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The Rules Have Changed... 20 Years Ago! 1994-2001 Dodge Ram

Another quick tip for the V10 guys that just happen to lose their cats and smog pump. I did this to my truck...

From
http://www.dodgetalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=192718&page=2

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It would be a lot easier to do what I did and the tensioner has a lot of movement left (like normal)... do u have a cell that I can forward a pic to??? if so pm it to me, the only pic I have of it right now is on my cell... it took me less than an hour and that includes going to get a new belt trying different ways and finally ending the way it is, I would say u could do what I did in less than 30 min for sure... the only tools needed is a 7/16" burr and drill to spin it, a 47 torx to remove the tensioner... it was real easy... the belt was $30 at AutoZone 7 rib 100.5"...

I did use a ribbed v8 tensioner pulley in place of the v10's smooth pulley and also swapped the original v10 tensioner pulley with the larger idler pulley to get the right tensioner travel and help with installation of the belt. Works perfect and looks factory.

Yep I used the 100.5" 7 groove belt, but had a VERY hard time getting it on and once I did, I thought it was too tight. So I removed the large v10 idler and put the v10 tensioner pulley there to gain a little extra play room. Made putting the belt on a breeze and allows the tensioner to do its job better.

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Below is a great link that was very helpful with my restoration!!! It allows you to search salvage yards across the USA based on your car / truck for the used parts you need. This way you’re not just limited to your local salvage yards or eBay. It was a wonderful tool when I was looking for rust free body parts for my truck. As I didn't want to use any aftermarket Chinese body parts when replacing the rusted originals!

Link
http://www.car-part.com/index.htm

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Evaporust was a great rust removal system that I used on my truck!!! It worked very well on all the small parts that would have been a PITA to media blast or just too delicate to do so. I just knocked off the heavier rust with a wire wheel then simply soaked the parts in the evaporust for 24 hours. After that I rinsed them with warm water and prepped for paint. I used different sized plastic containers based on the size of the parts I was cleaning. Another plus is evaporust is reusable several times over!

I found the best pricing for it at my local auto parts store.
http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/brand.oap?mn=Evapo-Rust&mc=EVA


Link
http://evaporust.com/index.html

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Cool 2nd Gen Dodge Ram body tag info from DodgeRam.org! They are an informative website on 2nd Gens!

Main Index Link
http://dodgeram.org/tech/mods/index.html

Body Tag Link
http://dodgeram.org/tech/Decoding/body_code_tag.html#8

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1 - Primary Paint
2 - Secondary Paint
3 - Transmission Code
4 - Vehicle Model Number
5 - Engine Code
6 - Interior Trim Code
7 - Vehicle Identification Number
8 - Tailgate Code
9 - Cargo Box Code
10 - Tailgate Trim Code
11 - Body-In-White Sequence
12 - Market Code
13 - Species Code
14 - Paint Procedure
15 - Vehicle Order Number

Row 4

Digits 1-12 Vehicle Order Number (15)

Digits 13, 14, 15 Transmission Code (3)
DGP= 4-speed Automatic (47RE)
DGT= 4-speed Automatic (46RE)
DGK= 4-speed Automatic (42RE)
DDP= 5-speed Manual (NVG 4500)
DDX= 5-speed Manual (NVG 4500 HD)
DDC= 5-speed Manual (NVG 3500)
DEE= 6-speed Manual (NVG 5600)

Digits 16, 17, 18 Vehicle Model Number (4) - Car Shell Line
BR1 = 1500 4X2
BE1 = 1500 4X2
BR6 = 1500 4X4
BE6 = 1500 4X4
BR2 = 2500 4X2
BE2 = 2500 4X2
BR7 = 2500 4X4
BE7 = 2500 4X4
BR3 = 3500 4X2
BE3 = 3500 4X2
BR8 = 3500 4X4
BE8 = 3500 4X4
Digit 19 Vehicle Model Number (4) - Price Class = L
Digits 20, 21 Vehicle Model Number (4) - Body Type
31 = Ram Truck Club Cab 138.7" WB
32 = Ram Truck Club Cab 154.7" WB
33 = Ram Truck Quad Cab 138.7" WB
34 = Ram Truck Quad Cab 154.7" WB
61 = Ram Truck 118.7" WB
62 = Ram Truck 134.7" WB
63 = Ram Truck Cab Chassis 138.7" WB
64 = Ram Truck Cab Chassis 162.7" WB


Row 3

Digits 1, 2, 3 Paint Procedure (14)
APA = Monotone
AP9 = Special
APB = Two Tone (Waterfall)
APC = Two Tone (Centerband)
APD = Two Tone (Lower Break)

Digit 4 Open Space

Digits 5-8 Primary Paint (1)


Digit 9 Open Space

Digits 10-13 Secondary Paint (2)

Digit 14 Open Space

Digits 15-18 Interior Trim Code (6)

Digit 19 Open Space

Digits 20, 21, 22 Engine Code (5)
EHC = 3.9L 6cyl MPI Gasoline
ELF = 5.2L 8cyl MPI Gasoline
ELN = 5.2L 8cyl CNG
EML = 5.9L 8cyl MPI Gasoline
EMM = 5.9L 8cyl MPI Gasoline HD
ETC = 5.9L 6cyl Turbo Diesel
ETH = 5.9L 6cyl HO Turbo Diesel
EWA = 8.0L 10cyl MPI Gasoline


Row 2

Digit 1 Open Space

Digits 2, 3 Species Code (13) used for manufacturing

Digit 4 Open Space

Digit 5 Market Code (12)
B = International
C = Canada
M = Mexico
U = United States

Digit 6 Open Space

Digits 7-23 Vehicle Identification Number (7) VIN


Row 1

Digits 1-6 Body-In-White Assembly Sequence (11)


Digit 7 Open Space

Digit 8 Tailgate Trim Code (10)

Digit 9 Open Space

Digits 10-12 Cargo Box Code (9)
XBS = Sweptline

Digit 13 Open Space

Digits 14-16 Tailgate Code (8)
MWD = Plain Tailgate
MPB = Tailgate Applique (Black)

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Black Dodge said:
Evaporust was a great rust removal system that I used on my truck!!! It worked very well on all the small parts that would have been a PITA to media blast or just too delicate to do so. I just knocked off the heavier rust with a wire wheel then simply soaked the parts in the evaporust for 24 hours. After that I rinsed them with warm water and prepped for paint. I used different sized plastic containers based on the size of the parts I was cleaning. Another plus is evaporust is reusable several times over!

I found the best pricing for it at my local auto parts store.
http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/brand.oap?mn=Evapo-Rust&mc=EVA


Link
http://evaporust.com/index.html

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Click to expand...

I've used this stuff myself . There's a lot of so called rust cures out there but this is the only stuff I've found to really work . I use it to restore hard to find factory brackets and bolts and it works great . I just drop the parts or bolts in a sealed container with this stuff in it and the next day I pull out what looks like a brand new part . The one thing I did find out though , that you have to treat the part as soon as possible after you take it out . Otherwise it'll start rusting up again real quick .
 
Another good tip for the 1997 and older 2nd Gen Dodge Rams is to check the wiring behind the light switch. This wiring can get hot because of resistance in the bulk head and cause major problems if not a fire! You will see obvious signs of heat distortion in the wires if not actual melted wires when you check! Another characteristic is the headlights just quit working when the wires get hot! (See my story below) I have the Mopar repair kit for mine and will post the kit number plus instructions soon!


My truck only had 62K original miles on it when I purchased it from my step dad the original owner. He never had any issues with the lights on the truck. When I bought the truck from him I flew out to Connecticut then hopped into the truck and started to drive it back to Kansas. I did this in November and drove into the night to get past the huge hills in Pennsylvania before the coming snow storm got too bad. At about 10:00 that night driving the hills and shortly after it just started snowing… the headlights just shut off!!! No other traffic around me and it was pitch-black!!! I quickly started moving the light switch back and forth trying to get them to come back on as I was slowing down.

At this point I was pretty worried as I had a ways to go before I could get a hotel for the night. The dash lights worked the running lights worked but the headlights would not come on!!! Thankfully I tried the fog lights and they worked!!! I drove with the fog lights for miles until I got past the hills to a big gas station close to a hotel. I stopped at the gas station and filled the truck up plus ate something before heading over to the hotel. Just that little bit of time the truck sat turned off must have cooled the wires? When I started it back up the headlights came on with no problem!!! After looking on line about mine I found that this was a common problem! So check yours!
 
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Can't forget Dodge's 1998 Big Red concept truck!

Dodge Unveils 'Big Red Truck'; Turbo-Diesel Ram Showcases Engine Upgrade Option for 1998

7 January 1998
Dodge Unveils 'Big Red Truck'; Turbo-Diesel Ram Showcases Engine Upgrade Option for 1998
DETROIT, Jan. 7 -- Turbo Heads will salivate when they see
Big Red Truck hauling their way. Armed with the new Cummins 24-Valve Turbo
Diesel Engine and a towing capacity that exceeds 11,000 pounds, Dodge's latest
big-shouldered show truck was unveiled today at the North American
International Auto Show in Detroit.
Dodge Big Red Truck is the towing enthusiast's dream vehicle for over-the-
road hauling. It's a brawny Dodge Ram Quad Cab show truck with a new Cummins
diesel powerplant. Now available on 1998 Ram pickups, this upgraded engine is
a 5.9-liter, in-line six cylinder, 24-valve, electronically fuel-injected,
intercooled turbo diesel engine.
"Big Red Truck provides the perfect package for us to introduce our
powerful new Cummins diesel engine for the 1998 Dodge Ram pickup," said Ray
Fisher, General Manager of the Dodge Division. "This show vehicle personifies
what Dodge trucks are all about -- bold, powerful and capable."
The new turbo diesel is the next generation of legendary B Series Cummins
engines. The 24-Valve Turbo Diesel Engine features a new electronic fuel
system and electronic integration which will offer Dodge diesel customers
increased horsepower and torque over a broader power range.
The new turbo diesel generates 235 horsepower at only 2700 rpm - 20
horsepower increase over the previous engine. A broader torque curve means
hitting an awesome 460 lbs-ft at 1600 rpms. In addition, the new 24-valve
Turbo Diesel Engine improves fuel economy up to five percent as a result of
its cylinder-centered fuel injection which improves combustion efficiency.
When conceiving the revolutionary design of the Ram pickup truck five
years ago, Dodge designers used over-the-road big rigs as their initial design
inspiration. When styling Big Red Truck, they took it one step further.
Big Red Truck is painted Flame Red, the signature color of the Dodge
brand. Its bold cross-hair grille is modified but instantly-recognizable as a
Dodge Ram. Its front fascia has an aggressive look and incorporates energy
absorbers, tow hooks, high-power fog lamps, and an air dam.
One of Big Red Truck's most notable design features is its gradually-
sloping, 18-inch-high aero raised roof that extends back from the windshield,
giving the vehicle the appearance of a powerful semi tractor. A flush,
forward-edge light bar is incorporated into the roof and runs the width of the
windshield's top edge. Side engine exhausters run under the integrated, self-
cleaning steps and cold air intakes are seamlessly styled into the truck's
modified hood. Both indicate a seriously potent powertrain.
Built as the ultimate tow vehicle, Big Red Truck features integrated
trailer tow mirrors, a fifth wheel hitch and sport valance. Sixteen-inch
wheels combined with LT255/85R16 sized tires (three sizes larger than
standard) add 1 1/2 inches of road clearance. Fender flares, rear dually
fenders and raised bed rails with tie-down handles are seamlessly integrated
into the vehicle's design.
Because Big Red Truck was built for the long haul, interior designers
focused on maximizing interior space and comfort. Its raised aero roof
provides additional room for overhead storage and improved head room.
Features include a swing-down six-inch flat-screen LCD TV, VCR with remote
control, CB radio, rear audio with headphones, and, of course, four hot/cold
cupholders.
Designers lengthened the rear of the cab eight inches by extending it over
Big Red Truck's eight-foot box. Additional cab space allowed them to
incorporate a rear row of Mist Gray leather seats. And, by removing the
center console from between the front driver and passenger seat, an access-way
was created between the front and rear seats.

Dodge Big Red Truck Specifications:
Vehicle Dodge Ram Quad Cab 3500 4X4
GVWR (lb.) 11,000
GCWR (lb.) 18,000
GAWR (lb.) Front 4,500
Rear 7,500
Payload (lb.) 4,500
Wheelbase 155"
Engine Cummins 24-Valve Intercooled Turbo Diesel
Power 235 hp @ 2700 rpm
Torque 460 lb.-ft. Torque @ 1600-2700 rpm
Transmission NV4500HD 5-Speed Manual
Modifications Raised Aero Roof Extension
Cab length is increased eight inches
Roof raised 18 inches
Front row bucket seats
Rear seats are 40/20/40
Amenities Include: Video cassette player, monitor,
CB radio, rear audio/video controls, headphones,
and rear power outlets
Halo lighting effect along upper packaging shelf
area
Additional overhead storage
Raised theater-style seating for rear passengers

SOURCE Chrysler Corporation



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This looks like the truck on page 2 post 18... and it was for sale on ebay last year!!!

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