I've been lurking on & off this forum for several weeks now and have a few questions i.e. looking for some friendly advice... I bought a used 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 Club Cab 5.9 about 3 months ago with over 100K miles on it. Couldnt be happier especially for being a used vehicle(it used to belong a mechanic at the dealership where I bought it.) Since I purchased it--i've replaced all four tires with Goodyear Triple Treads 265 75R16, new shocks from Bilstein, oil change & tune up. Also upgraded the stereo, viper alarm with remote start, and new floor mats

The truck runs great even with all the cold weather we've had in Northern IL, however; my only disappointment so far been the amount of heat the heater puts out. I dont freeze but feel it could be better. Anyone else feel the same way about their Ram and/or have any ideas to improve it??? Two... I'm contemplating having a engine block heater installed. Anyone have any experiance doing this--pro's con's etc... Three... I want to put a soft tonneau cover on the truck bed but dont know where to go or what to get. Also seeking nef bars to get in and out of the truck easier.

Any suggestions anyone has would be much appreciated since this is my 1st experience with a Dodge Ram P/U Truck.

 

How high does your temp guage get to once your truck is warmed up.

 

the previous owner might have put in a colder thermo like a 180 which reduces pinging, this also produces less heat in the winter for the heater

 

I have lived in North Dakota and Alaska so I have seen the worst of it. The block heater will only keep the fluids warm while the truck is off but together with synthetic fluids does make startup easier. It installs in about 30 min.In North Dakota I used a hotter thermostat and never had a problem. In Alaska I covered the front of the radiator with cardboard and cut out a baseball size hole for air flow. That worked until about -30. I can say at -65 nothing works. But then again in Alaska I never saw the temp gauge come off the cold during the winter. If it is just you in the truck I would put up a clear sheet of plastic behind thefront seat it would give you less area to warm up I did that with an old Bronco I owned.
Just my 2 cents

 

It might not hurt to have th heater core back flushed as well it may not be flowing well.

 

Temp gauge is usually a constant 200 degrees once it is warmed up. The only other thing i've noticed recently is that the truck is kind of loud on the start up i.e. belt squeeling but once i put it in drive its fine. I might need to replace the drive belt along with the tensioner. I cant imagine that would effect the heater.