Hey guys. First time posting. I have a 96 ram 1500 regular cab short bed 4wd. 5.2l auto. The truck had approx 140k on it. Trans rebuilt about 30k ago. I have a lack of power when I am towing anything. It's terrible trying to pull our 4k pound camper. Even rough with an empty car hauler. I have done the plenium fix, timing chain, water pump, rad, external trans cooler, 180 degree thermostat, plugs, wires, cap and rotor. I am running 33s with 456 gears. Any thoughts on why I am lacking power? It struggles to do 45 going uphill with the empty car trailer and wants to overheat as well.

 

How long ago was the plenum done?
First thing I'd do is unplug and remove the O2 sensor before the cat. Take it for a drive. It will throw a code. Let us know how it feels.

 

I did the plenium less then 2 months ago with the aluminum plate from Hughes. I think that is the name of the place

 

Not towing in O/D are you?

How's that cat? Is it clogging up? That would seriously compromise power.

 

 

Time for a compression test.

 

I did a compression test this afternoon. All cylinders look good. Anywhere from 145 to 165 on all 8. Not too bad for 140k. I also went ahead and changed out the champion plugs I had installed approx 4k miles ago. Replaced them with NGK V powers. Good thing I did. Stupid me failed to double check the gap on the Champions and they ranged from .020 to .030. I put the NGKs at .035. Made a big difference in idle and smoothness of running down the road.

 

I never did like champion plugs.