2004 2500 5.7l hemi 4x2 Truck Programming

[varjack]

I have a 2004 dodge ram 2500 4x2 with the 5.7L hemi and 545rfe transmission that I primarily use for towing.

What's a good programming cable, and where can I find information on the truck's obd/can system? (arbitration IDs, tuning options, engine settings, srs, etc)

Additionally, I'm fairly new to this truck but I bought it used about two years ago. What are some common issues with this specific truck I should look out for?

 

[Hanover Fiste]

For my 2005 SLT, I use the OBDLink MX+, which plugs directly into the connector under the steering wheel--no cable required.

OBDLink

As far as common issues, I've had no trouble with mine since I bought it new 19 years ago.

 

[jws123]

Only common issue i can thik of off the top of my head is at some point you 100% will be doing a heater core and blend doors if not done already Also at no point in time overheat these older hemis if it ever gets hot just pull over dont 'try to make it'

 

[varjack]

whats up with overheating? I tried searching the forums but i only got posts about people trying to avoid overheating, not why its bad. I mean i get why its bad in a general sense, but why are the hemis not too resistant to it?

 

[Wild one]

whats up with overheating? I tried searching the forums but i only got posts about people trying to avoid overheating, not why its bad. I mean i get why its bad in a general sense, but why are the hemis not too resistant to it?

Valve seats drop

 

[HemiLonestar]

whats up with overheating? I tried searching the forums but i only got posts about people trying to avoid overheating, not why its bad. I mean i get why its bad in a general sense, but why are the hemis not too resistant to it?

The early valve seats weren't pressed in very well; steel valve seats set in an aluminum head. Different metals expand/contract at different rates. Overheat it enough and the aluminum would expand enough that the seats would drop (as @Wild one said) and beat the crap out of the piston crown and chamber. This was solved by about 2007.

 

[varjack]

oh yeah, thats not good. duly noted

 

[BigBand]

whats up with overheating? I tried searching the forums but i only got posts about people trying to avoid overheating, not why its bad. I mean i get why its bad in a general sense, but why are the hemis not too resistant to it?

Following . . . .