Hello !
I live in NC and own a 2000 Ram 150 w 318 / auto, 2wd.
I've got 115,000 miles and I think it's time to replace the spark plugs - any recommendations ?
Also what else needs replacing at this point ? - plug wires ? Ignition parts ?
My truck has never been able to run on anything other than premium fuel - even a half tank of midgrade will send me pinging out of the station !!!
I was told that I might be able to advance ? retard ? the timing a bit and run regular fuel - anyone know anything about this ?
Also the milage sux !
If I keep a light foot on the pedal, shifting at about 2000rpm I can get maybe 12mpg city - any way to improve this ?
Hindsight being 20/20 I wish I'd bought the 360, this thing is gutless - it downshifts on about every upgrade.
TIA for any helpful advice.
Chuck, Up and Running !!!

 

First off with the shifting problem- I had a 99 5.2 that would do the same thing. I ended up flushing the trainy and removed my speed sensor located midway on the tailshaft drivers side. The sensor was covered in metal flake cleaned it and put it back in. I also adjusted my bands. That cured a big portion of the down shifting on mole hills.

Second the spark plugs- I always had real good luck with the autolite platinums. I believe autolites are recommended for these trucks anyway. autolite 5224

The pinging- do you have the "flash" If you do there will be a sticker on your computer located on the pass side firewall. The reason I ask is that is how Dodge got rid of engine ping sound like you may not have it(flash). If u do have it, is there a possibility the truck was programmed with an aftermarket tuner and using low grade fuel could do that. OR YOU MAY JUST NEED A TUNE UP lol


just some thing to look at

 

First of all wanna welcome you to DF.

I have been looking into a new set of plugs for my truck cuz the bosch platinum they are not all that good no more they sux.I am looking into buying some iridium plugs they are better than platinum and have a bigger resistance to heat. I also reccomend you to go with a set of taylor wires they are damn good wires, my lil 6 cylinder will get up and go, but wit your V8 they might work better.


If you retard the timing on ur truck your are not going to get the performance that you are supposed to have. But you might try and advancing the timing and see wat it does, dat is wat what your supposed to do if u get bad gas mileage.

Hope this is helpful if not holla!!!!!!!! [&:]

 

I use Champion Truck Plugs. You need to replace your distributor cap with one with brass contacts. (NAPA has one) Replace the rotor with the cap. New wires are probably a good choice also - cause the dist cap is a pain in the a$$ to get to. Easier to do cap, rotor, and wires all at once. Make sure you have a clean air filter, an upgrade to a K&N or Truflow or Airhog would help you. I would guess someone before you has installed a "91 octane program" or something in your computer. See if a dealer can check this out for you - and reprogram it so you can run 87 octane.

 

Yeah the retard of the timing is called the "death flash". Its no good, loose mpg and power. I'd check for a bad plenum if your pinging so bad, also for cracks in the head.