First post, simple question.

Ive been gifted a 98 ram 1500 with 5.9, auto, 4x4. All I need to is drive 300 miles to fetch it. And I need to address a little problem of low oil pressure at idle and 40 psi at cruise speeds.
Thought is plugged oil pick up tube, as he was bad about oil changes.
So, oil pan, pick up tube, and for good measure oil pump bilt sizes? Want to chage the tube and pump before taking it home.
​​​​​​​Thnx

 

May be more work than you really need to do. Real possibility that it is just the oil pressure sending unit that is bad. Does pressure drop to zero at idle, but, just a little bit of pressure on the gas will make it jump back to 40 or so? If that's the case, just change the sender. Granted, I think doing the oil pump is easier.... simply because the sensor is in such a drag of a spot to get to... (be sure and bring your arm with three elbows......)

Welcome to DF!

 

I really dont know.
All I know is he was lazy about oil changes, put 5/50 in and stp. Want to dimp the gunk out. And swap out parts that might be clogged up before taking it in a long trip. I feel like it's a gamble anyway, but if I get bolt sizes, it will help to ensure I gave the right tools without carting the whole tool box across the state

 

I think the oil pan are 9/16ths, or 14/15mm. Oil pump is going to be something like 5/8ths, or 17mm, Starter needs to come off as well, and those are even larger...... but, I don't remember the exact size..... plus, a few 10mm bolts for the dust shield behind the pan...... Pickup tube just screws on to the oil pump. Make note of the angles there.

Basically, just bring standard and metric sockets/wrenches in the common sizes, and you should be golden. Having things like pliers and such really wouldn't be a bad idea either.... I was able to drop mine, without having to do anything with engine mounts, and such. About two hours total time. Make sure you get a GOOD Viton gasket, and pay attention when putting it back together, the ends like to sneak out while you aren't looking, and leave you with a horrendous oil leak.

 

Cool thanks.
Im looking forward to running out there and grabbing it. Could be a sensor too, ir the gauge I guess. Thinking about running a mechanical gauge first just be sure.

 

If you are going to go to all the trouble to get the sensor out, just replace it. It is NOT in a convenient location.

 

Is it possible to put a pipe tee in where the sensor goes (is there enough clearance)? Then he could replace the sensor and go with a nechanical gauge.

 

Likely is possible, but, I think you would have to be really creative with it, to get it in there, and hooked up properly. (the location truly sucks. )