I have a 2004 Ram 1500 2wd with a HEMI. I love my truck but it is giving me issues lately and has me wondering if I should get rid of it for a newer model before it dies on me. Lately my oil pressure gauge has been reading 0 form time to time right after I start it up. I have to shut it off and restart it and every time the gauge comes back to life and my check gauges light goes back off. Has anyone had this issue with their Ram. I read somewhere that the sending unit may be clogged, how do I go about checking that?

My second question is about gas mileage, if I decide to keep it I am thinking about adding headers, a free flow cat, and an exhaust system, possibly a programmer. Any recommendations or results of anyone doing any of this to their HEMI would be greatly appreciated. I already have the K&N cold air intake, E3 spark plugs and 10mm plug wires. I am running a 7" lift and 35" tires which I know attributing to my poor mileage but since those were installed I get about the same MPG as before.

Last question I have stock gears, any changes that could be made in that department that would help out too?

Thanks for any and all feedback and suggestions,
Kris

 

Gears always help, what ratio do you have now (stock is a bit vague)? A lower gear (numerically higher) helps the engine get the truck going easier so it doesn't have to work as hard. I don't see you doing above 75 on the highway too much with that lift and tires, so 4.56's would be a great mod except for the $$ associated with it, especially labor. Have you checked to see if its throwing any codes?

 

I think I am running 3.63's? not positive but I think. No codes are being thrown, it's very sporadic maybe 1 in every 10-15 times I start it up....

 

My '03 has done that since 50k miles. It's over 200k now. I would not worry about it too much, I know I didn't LOL

 

I read a horror story somewhere online about that where he let it go and his engine locked up......I can't afford for that to happen.

 

Could be a clogged pickup or just a bad sensor, they are under 25$ and quick to change.

You might want to start there. I had a caravan that did the same thing and was worried about it, turned out to be a cheap quick fix.

 

I agree, just replace the sending unit.

Also, chuck those money wasting E3's and go back to copper plugs. Much cheaper and they burn better in the Hemi's.

 

Really? I spent over $100 on a set of those E3's, will switching back to regular plugs really make it run better?

 

I had the same issue with my 03 4.7 Start it the press gauge would be dead. Shut down and restart worked fine. Ended up being the press s/w. Like owensue said it a cheap fix, and best place to start.

 

Most people who tried them go back to copper. Copper is a better conductor of electricity so you get a better spark which gives a better burn of the air/fuel in the cylinders. I would go ahead an run them for awhile since you spent so much money on them. Either Champion copper or NGK copper V-power plugs get the best ratings around here. I use the NGK's. All 16 for about $45 shipped to my door from Moe's.