Hi Everyone,

I may be potentially entering a revivial project for my father's 2002 Ram 1500 SLT 4.7 RWD pickup with the 8 foot bed. I also previously owned an 02 Ram 1500 4.7 myself, but with a short bed so I am extremely familiar with these trucks and have been part of the forum for quite some time now.

Here's the situation: My father had a medical emergency and the truck has been sitting in outdoor storage since for about 5-6 years. I haven't seen it was parked (I was still a child), so I will be seeing for the first time soon. A family member told me that the brakes let go and the truck hit the back of a boat so the front has damage that I have yet to see as well. I am assuming there was gas in the tank that has probaby gone bad and I'm praying the fuel pump may have some life left but I'm doubtful. I can guarantee the battery is shot and will need replacing. I'm not sure about the fluids, but I am prepared to replace them if neccessary.

Here's some of the things I am able to do myself: replace the battery, replace the fluids like the oil, transmission, and coolant, siphon the gas and put new gas + additives, and put the rear tires up in the air with jack stands. I think I could do the fuel pump but I'm not as comfortable with the idea since you have to either take the bed off or make a cut out in the bed. I would be leaving the brake system to my mechanic if it reaches that point.

Ultimately I would be going in blind to this project after 5-6 years of sitting outside in the New England weather, and that's if I decide to tackle it depending on the condition of the truck. I was wondering if anyone else has experience reviving these trucks or in general, and has any pointers that would be beneficial to me. Thank you so much!

 

Depending on how much gas is in the tank, you may be able to just dump a fresh five gallons into it, and it should run. It may not run well until all the old stuff is burn out..... but, it should run.

Think I would check all fluids, see what they look like, and if they are acceptable, toss a battery, and some good gas into it, see if it will start and run. Don't think I would test the trans until I was sure I had brakes.

 

I don't know if the e-brake works as well so I don't want to test the transmission without the brakes either lol. I will definitely check all fluid levels beforehand though since I wouldn't want to burn anything up. Would it be a good idea to throw in a bottle of fuel cleaner in the tank with the fresh gas?

 

Probably wouldn't hurt.

E-brake cables are likely seized if it has been sitting for years..... I would NOT trust that it would release again if you set it.

 

Just had another question. It's been a while and I don't remember the correct battery group size and CCA load for these trucks. Any idea what the cheapest one would be to get in a store and what sizes would be compatible along with having enough cold cranking amps?

 

Any place the sells battery should be able to tell you. I usually just go to the battery wholesale place here, tell 'em I want the biggest, meanest battery that will physically fit.