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New Ram Owner, Couple Questions

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  #1  
Old 11-19-2006 | 11:26 PM
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Default New Ram Owner, Couple Questions

I'm pretty new to the forum, but I just bought my first Dodge truck, and this seems like the place to go for good information. My truck is a 1999 Ram 1500 4x4 Quad Cab, Short Box. It has the 5.2L, and it's an automatic. I have a few questions about maintenence on my new truck. I'm sure all these questions have been answered, but my computer is having problems with the internet, and keeps kicking me off, so I can't use the search function.
I want to change the oil. I know how to change oil, but I've never done it on this truck. How much oil should I buy, and what grade should I get? (Like, 15w-40, 10w-30, ect.). It has 132000 miles on it, which is why I got a good price for it, $4500. It isn't used as a work truck or anything like that, if that makes a difference.
I would like to try to change the trans fluid myself. I've never done that before. How hard of a task is this? What should I buy, and how much of it (like how many gallons of trans fluid)?
I want to change the air filter. The air filter box says to remove it from the engine before opening? It looks like I should be able to undo those 3 little clips on the front of the box and open it.

Also, does anyone know of a website to help with changing the spark plugs, spark plug wires, and the distributer cap and rotor? I plan on keeping this truck for a while, and I want to keep it in top shape.
I'm 19, and still pretty new to working on cars, so I apologize if these questions are a little elementary for you guys.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
 
  #2  
Old 11-20-2006 | 12:28 AM
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Default RE: New Ram Owner, Couple Questions

Okay, I will try to work through this to the best of my ability...

I use 10w30 Chevron and it takes 5 qts.

Tranny isn't too hard to do, but I don't have to deal with it on mine as it is a 5sp, so I will leave it at this for someone else.

REMOVE the air box before opening. The build of the box will not allow it to open if it is not off the TB.

As to a site with plug and ... help, I don't know. I have always just gone to the parts store, told them what I have and what I want. I have always used NGK plugs, everybody has their own brand that they like best though. Wires are like plugs, everybody says something different. I am going to get Taylor "409"s when I do mine sometime soon. They may be overkill, but I installed a set on my little 4 banger Civic and made a huge diffence. Cap and rotor, I will let someone else fill you in on this, but it is all a simple process as long as you take your time and don't get wires crossed and such.

Questions like these are always welcome, because thats what we are here for is to share information of all types about our trucks. Sorry that the search function isn't working well for you.
 
  #3  
Old 11-20-2006 | 12:31 AM
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Default RE: New Ram Owner, Couple Questions

Thanks for replying. Now, how do I remove the air filter box?
 
  #4  
Old 11-20-2006 | 12:51 AM
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Default RE: New Ram Owner, Couple Questions

There is a hex screw at the back of the box on a clamp that looks like a big hose clamp. Just undo that and it will pop right off...Make sure that you get it to seat right when you put it back on, because I have seen people take it off, then not seat it right and suck crap into their motor.
 
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Old 11-20-2006 | 01:07 AM
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Default RE: New Ram Owner, Couple Questions

There is also a post stuck in a rubber grommet at the front of the airbox. So after you undo the clamp that holds the airbox on and pull the flex hose off it, you have to pull up on the front to pop it out of the grommet.

I would suggest a NAPA distributor cap and rotor - if you don't have NAPA, just make sure the one you get has brass contacts. Plugs - I use Champion Truck Plugs, but NGK and Autolites are also used by many forum members. Just don't get "platinum" or the other "fancy - expensive" plugs. For some reason those things don't work in these motors. I have MSD plug wires - overkill - but you can do fine with a GOOD set of wires from the parts store. Don't buy the cheap ones. Make sure you route the new wires exactly as the old ones were. The dist cap is a pain to get to on these trucks. You just about have to remove all the wires from it to get it off. I will post a diagram on how the wires go back on for you. Make sure to run one wire at a time - I change one wire and that plug and then go to the next one. Make sure the rotor is seated all the way down before you put the cap on. It has a tab that only lets it go on one way.

I use Mobil 1 10W 30 in mine. 5/8 socket for the drain plug. Plug and filter are easy to get to....

I don't have the diagram on this computer......sorry You can go to the "sec gen info thread" at the top of the page and get the "sec gen service manual download" That will have all the info too
 
  #6  
Old 11-20-2006 | 02:39 AM
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Default RE: New Ram Owner, Couple Questions

Different Computer - here's the diagram.....

[IMG]local://upfiles/19461/FE25A27CF18B4313BC47420E8229A150.jpg[/IMG]
 
  #7  
Old 11-20-2006 | 03:07 AM
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Default RE: New Ram Owner, Couple Questions

when youre at the auto store, pick up a haynes manual. its about $15. its a great book to have handy while youre under the hood.
 
  #8  
Old 11-20-2006 | 06:29 AM
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Default RE: New Ram Owner, Couple Questions


ORIGINAL: timwag2001

when youre at the auto store, pick up a haynes manual. its about $15. its a great book to have handy while youre under the hood.
that is some of the best advice you will ever get when you are new to working on cars
 
  #9  
Old 11-20-2006 | 03:21 PM
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Default RE: New Ram Owner, Couple Questions

As for the ATF, I use Mopar ATF +4 , from Dodge- but I am sure alot of guys hear will recomend Synthetic (Mobil 1 etc...) Make sure you get a new filter for your ATF fluid, and a new plastic gasket for your atf oil pan-( if you still have the stock cork gasket...) It is not a big job, but can be a bit messy. Keep extra newspaper, -cardboard to avoid staining your driveway! Good luck!
 
  #10  
Old 11-20-2006 | 09:13 PM
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Default RE: New Ram Owner, Couple Questions

Thanks a lot for the advice, guys!
 


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