O.K ...Guys I need as much help as I can get to figure this out. I have a 97 Dodge Ram 4 x 4 Sport, 5.9 V8 360 Gas. I've got 298864 miles on it. I had dual exhaust put on years ago. I have just recently done a tune up with plugs , wires , cap and rotor. New frontline O2 sensor, ball joints, tie rods, shocks etc.
Problem # 1
I seem to be loosing power. Motor doesn't seem to feel as strong as it used to. Slows down when going up an incline and I have to pretty much floor it to pick up speed. Is there anything I can do to improve the power or is he just old and tired?
Problem # 2
Is the anyway to improve gas mileage even just a little. Been nosing around in here and have read a few things but not sure what would be the best for my truck. What about the sct tuner? Will that work on a gas engine and would I need to make modifications beforehand?
Problem # 3
I have to put oil in my truck about every 3 months. It's always about a quart low but I have absolutely NO oil leaks , so where the hell is it going????
I have tossed around the idea of selling it and getting a new Dodge, but I have a lot of cosmetic stuff I have done myself and I really love my truck. It pulled an 18 wheeler out of a ditch a few months ago !!!!! Its been a really good truck except for normal little things that needed replacing. Oh and I'm new to this so please forgive me if this is longer than what it should be.

 

This is what I done on weekends . Camo headliner, dash, sun visors , door panels and speakers

 

Broke this out into it's own thread, and moved to the tech section for ya.

You have the classic signs of a blown plenum. (lack of power, oil consumption.) But, with that kind of mileage on it, think I would be tempted to do a compression test, and see what kind of shape the motor was in before investing a lot of money into it. How is the rest of the truck?

Welcome to DF!

 

Sounds like blown plenum that clogged the cat. Try pulling the front O2 and see if it runs better.

https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...um-thread.html

 

Get the Hughes kit with felpro gaskets.
http://www.hughesengines.com/Index/p...p?partid=27091
This will near bullet proof your plenum.
With almost 300K I would put a timing chain on it if hasn't been done already. What about the fuel pump, Was that ever replaced? A cat and new 02's for sure. Have you ever considered pulling the motor and freshening it up? A lot can wear out in 300k.

 

Fuel pump was done about 2 yrs ago. Just put O2 sensor 3 wks ago ( the one in front of the cat) the other O2 was replaced about 7 months ago. I have a timing chain, I just need to get it on truck. As far as pulling the motor, well #1 I don't have that kind of money right now, I just moved to another town and I just started working again, #2 I don't know anyone I would trust , I don't let just anyone claiming to be a mechanic work on my truck. They have to be highly recommended from someone I know or they have to specialize in dodge and been doing it for more that 7 yrs. I don't want anyone that is still wet behind the ears. and #3 If I do have to end up pulling motor, I will need to be there with whoever is rebuilding so I can help/watch and see maybe do a little camo on some stuff.

 

Thank you. And the rest of the truck is in good shape. I've taken very good care, the only non mechanical issue I am having is all the stuff cracking on the inside, dash related type crap like my cup holder and the bottom bracket thingys that hold my glove compartment up. I need to replace the whole thing but haven't had any luck finding them. It all just the dash that I can find

 

 

 

Oh and headlights, these are only about a yr old and already done turned yellow. I need some brite white so I can see at night, any suggestions??????