Have A Weak Truck Compared to Others?

[99RamSport360]

I have my 99 Dodge with the 5.9 V8, and I have a friend with the same year of truck with the 5.2. I have seen many trucks just like mine who can do burnouts and break the tires free. I have never been able to spin the tires or even make them squeak even when powerbraking. It just seems like I have a lot less power than all of the other trucks that are just like mine. Any thoughts?

 

[99RamSport360]

Also, if this makes any difference, I have a cold air intake and a catback dual exhaust.

 

[dodge dude94]

Tire size, plenum condtion and tune up parts along with the cat and O2 sensor play a huge part in felt power.

 

[dapepper9]

couple different things at play. What tire size you running? I'm assuming not tuner/programmer right? What gears? What years are you referring to for the other trucks?

My 01 has stock 3.55s and stock 245/75/16 tire size, still has death flash and I can break em free like nothing.
If you're running 265/75/16s with 3.55s that may play a part and the years your referring to might not have death flash whereas you do. Just about any tuner/programmer will fix that. What tires your running might have an effect too. If you can check off this list its probably a performance issue/plenum if you haven't done it

 

[dodge dude94]

couple different things at play. What tire size you running? I'm assuming not tuner/programmer right? What gears? What years are you referring to for the other trucks?

My 01 has stock 3.55s and stock 245/75/16 tire size, still has death flash and I can break em free like nothing.
If you're running 265/75/16s with 3.55s that may play a part and the years your referring to might not have death flash whereas you do. Just about any tuner/programmer will fix that. What tires your running might have an effect too. If you can check off this list its probably a performance issue/plenum if you haven't done it

A 99 will not have DeathFlash from the factory, it would have to have been a dealer flash.

FWIW, I have a 98 that runs great, but since I have 33s (and a weak transmission, lol) I can't break mine free besides some squeal while turning.

 

[Saltillo Express]

it may have 3.21 gears.

 

[99RamSport360]

The other truck is a completely stock 99 4x4 5.2 (same year) with 265's which are what I'm running. There is no difference between our trucks other than 4000 miles and mine is a sport with a 5.9 and his is a work trim with the 5.2

 

[99RamSport360]

My build sheet from Chrysler says I have a dana 44 front with 3.55 ratio and a chrysler 9.25 with 3.55 ratio

 

[dodge dude94]

You done your plenum?

 

[99RamSport360]

No, but I have done vaccum testing and installed the gauge and it all reads well.

 

[dodge dude94]

So no ping or excessive oil usage? That's good. Hows your timing chain? It's amazing how the little things will reduce your power just enough at times



Might be time to start scanning eBay and CL for a used SuperChips or SCT....and don't tell your buddy.

 

[Saltillo Express]

Have you scanned it for codes? Any CEL lights on?

 

[99RamSport360]

Yeah I have scanned for codes. I have nothing that comes up. I'm wondering about spark plugs and distributor rotor? I'm just tired of everyone else having more power torque than I with their stock trucks. I am gonna look for a tuner as well.

 

[99RamSport360]

Not sure on the timing chain. How would I check that? I've never even thought of it. Also it uses no excessive oil.

 

[dodge dude94]

If you haven't done the cap/rotor, plugs and wires recently, do them. Timing chain is usually replaced with the plenum.

 

[leadrofthepak]

I agree with dodge dude 94, it's the little things that steal power. Vacuum leaks are huge horse power thieves, a clogged cat is another. Anything restricting fuel or spark will kill those burnouts too.
Slack in the drive train can rob lots of power too. Maybe you have a motor or transmission mount gone bad? Perhaps a u-joint on its way out?
Hope ya figure it out!

On a side note: Burnouts are awesome, however... burnouts with large tires puts a lot of stress on the parts that get you down the road. Just food for thought.

 

[Johnn123]

Did you test to see if the plate has been replaced in the past with an aluminum one? If not you need to do that. Id do a complete tune-up and see how it works out. Even if plenum is good wouldnt hurt to do it and the timing chain plus water pump.

 

[linchpin]

i got a tuner for my 01 and i also have a cold air intake and i recently did a tune up and ive only done a burnout once with my tuner on the race setting but it was a pretty solid burn out and im running 265/75/16 tires. the tune up made a big difference for me

 

[99RamSport360]

What would be the test to check if the plenum was replaced? Just look down the throttle body? I am doing an oil change and transmission fluid and differential fluid change tomorrow and plugs and wires on sunday so hopefully this will help.

 

[Johnn123]

No get a magnet and see if it sticks. Magnet will stick to steel, not to aluminum. You will need to do that plenum if it sticks. Let us know how the tune up goes!