I have a 2000 Dodge Ram 1500 5.2l 4wd with 175,000 mi. It is gutless! I had a 95 years ago with 230,000 (also the 5.2) and it was the same way! I thought the 95 was so slow bc it was old and probably worn out but now my new one is exactly like it! Maybe they're really this slow or maybe there's something going on? There's no pinging or strange engine noises, it runs smooth and always starts right up. It will "bog down" during acceleration if it's not up to temp. No check engine lights. It's got new plugs and wires, water pump and clutch. I hear about plenum gaskets a lot but not sure if that would cause low power. Where to start?

 

If it bogs during acceleration you're either too low on RPM or the cat is clogged. You can rev until 3k before shifting. There's lots of little things to do to help. Here's what I've done over its lifetime.

1. Hi-flow cat
2. New exhaust
3. 180 tstat
4. kn drop in
5. fastman throttle body
6. tuner
It moves okay, much better in colder weather. But these things have low power not high revving hp. You can search for mods here as there are lots of things people have done.

 

You are correct, these trucks are slow. All of them. 200 horse power vs 6000 lbs. It gets the job done and it's reliable. Mods aren't going to make it powerful, but will help a little.

 

Ya I don't expect It to be a race car by any means but i definitely feel it's underpowered. Can I pull the cat and drive it without just to see if power delivery changes, or is that a bad gauge for reference?

 

Pull the front o2 sensor out and go for a drive.

 

Pull the front 02 sensor? I don't understand what that's gonna do?

 

With it removed, exhaust has a new hole to escape. If you cat is clogged, causing the issue, you will feel more power.

 

Oh okay that's what I was thinking you meant. I'll give it a try!!!!!!