battery problems but it's charged and was starting just fine. suggestions?

 

Did you leave the two wires together? All you really gotta do is touch 'em together.... then separate 'em. Leaving them together might have confused the PCM.....

How's your throttle body and plenum look?

 

Yes i only touched them together, I know it was a button. As for the tb and plenum i havent looked at in too much detail yet. I bought this truck a few days ago. The truck drives fine with no signs of anything being wrong, but it continues to randomly die. Not entirely sure what to look for here

 

I bought it from a dealership and took it home for a day and nothing went wrong besides i left a light on and the battery died, it is all charged up now

 

Usually stalling is from a clogged up IAC port, or, bad TPS...... You can try cleaning the TB, (remove the IAC, and disconnect the battery while you are in there...) and see if that doesn't take care of it.

Need to check your plenum though. See the stickied thread at the top of this forum.

Welcome to DF.

 

Will get on that right now, thanks for the help this place if full info!