So I have had a 95 Ram 1500 with 209000 miles since last September that I haven't put many miles on (>500) since it is in rough shape. First thing I did was a tune up and oil change. Then it spent several months in the shop to have the tranny rebuilt. So now it is time to get her in decent shape.

First thing to fix is the transmission. Yes it was just rebuilt . However it is not shifting correctly. Starting out cold it drives fine. The longer I drive it the less it wants to down shift after a stop. I have to manually shift it to 1st gear. It also seems hesitant to go into OD after it has been driven a while.

After much searching here I plan to at least install a remote filter and delete the check valve. i may also add an aux cooler. Thanks to dhvaughan and his thread https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...ter-added.html. I also want to install a temp gauge to monitor the tranny temp.

Later I want to build another engine to swap in. Is it worth it to step up to a 5.9 or just stick to the 5.2. I have no plans for ridiculous power. I want to rebuild the axles with 4.10s and lockers. Also get rid of the CAD.

She needs tires soon. A new grill, mirrors, and light housings. I would like the AC fixed as well as some seats that are not as wore out. She needs a real bumper and winch. Also a paint job is in order, I like coyote tan but there is just something about OD green the sticks to the simple I like.

Any opinions or comments?

 

For those that missed my introduction thread. Here are some pics from the day I bought her.

 

As far as engine work, do the plenum, timing set, cap/rotor plugs and wires all at the same time. Then replace/remove the cat and replace the front 02 sensor (being a 95, yours only has a pre-cat 02 anyway). On a 95 there isn't much to do in performance, but you can get away with HS 1.7 roller rockers and a freer flowing y-pipe.

The 318 is a good engine, some swap it out with a 360 that they worked over (redneck ram) but it's not necessary if it's running well. Do a compression test to see what the engine is looking like before you start dropping cash on it besides maintenance work.

 

I would check the TV cable adjustment see if that clears up your tranny issues, not sure it will but might be good to check first.

 

Thanks for the information. The engine is running strong right now so not a priority. The previous owner pulled the cats. I've not noticed any oil use so not sure on the plenum. It did respond well to the new plugs, wires, cap, and rotor. It's breathing through a k&n in the stock housing.

I checked the TV cable and it appeared to be within th 1mm that the FSM called for. I will double check though as I've slept since then.

 

Decided to check and make sure the check valve wasn't stuck. Fortunatly it has been removed already. Since I had the IR camera out I decided to check for fluid flow anyway. Here is what I found.



This is what we are looking at in the below pictures.



Start up. Nice and cold here...in the upper 90s today.





Up to temperature. Warm fluid flowing in and out.

Now I just need to get the remote filter in.

 

That's pretty cool.^

 

Thanks,

I forgot to mention that I adjusted the TV cable and it shifts correctly now. I realy appreciate all the knowledge available here.

 

Glad that worked out for you!...

 

Started work on the Plenum. Only took 4 out of 6 of my Batch 19 to get me to this point. Side note is that I used a full length 7/8 wrench to remove the EGR. Just had to pop the distributor cap off.





Glad I went ahead and ordered the a new timing set and water pump as both where in rough shape.

I broke this sensor when trying to unplug the wires. Anyone know off hand which one it is?