Hello! I am the proud owner of a 1995 Ram 1500 4x4. 171k miles and taken care of, it's in real good health. I have all the similar issues many have posted here (I searched). I think the truck is awesome and I am enjoying it!

Heternal are some issues I'll address and search the forums for:
- steering play
- dash is very cracked!
- leaky valve gaskets
- front axle shock is leaking needs replaced

It's hard to get into 4 low but 4 hi pretty easy.

I changed the oil to Mobile 1 Synthetic High mileage.

I plastidip'd the front bumper plastics, and will brasso the chrome. I'll do the back bumper soon too.

Other than all this, any recommendations on what to do for general care of the truck? It's not a daily driver but it will be driven pretty often. Haven't waxed it yet...waiting on a nice day and a day I don't work.

Thanks in advance, I'm all ears!

 

Neighbors thought it was a brand new truck!! It's only 22 years old though.

 

20 inch wheels? Did it come with those, or did you put 'em on?

Nice shape at any rate. Be sure and check the plenum.... that's a common failing. How are the headlights? Are the lenses yellowed bad at all?

Welcome to DF!

 

The PO put the 20 inch wheels on. It's from a 2012 Dodge, I believe. Fits so well I'm very happy with it I just have to be careful turning the wheels all the way left/right.

Headlights are good...just not as bright as the brand new cars. No yellowing though.

I've read about the plenum issue...I really need to dig into it. No issues yet, but sounds like I can preemptively handle it.

 

​​Dude, that is a BEAUTIFUL truck!

 

​​Dude, that is a BEAUTIFUL truck! Welcome to Dodge Forum!

Listen to everything that Hey You says - he is an expert on these trucks and is incredibly helpful. Also, if you tackle the plenum, I have a YouTube series documenting my experience with that particular repair - my YouTube channel is linked below. Not trying to promote myself, just offering what help I can. It's painfully in-depth, so while boring, it should be a good starting point so you will know what you're getting into and may give you some ideas about what NOT to do

Edit: I just realized my signature isn't showing up anymore, so my YouTube link didn't show up. Here it is if you are interested:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYR...qB1FacSGXhR2GQ

 

It would be smart to do the water pump and timing chain while doing your plenum. Timing chains tend to stretch on these trucks.

Very nice looking truck, paint looks terrific!

 

Thanks for all the advice and the compliments. I'm really proud of it. I've little doubt I need to do what you all just told me. I'll be looking at the how to sections to see what I'd be getting myself into.

Any benefit of getting a different air filter setup? The stock air filter seems pretty small compared to the K&N setups for example. They are around 200 dollars so I don't want to get something if it's not much use.

 

The stock setup is actually pretty good on these trucks, no real benefit to the K&N setup.

 

^^This.

All of the CAI setups draw air from the exact same place as the stock system. Simply installing a better flowing air filter is a better plan. Spectre, or K&N washable filters will help here. (but, probably nothing you would actually notice. )