I am new to the Dodge Ram, but have been working on cars since I was a little kid. A couple weeks ago I bought a 2000 Dodge Ram 1500 with the 5.9 with just a tick under 170k. The trans was replaced about 30k ago, at least according to the previous owner, but I know for certain it is not the original. Anyways, everything on the truck seems to working properly, but I am having an issue. From a dead stop or a slow roll the truck has absolutely no power until it gets up to around 2000 RPM then it seems to get at it ok, but it has a real bad hesitation, almost like somethings clogged. It also has very slow throttle response. Hit the gas pedal and it takes a second to wanna go then it kind of thuds and accelerates. I have no CEL or any other abnormal lights, good oil pressure, etc. I have used the search function and this is what I have come up with, just want to make sure I don't leave any stone unturned while tearing this sucker apart.

I have ordered the plenum kit from Hughes. I will also be doing the timing chain and gears (double roller with a tensioner), cleaning the TB, IAC, and intake, doing the water pump (even though the previous owner said he just did it), plugs, wires, new 02 sensors, valve covers gaskets are leaking pretty good so I might do those as well, ac compressor and new cat and cat back exhaust. Anyone have issues with the stock fuel injectors when getting up over 150k?

It is most likely a pretty well clogged cat, fouled O2 sensors and dirty plugs since its the original cat and still has the steel plenum with the almost 170k. But just want to get opinions from someone who has more experience with the truck. Thanks for any info you can provide.

 

Seems like you already know what direction you need to go...if all that work goes smoothly and the problem still exists then I would come back here and ask the question again. Right now there are just too many variables. You're definitely on the right track though.

Just as a side note, check and make sure that the check valve has been removed from the tranny line on the passenger side of the engine compartment....those tend to clog from lack of maintenance and/or age and will overheat the trans.

 

When they replaced the tranny they actually installed a separate tranny cooler and deleted the lines going into the radiator. I don't see a check valve on the new set up.

 

That's good news, looks like the shop that installed/rebuilt it knew what they were doing...that bodes well for the future.