Pinging and oil leak

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I just bought a used 1999 dodge pickup with a 5.9 L (360 cu in) Magnum V8 engine. It runs good on the flat highway, but going uphill is seems to lose its power. There is an oil drip on the front passenger side coming from some where. There is a pinging noise also when going up hill or accelerating on the highway. I have put in 1 qt of oil in 1000 miles. It seems to run better after the oil change and the mechanic said the oil was really dirty. I am looking for advice on what all I should do to fix the truck up. The head gaskets seem to be worn but I don't see any oil dripping down on the engine block. Any suggestions on where I should start and what I should look for.

Thanks,

Star

 

[dodge dude94]

This is likely the source of your issue

http://www.ramforum.com/f61/plenum_gasket_what_where_what_should_i_do_about_*info*-37635/