Tune up on my 1996 5.9, what to do?

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

Harleygtp

Member
Joined
Aug 17, 2015
Posts
91
Reaction score
23
Ram Year
1995
Engine
Cummins 12v
Hey guys, well I've had my 1996 1500 for a few months and I've really enjoyed it. It's recently developed some problems with keeping an idle and sputtering while accelerating. I've also had it stall out on me a few times when I'm at idle.

I figure it just needs a good tune up, so what should I look to replace?
 

root0091

Junior Member
Joined
May 11, 2016
Posts
27
Reaction score
3
Ram Year
1996
Engine
Magnum 5.9l 360 TBI
Part Numbers

See attached photo for part numbers. Basic tuneup items along with part numbers for all basic tuneup items along with some extras if you need them.
Capture.jpg
 
OP
OP
Harleygtp

Harleygtp

Member
Joined
Aug 17, 2015
Posts
91
Reaction score
23
Ram Year
1995
Engine
Cummins 12v
Cool! Do you know what o2 sensor that is? Front or rear?
 

root0091

Junior Member
Joined
May 11, 2016
Posts
27
Reaction score
3
Ram Year
1996
Engine
Magnum 5.9l 360 TBI
Upstream is front. Before Catalytic converter. Downstream is behind. On 96's, downstream only check if the catalytic converter is functioning. It can be strapped to the frame for all it cares, as long as its cleaner than the upstream, or front O2 sensor.

The upstream, or front, O2 sensor checks air to fuel mixture and adjusts accordingly. Check with a OBD2 reader to ensure it is functioning properly. Bosch is a decent brand, but does not like Dodge trucks from what I have heard, despite me never having an issue. NGK is the preferred.
 

IrocRam

Senior Member
Joined
Apr 6, 2016
Posts
144
Reaction score
21
Location
Phoenix, Az
Ram Year
1997
Engine
5.2
What root said. I don't think you have to do all of that at once, but it might be a good idea to just get it all done and out of the way at once. Maybe throw a can of seafoam through it too.
 
Last edited:
OP
OP
Harleygtp

Harleygtp

Member
Joined
Aug 17, 2015
Posts
91
Reaction score
23
Ram Year
1995
Engine
Cummins 12v
Excellent information! Thanks !!
 
OP
OP
Harleygtp

Harleygtp

Member
Joined
Aug 17, 2015
Posts
91
Reaction score
23
Ram Year
1995
Engine
Cummins 12v
Rockauto here I come!
 

root0091

Junior Member
Joined
May 11, 2016
Posts
27
Reaction score
3
Ram Year
1996
Engine
Magnum 5.9l 360 TBI
+1 IrocRam. Added all components that may typically fail on early second gen Ram's due to lack of maint. Autolite 3923 will not be listed in parts store as spark plug, but highly recommended as it is a heat step cooler to reducing pinging/spark knock.
 
OP
OP
Harleygtp

Harleygtp

Member
Joined
Aug 17, 2015
Posts
91
Reaction score
23
Ram Year
1995
Engine
Cummins 12v
On the sensors, any brand I should stay away from?
 

root0091

Junior Member
Joined
May 11, 2016
Posts
27
Reaction score
3
Ram Year
1996
Engine
Magnum 5.9l 360 TBI
Dealer is always best, but almost all aftermarket sensors are about the same. NGK is best from word of mouth for O2 sensors, but that seems to be the only preference. TPS, and IAC are more than likely cross-brand wise even made at the same factory.
On the sensors, any brand I should stay away from?
 
OP
OP
Harleygtp

Harleygtp

Member
Joined
Aug 17, 2015
Posts
91
Reaction score
23
Ram Year
1995
Engine
Cummins 12v
Thanks Root, rockauto has bosch, NTK and denso.
 
OP
OP
Harleygtp

Harleygtp

Member
Joined
Aug 17, 2015
Posts
91
Reaction score
23
Ram Year
1995
Engine
Cummins 12v
No problem man! Looks like I'll need to crawl under there and see if I need a 12" or 18" wire length for the o2 sensor. But other than that I'm all set!
 
OP
OP
Harleygtp

Harleygtp

Member
Joined
Aug 17, 2015
Posts
91
Reaction score
23
Ram Year
1995
Engine
Cummins 12v
Parts ordered! Hopefully this will fix the problem! Thanks again guys!
 

root0091

Junior Member
Joined
May 11, 2016
Posts
27
Reaction score
3
Ram Year
1996
Engine
Magnum 5.9l 360 TBI
No problem man! Looks like I'll need to crawl under there and see if I need a 12" or 18" wire length for the o2 sensor. But other than that I'm all set!

Speaking from experience, get the 18" with OEM plug style. You can always service loop it.
 

dodge dude94

Millennial Boomer
Joined
Sep 5, 2013
Posts
27,745
Reaction score
6,426
Location
East Texas
Ram Year
1998 Ram 1500
Engine
5.9 Magnum
Some trucks actually prefer the Bosch O2 sensor over NTK. I run NTK but I know a couple guys whose trucks are running Bosch
 

SportRam00

Senior Member
Joined
Apr 1, 2016
Posts
142
Reaction score
52
Location
Joppa, MD
Ram Year
2000
Engine
Magnum 360
I run a Denso sensor (upstream... downstream might be a different story in terms of compatability) and Champion RC12LC4 plugs. My truck runs great. Might try the Autolites at the next plug change, just to see what all the fuss is about. Been getting 13-14mpg on the highway, so things seem to be running fine.
 

root0091

Junior Member
Joined
May 11, 2016
Posts
27
Reaction score
3
Ram Year
1996
Engine
Magnum 5.9l 360 TBI
I run a Denso sensor (upstream... downstream might be a different story in terms of compatability) and Champion RC12LC4 plugs. My truck runs great. Might try the Autolites at the next plug change, just to see what all the fuss is about. Been getting 13-14mpg on the highway, so things seem to be running fine.

Look at the documentation below, it will help you understand why. They definitely help with detonation, and clean up all aspects of the ignition side.

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/83626598/Dodge%20Ram/Misc%20Documentation/spark%20plug%20notes.pdf

 
OP
OP
Harleygtp

Harleygtp

Member
Joined
Aug 17, 2015
Posts
91
Reaction score
23
Ram Year
1995
Engine
Cummins 12v
Just got back from vacation with two boxes from rockauto waiting for me! Hopefully I'll be able to get some of this stuff done this weekend if it doesn't rain.
 

Yeret

The Village Drunk
Joined
Oct 2, 2014
Posts
938
Reaction score
178
Location
Under the hood fixing/breaking something.
Ram Year
1999
Engine
5.9 Magnum
Autolite 3923's helped my spark knock back in the day. I'm running Champion RC12LC4 now though but may swap in the Autolites when I change them again. When I got my plenum fixed, it still had just a smidge of knock going up hills though I remedied this by rerouting the plug wires as per the TSB. I can pretty much dump anything in the tank without knocking now.
 
Last edited:
Top