Need more pulling power
#1
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Hi all, first post here!
I have a '99 Quad Cab 1500 with the 5.9L, 3.55 gears, LT265-75R16 tires and has 117,000 miles and I would like to increase the power without any major modifications. I just bought the truck so I'm not sure of its history.
The truck seems to run and idle fine but seems a little gutless at freeway speeds and will even kick out of overdrive on some freeway overpasses which are small hills to say the least. When I tow my 5000lb trailer it cannot run in overdrive at all for the lack of power.
What can I do that is reletively inexpensive improve its power?
I already installed a K&N filter.
The CAT was replaced just before I bought it.
I believe the plugs are new (under 10k miles) but would it be worth it for me to change the dist, plugs, and wires? If I do change plugs do you suggest I go with the standard plug or a slightly cooler plug like the Autolite 3923?
Is there anything else I should do or check for? I realize that changing the gears would help but thats a bit out of budget at the moment.
Sorry for all of the questions. I'm not very technical with autos but try to do what I can myself so I dont get raped by the garages.
I have a '99 Quad Cab 1500 with the 5.9L, 3.55 gears, LT265-75R16 tires and has 117,000 miles and I would like to increase the power without any major modifications. I just bought the truck so I'm not sure of its history.
The truck seems to run and idle fine but seems a little gutless at freeway speeds and will even kick out of overdrive on some freeway overpasses which are small hills to say the least. When I tow my 5000lb trailer it cannot run in overdrive at all for the lack of power.
What can I do that is reletively inexpensive improve its power?
I already installed a K&N filter.
The CAT was replaced just before I bought it.
I believe the plugs are new (under 10k miles) but would it be worth it for me to change the dist, plugs, and wires? If I do change plugs do you suggest I go with the standard plug or a slightly cooler plug like the Autolite 3923?
Is there anything else I should do or check for? I realize that changing the gears would help but thats a bit out of budget at the moment.
Sorry for all of the questions. I'm not very technical with autos but try to do what I can myself so I dont get raped by the garages.
#2
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Can't say that I can help you much, but I'm in about the same situation. I have a '98 dodge ram 1500 quad cab 4x4. The only difference is mine has the 5.2L 318. 120,000+ miles. kicks out of overdrive on small hills, but otherwise runs quite well. I put on a K&N, changed plugs, wires, cap, rotor, and plugs. Also changed the O2 sensors which seemed to help. Anybody else have any ideas?
kevin
kevin
#3
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The first thing you need to do is a compression check to see what kind of shape the engine is in. If all is well, I'd get some headers and maybe a new cam for soem more torque. Good luck.
#4
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I have an '02 4.7L 1500 4X4 with K&N. The thing would kick out of OD with cruise at 60mph on a moderate hill, and this was empty!!!! I just swapped out the stock muffler for a glasspack. And do 70 without it downshifting. And yes it does 60 fine. I Think that the free-flowing exhaust will do you good. The glasspack is louder and meaner sounding. Any of the more flow exhausts should be good.
#5
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I've heard nothing but bad things when changing to a different style spark plug, so I would recommend staying with the Champion plugs that came stock with your truck. Putting a new cap and rotor on would be a good idea if it's never been done... but if it's power you're looking for, a new exhaust/muffler/headers sounds like it would be the best way to go. Good luck!
#6
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Agree. Intake/exhaust upgrades on most vehicles are the most cost-effective way to increase power....[sm=smiley4.gif]
#7
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What you need is a Cummins. I work @ the facility that manufactures these bad boys and you would never have "pulling problems" again if you got one of those. 325 HP/600 Ft. Lbs. of Torque.