It is impossible to get a VIN flashed to a PCM by a dealer, their software WILL NOT let them do that.

 

Engine Controllers

Just one spot that says otherwise.

http://www.mopartsracing.com/parts/ram.html

Direct replacement for production computers. Provides increases in both horsepower and torque without affecting driveability.

Note: Emissions exempt in California, Massachusetts and New York only. Requires the use of premium unleaded fuels (92 octane or better). 1998 and later models require Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and Mileage encoding by a DaimlerChrysler franchised dealer. Not recommended for towing applications

Edit to add; Taken from the 2001 FSM page 470,

USE THE DRB SCAN TOOL TO REPROGRAM
THE NEW POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE
(PCM) WITH THE VEHICLES ORIGINAL IDENTIFICATION
NUMBER (VIN) AND THE VEHICLES
ORIGINAL MILEAGE. IF THIS STEP IS
NOT DONE, A DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE
(DTC) MAY BE SET.

 

Then why is it folks have issues with new PCM's that came out of trucks with the same year, options, etc, but a different VIN?

 

Never ever had anyone have troubles with that.

If they claim to have such a trouble I always have found out it didn't match as exactly as they thought.

Merc, AFAIK, the VIN encoding is only required for Mopar Perf computers, such as the link you provided.

Mopar Perf computers are regularly flashed and updated.

 

Read my post again, If you wish to disagree with the fsm ok by me. All 98+ need to be flashed, they will run without flashing but it will set a cel. You would know this if like you have posted about trying out DRB scan tools, it there in the menu.

Edit: I will not waste this thread posting more stuff about this I believe I posted enough.

 

Does the comp have to come from a 4x4?

 

Nope. PCM doesn't care about anything after the transmission. It can't tell the difference between two, and four wheel drive.

 

So I looked around and nobody has one.

Any place y'all recommend to get a remanufactured one?

 

Parts store. At least, if its bad, you can go right to the store, and they can generally get them overnight.

 

+1.....