Does anyone know what it takes to replace the entire distributer on a 2001 Dodge Ram 2500 Laramie sport with the 5.9 magnum? My uncle said something about the ecu needing a reprogram after.

 

No reprogramming, just need to set fuel sync, which needs a bit of a high zoot scanner to finalize. (one that will actually read fuel sync......) There is a procedure in the service manual for R&R the distributor, (get yours here.) That will get it close enough to run, then you can either have a shop set sync, or, if you have a good enough scanner, set it yourself.

 

I did some more research and figured out I can set the fuel sync by probing the wires that come off the cam position sensor and ground. People said I should be looking for a signal of 5 volts and to adjust the distributor if the readings are high or low. Any idea how reliable that is?

 

Cam and crank sensors get a 5 volt feed, and are essentially just hall effect switches. That method will work, IF you have number 1 at top dead center, in firing position. Keep in mind, the tolerance here is only + or - 7 degrees....... so, gotta be damn close.

 

Im mostly trying to get it started right now so it should be close enough as the truck's been sitting in my grandfather's driveway for at least 6 years now and needs some love. I'm trying to get it running, and if I have to I'll limp it to a shop to correctly set the sync.

 

Yeah, just lining things up, and dropping it in in the right spot should be enough to get it to start. You did drain that six year old gas out, right?

 

was diluted out with 5 or so gallons about 2 years ago and will be diluted again with even more this next time around

 

You really should just drain it...... Lord only knows what it looks like in there, but, you can bet it ain't good.

 

i know i should but we don't have anything large enough to hold that much gas so the plan was to dilute enough for it to start and run it from there, tank was replaced shortly before it was parked

 

That may come back to bite you..... but, do what ya gotta do.