Bring my truck to the next level

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TripleT

Junior Member
Joined
Nov 12, 2013
Posts
16
Reaction score
20
Location
Alaska
Ram Year
1999
Engine
5.2L V8
Ok. So i just got back from my second deployment and my wife has been by my side for everything. When i got back to the USA i bought her a car and a wedding ring so she is very happy and is (allowing) me to spend a little bit of money on my truck. First let me say what Ive done to the truck so far. I have a 5 inch Skyjacker lift and i got the axles re-geared to 4.56 and had them rebuilt minus the axle shafts (i was told they were still in good shape) I have 35X12.50/15 mickey tom baja claws on old steel 15 inch rims. I want to do the front end first.First before anythig im cutting those skyjacker shocks off my truck and getting bilstien 5100 series cause my truck rides harder the a corner pro on a red light friday night if you know what i mean. i was looking at the spohn Adjustable track bar. I like how it doesn't use a drop down bracket and it dual adjustable so i an do my alignment without removing it. I haven't seen any reviews on this bar or seen anyone install it on there rigs. Also i was looking at the Moog 98-99 T steering upgrade but i was thinking since i went down to 15 inch rims it wont fit the bigger joints in there. I had to grind the front caliper down on the top and bottom about a 8th of a inch to get the clearance needed to fit the wheels, Also i want to get rid of those god forsaken rear drums. Is there any junkyard parts i can use to convert my rear drums to discs, I refuse to pay 800 for a conversation kit. I was also thinking about getting some Flowtech shortie headers and the magnaflow direct fit y pipe with cat and get some new O2 sensor to give the truck a little deeper sound. I have the flowmaster HP-2 muffler and a side exhaust that comes out right before the rear tire. Those are the main things i want to do right now, eventually i want to get a long arm kit and do my steering box/shaft and get my tranny running right(Governor solenoid). Let me know whats you guys think and what you would do different. Thanks
 

dapepper9

Senior Member
Joined
Feb 7, 2013
Posts
5,908
Reaction score
2,224
Location
Iowa/Nebraska Border
Ram Year
2001
Engine
5.9L V8
IMO I would do the governor first. You said its not quite running right, correct? Well if the governors to blame it makes a night and day difference replacing it. The stock one gets blocked up with shavings or somethin and doesn't function correctly, instead of getting an OE replacement at a local auto parts store get the borg warner here A518 / 46RE Borg Warner Heavy Duty Governor Pressure Solenoid its much cheaper and its a better part, you can also find the sensor here 46RE Governor Pressure Transducer 2000 Up Models if you can find the sensor cheaper go ahead its not what fails what its good to replace while your there. Super easy to do, tranny can stay in truck, and since your already lifted 5inches you can prob sit under and do it lol
 
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TripleT

Junior Member
Joined
Nov 12, 2013
Posts
16
Reaction score
20
Location
Alaska
Ram Year
1999
Engine
5.2L V8
Update

Alright so i finally got some free time from work to update on my very slow progress. I bought the solenoid service kit and a 99+ shift correction kit to the tune of $262 dollars shipped to Alaska from Cascade Transmissions. The shift correction kit was recommended to be done when switching out the solenoids. i got the parts at my house and have been reading the instruction and i have to take apart my valve body and drill existing holes to a larger diameter and also make a couple new holes for better flow, I'm guessing that's what the new holes are for. I'm going to wait till the following weekend when i have a whole day to take it apart and see how it goes. Has anyone ever attempted this shift kit or has any tips or tricks for disassemble of the valve body? i will post pictures of what i have.
 

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TripleT

Junior Member
Joined
Nov 12, 2013
Posts
16
Reaction score
20
Location
Alaska
Ram Year
1999
Engine
5.2L V8
Update

Alright so i planned out Saturday to get this shift correction kit and the solenoid kit installed in my truck. I had two of my buddies help me that also have dodges but have never done anything with transmission work before. I installed both kits and it wasnt very difficult just very time consuming and alot of small pieces you have to watch out for. It took the three of us about 8 hours to drop the valve body, disassemble it, drill the new hole in the valve body, adjust both front and rear bands, reassemble the valve body replacing springs, valve bores and other small pieces. Everything back in the truck and fluids level check good Total of 8 hours. Now for the results. I feel like i have a brand new truck now. There is no more slipping and it is actually pretty fast with the 4.56 gears and the 35s. i use to hesitate to pull out in front of someone but now there is no questioning if i can make it or not. I have posted a good amount of pictures to show what i went through. But if anyone if having problems with there transmission i would install these two kits for about 300 buck with fluid and see how it runs. Im very pleased with my results and my truck isnt a slow POS anymore.
 

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TripleT

Junior Member
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Nov 12, 2013
Posts
16
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Location
Alaska
Ram Year
1999
Engine
5.2L V8
More pictures
 

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98blackbeauty

Member
Joined
Jun 21, 2014
Posts
45
Reaction score
13
Location
Lynchburg, Tennessee
Ram Year
2006
Engine
5.7
Im thinking of going 4:56's.. I have the same tire set up you have but im going to 16x10 wheels with 35x12.50x16 MTZ.. I was just curious as to what RPM's you pull going down the highway in OD, lets say around 70ish. I have the 5spd so I don't think there is much difference in rpms. your the only one ive found with the 5.2 so I figured I could get a good idea from you.. Thanks
 
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TripleT

Junior Member
Joined
Nov 12, 2013
Posts
16
Reaction score
20
Location
Alaska
Ram Year
1999
Engine
5.2L V8
Driving down the highway i will be around 2200 RPMs at about 65 to 70 mph. The acceleration has increased dramatically from what it was with the stock gears. and my transmission shifts so much better and doesn't feel like there is so much strain on it anymore. For a off road point. If you get the 4.56 gears and put the truck in first gear and 4 wheel drive low, there will be nothing to stop you. Ive been stuck with my truck up to the doors in 4 high and drive. Shifted it to 1st and 4 low and climbed out like it was nothing. If you have 35s i would recommend spending the money on the regear, Gas mileage doesnt mean **** to me in this lifted truck but i have seen a improvement in that also.
 
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