I bought a 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 5.9L from my dad about 2 months ago. It has 210K and the only thing he has done since he has had it is put a new transfer case and fuel pump in it. Shortly after he put the fuel pump in he started getting a CEL. I don't remember what the codes are but it refers to the O2 sensors. The truck feels weak to me. Also I am getting about 9 miles to the gallon with stock tires, fiberglass bed cover, and being pretty easy with it. Is it possible the fuel pump install could be throwing the CEL? I thought if the evap system is not working properly, maybe it would throw the same code. I also think the cat is stopped up. Probably going to go with gutting it and putting o2 simulators on (any suggestions for best place to get those would be appreciated). When I gut the cat I would like to put a muffler on it but wanted to know if I am not really going for the performance end of it if I should just put a flowmaster in place of the stock muffler and leave the factory pipes? Even at this mileage the truck does not use oil. Please Help. Thanks

 

welcome to DF!

How long since the last o2 change? if you don't know, go get a new one. that will help your mileage and performance if it's bad. when was it's last tuneup? worn plugs will definately affect performance and mileage...

The best way to test the cat is to have someone in the cab rev the motor to about 2000 or 2500 rpm's and put a temp gun on the input and output of the cat. the output should be around 50 deg hotter than the input for proper cat operation. if the temps are the same, the cat is not working, if the input temp is high and the output temp is low, you have a plugged cat and you should have it swapped out immediately.

hope this helps...

 

I agree with steve, swap out the o2 sensor and you might as well do the cat to. with that many miles on it. it has to be getting close anyway. I would recomend a magnaflow highflow cat. the run for about $95.00 You can also run the codes and see what is still coming up.

 

yea get a new high flow if anything.... save all of our lungs in the long run... dont gut it... its not nice!!!!!! i thought about doing the same thing but i was persuaded otherwise... so there for, my direct fit highflow cat is currently on the way. i think its even better for you motor than gutting it... your cat as direct reflection on your exhaust temp, exhaust suction and "backpressure" just my $1.298