Big Red Ram coming back from the grave

[Branczdad]

Thanks to some major help from my amazing wife, the grenaded 5.7 is now out of my 05 2500.I bought a wrecked 05-1500 with a good 5.7 in it. It’s getting pulled for a quick polish on the crank, fresh bearings,oil pump, water pump and timing chain/gears, and back in it will go. Will post my progress. Note the carnage from where the previous owners sent multiple rods through th block. BUT,IT STILL WOULD RUN!

 

[Branczdad]

Sorry for all the multiple pix . Didn’t know I was inserting that many. Better stuff coming next post

 

[WhiteExpress]

Goodness! Multiple rod failure is impressive!

 

[HemiLonestar]

Don't forget to plug the EGR, also highly recommend transferring the 45° filter adapter from the old engine to the new one; makes oil changes much nicer and less sloppy (no oil on the rack & pinion).

 

[Branczdad]

Thanks to some major help from my amazing wife, the grenaded 5.7 is now out of my 05 2500.I bought a wrecked 05-1500 with a good 5.7 in it. It’s getting pulled for a quick polish on the crank, fresh bearings,oil pump, water pump and timing chain/gears, and back in it will go. Will post my progress. Note the carnage from where the previous owners sent multiple rods through th block. BUT,IT STILL WOULD RUN! View attachment 202266 View attachment 202267 View attachment 202268 View attachment 202266 View attachment 202266 View attachment 202268 View attachment 202268 View attachment 202268 View attachment 202268 View attachment 202266 View attachment 202267 View attachment 202267

 

[Branczdad]

I was going to ask about that adapter. I saw a block off plate on the front of the passengers head, but no evidence of any other EGR components. It may not have been the original motor or maybe the heads have been changed. It’s going to be a long climb to get it freshened up and ready to go. My replacement motor is a 5.7 out of a wrecked 1500, heading for fresh lower end bearings,timing chain, oil pump. Still undecided about new pistons and rings, it seems to have de ent compression and power. As always, budget and time enter into it. I hope to keep my press posted for any questions or comments.

 

[LoneWolf3574]

I just did a partial bottom end on my 5.7L Hemi; connecting rod bearings with a timing set and oil pump myself. In my opinion, unless you've got a reason to do the pistons and rings, I'd leave it be. If you've got good compression and there isn't more than 10% variation between the cylinders, you're good.

https://www.ramforum.com/threads/timing-cover-gasket-replaced-here-are-the-pics.159028/

 

[HemiLonestar]

I was going to ask about that adapter. I saw a block off plate on the front of the passengers head, but no evidence of any other EGR components. It may not have been the original motor or maybe the heads have been changed. It’s going to be a long climb to get it freshened up and ready to go. My replacement motor is a 5.7 out of a wrecked 1500, heading for fresh lower end bearings,timing chain, oil pump. Still undecided about new pistons and rings, it seems to have de ent compression and power. As always, budget and time enter into it. I hope to keep my press posted for any questions or comments.

I was referring to your 1500 engine, you will need to block off the EGR. 2003 1500's and all 2500's don't have EGR.

 

[Branczdad]

I had the “donor” truck put on a Snap-On scanner,and thoroughly analyzed. It appears to be in good enough condition to set in the way it is. I will still do a water pump and fresh plugs, thermostat, tensioner and idler pulleys while it’s out I’ve been advised to “let a sleeping dog lie” with the bearings , oil pump and the rest, unless I was doing the whole thing with an overbore. The mechanic who told me this(ASE Master for all brands, including diesels and foreign) told me it would be fairly easy to create an oil pressure problem, if I wasn’t careful. The budget isn’t there for a complete build, so in it goes with the above mentioned parts. Get the old Ram back on his feet after setting for far too long

 

[Branczdad]

Ok,guys,I’ll now do my best to show you the “donor,and the recipient” The donor is the silver truck. As you can see, it’s been hit hard but I drove it home ,over 90 miles. No overheating nor oil pressure issues, trans and transfer seem to work good. I am going to part this out before junking the body, so if anyone is interested in anything other tha the motor,speak up , please. The front seat is shot, and I’m using the tailgate

 

[Branczdad]

While I’m here, I’ll apologize in advance if I broke any forum rules by offering parts, if anyone needs them. Not trying to. “buy& sell” here, but the offer is open if I can help anyone. Now, with that being said, has anyone used. ACDelco plugs in a 5.7? I know,they’re “GM” plugs, but in my previous trucks , with a 5.2 or 5.9 Magnum, they’d outlast the best Champion had to offer by about 3 to 1. I usually am a “purist”,don’t like seeing people crossbreed our brand,because something is cheaper or easier, the RatRod crowd seems to be full of people who stick in a generic motors small lock just because it’s cheap and easy. I’d rather make factory components work, unless the factory was making bad decisions when they engineered it. Believe me, I’ve seen way too much of that from these “geniuses” I will however , listen to your opinions and experiences before deciding what to do. Thanks in advance

 

[Redtruck-VA]

Good project, it'll be great to get the old girl back on her feet.

 

[Branczdad]

Thank you. I refer to it as “him”, being a 3/4 ton, and I tell my wife , if it was a “her” it would be a ewe instead of a Ram. Lol. It is one of three that I currently own , two 05’s and an 03. The 03 is the maroon truck in the avatar and is for sale as a parts truck. Thanks again for the support

 

[Branczdad]

As some of you are aware, I’m in the process of reviving a 2005 2500 . I purchased an 05 1500 for the engine. I am encountering blue thread locker on almost every bolt I remove. Would this indicate a factory block, or one that has been changed? I’m also noticing yellow markings up around this injectors and coils, such as a salvage yard might put on for ID. I think I need to locate any stampings only this and compare it to my VIN. Where would these be , and how much of it should match the numbers on the dash? Thanks in advance, and you can see our progress on another thread here,if you want. My wife and I are doing this together and trying to keep a rough photo diary of it. Just for clarification, the threadlocker is appearing on the donor engine. The grenaded engine came out without a whimper. The donor is fighting us at every turn of the wrench