My buddy and i recently changed the plenum, he mainly did all the work because my mechanical knowledge is limited and im just getting started. I however noticed i had a bent pushrod. But it doesnt seem to be affecting anything. There are no misfires. I was wondering if this is a serious problem or will be down the line?

i have a 97 ram 1500 5.9 with 275 k miles

 

If the pushrod is bent, the valve being controlled by it is likely not opening as far as it would normally. While you're in there, its advisable to replace it.

 

One has to wonder why it is bent. Keep in mind, the push rod is designed to put the strength along the length of the rod. Instead of the stress linear, you have lateral stress. Try opening a valve against the spring. It's not easy. Each time the cam lobe rises, you have a little more pressure to bend the rod more. Think of a pencil. Press straight down and it can take a lot of pressure. At an angle, it will snap. It will eventually bend more until the valve doesn't open at all. I'd check all of them. Put them on a flat surface and roll them. I'll bet you just noticed the worst one of the bunch. Myself, I'd replace them all.

 

Maybe add some 1.7 roller rockers while you're in there.

 

I see that you are going to fit right in here.

 

Lol, yup lots of good stuff here

 

For my 408 Hughes recommended 1.6 which is what I got. Should have went with my gut and got the 1.7

 

If you were changing the cam anyway.... I could see doing the rockers just to get the "roller" part of it, but, if you wanted more lift/duration, stick with the 1.6 ratio, and get a bigger cam.

 

I know I'll regret it later

 

Getting back to the main focus of the post, I would be concerned first of all as to why it was bent in the first place.