I've got a 97 dodge ram 1500 with about 170,000 miles but doesn't have much power in 1st and 2nd gear, I can't pull anything without it struggling. I've replaced the plenum and did tune ups, etc. I don't know much past general knowledge about these trucks but the engine does have a ticking noise you can only hear with the hood open and it doesn't get much louder when you rev it. Before I replaced the plenum when I would drive, the truck would shudder real bad after getting it in 3rd gear and easing on the gas around 1200 rpms. Now the shudder isn't so bad but it's still there a bit once you get into 3rd gear and ease on the gas and sit there but goes away as soon as I let off or give it more gas. The issue could be on the transmission side. 1st and 2nd gear is just super weak but it has nice get up and go once I hit 3rd gear. Every now and then I hear a slight whirring noise when moving from a stop so I thought maybe a failing torque converter. I've had this issue for over a year now and Its drivable but I'd like to know the reason for it being weak in 1st and 2nd.

 

The only codes it has is for cruise control and the vehicle speed output sensor which I've replaced both of them and neither the speedometer or odometer work.

 

P0135 ( don't have a cat, I'm running a y pipe and dual exhaust)
P1595
P0500

 

if it is the same as my 98 you got twice the miles that those 46's got ,they are junk had to replace mine about 100,000 and my bro inlaw has a 01 his only made it 80,000 anyway it sounds like your tranny is about done

 

P0500 No Vehicle Speed Signal Circuit
P1595 Speed Control Solenoid Circuits

Did you reset the pcm after installing the parts?

 

Yes I reset it but it didn't fix anything

 

97 has a VSS on the tailhousing of the trans, or t-case, (2 or 4 wd, respectively.) That's where the vehicle speed signal comes from.

Cruise servo is under the battery.

 

If you have already replace the sensors. I would take look at the wires going into the output sensor and see if you have a broken wire at the connector. The speed control could be a voltage problem too or maybe vacuum. Or clock spring.