Stock Beer Barrel Intake, maybe cut the runners
Bigger TB
Harland sharp non adj 1.7 roller rockers (easy).
Engine Quest, Odessa/Clearwater heads, maybe cut em .030 for a point of compression, might require adj 1.7 rockers. If you know your way around a motor, cam and 1.6 adj rockers.
And all the parts needed like a new double roller timing chain, water pump...etc
Shop for some used Pace setter Long tubes.
SCT tuner.

A better converter can do wonders too, I had all the parts for my 98 Ram, even Mopar 1.92 RT heads, M1 2bbl intake and sold everything after I had the transmission rebuilt with a converter for towing installed, it pulls my trailer with a Dakota Drag truck on it just fine now.

 

MORE PARTS........

 

Sometimes I ask myself is it even worth it and I'm guessing money wise it isn't but it's tough to beat a nice looking 2nd Gen. My favorite body..

 

I hear that...When I see a pristine Gen II it makes me love mine even more. Best looking truck ever. Parts are cheap, mods are easy.

Go price a new Yuppie truck and report back.

 

How do I tell what transmission I have. Auto. with overdrive. if that tells ya anything. 1997 RAM 4x4 360 2500 reg cab

 

46RE. All you really need to know about it. Well, having the year is good too, as the electronics changed over time.

 

I just keep thinking i could have an issue with with tranny. When you put it in 3,2, or 1 it really comes alive, more so than the feeling of other vehicles I've owned. I read on here somewhere with a tranny issue someone kinda spoke negative about doing a flush during a filter/oil change. Does that depend on circumstances or what?? Oil doesnt really smell burnt to me but do see tiny lines of what appears to be black powder when I wipe the stick off with my fingers. The guy I bought the truck off of had the tranny rebuild 50000 miles ago so Im guessing the fluid hasnt been changed yet.

 

Flushing the trans tends to break loose all the crap that accumulates over time, but, does not necessarily get it out of the trans. So, that stuff just sorta circulates around, looking for a new home..... which usually ends up being in the valve body, and causing things to stick, or plugging up ports/passages. Given that yours if fairly low mileage (as these things go) you *might* be able to get away with it...... The black powder in the fluid isn't unusual. Typical debris from normal wear.

 

I think just a new filter fluid and some lucas treatment

 

Make sure the magnet is on the pan! I actually added two more when i had my pan off last.