I have a '96 1500 5.2L 4x4 and she is about to break 200k and am getting ready to replace the plenum plate and water pump. I climbed in the engine bay and peeked down the throttle body and noticed quite a bit of oil build up so I figure it is about time. Also, the water pump has a very minor drip and I figure it'd be best to replace the water pump considering I will already have it all torn apart and I'd rather be safe than sorry with it. I also am going to be replacing the PCV valve, and am considering doing the rock solid ram steering fix.


Is there anything else I should look into replacing considering the truck is at this many miles and I will have the entire front of the truck pulled out? The previous owners did not seem to do much other than the necessary to keep the truck running and I am just trying to get her running a bit happier.


Thanks!

 

Double roller timing chain is a must. Its about 50 bucks.

 

Are there any guides around this forum that could help me in looking into the timing chain replacement a bit more?

 

It's like six more bolts, and another gasket after the water pump. Quick, painless, and easy. If you have over 100K miles on your truck, (or even close) the stock chain will be stretched beyond belief.

If you don't have a service manual for your truck yet, grab one from here.

 

Do the timing set I had 132000 on mine it needed it in a bad way there was bout 12 degrees of timing slack in it lol your truck will run much better

 

Oh, wow its that close? Is there any special tools/instructions I need for doing it? Also, thanks for the service manual link, it looks extremely helpful.

So, considering I am at 200k, I am probably loosing a ton of performance because of this...

I guess I'll add a timing chain to the lit of parts to replace.

Edit: Also, is there anything I should look for in a replacement chain?

 

If you havent done cap, rotor, and wires now is the time. Its alot easier when the plenum is out of the way. Make sure the cap has brass inserts and not aluminum. The aluminum inserts wear out really fast.

 

I did a cap, rotor, wires, and plugs at around 180k. 20k seems a bit light to be replacing them.

 

Get a decent double roller variety.

Need pullers for the harmonic balancer, and possibly the crank gear, your local parts store should be able to rent you both tools.

When you are looking at gasket sets for the timing cover, get the one WITHOUT the sleeve for the balancer.

 

At least pull your plugs and give them a look over. If you've been burning a decent amount of oil they will be ready again already.