My first Ram 1500

[ramchrisfla]

Just got this Ram, it's a 2wd reg cab longbed 5.9 magnum 46re. Ok so I'm new to dodge all together...my first dodge anything. But I'm wondering how easy these are to mod....and what kind of aftermarket there is for this vehicle, especially heads/intake/cam or TB. I'm inspired by the SS/T. Can I put those wheels on my vehicle and not hurt offset and and will they fit of course? Also...the SS/T has more performance to it? What's so different CAI? Exhaust? A more aggressive tune? It's just 10hp and little more torque?

Thanks for any info!

 

[dodge dude94]

Welcome to RF, first off.

Secondly, read this: http://www.ramforum.com/f61/plenum_gasket_what_where_what_should_i_do_about_*info*-37635/

As for aftermarket, there USED to be an aftermarket for these trucks. Unfortunately, year after year it shrinks slowly and some of your cooler go-fast goodies are getting expensive. You can get heads, 2 intakes (lol I know right?) whatever cam you want and 50-54mm TBs.

The SS/T wheels will fit just fine, perfectly actually. Good luck finding real SS/T-Indy wheels tho. I did find a site that had repros for sale, but they were expensive and I don't remember their name.

The SS/T just had a different exhaust from the cat back and 3.92 gears with LSD if I'm remembering correctly. The 1996 Indy Ram was teh **** in that it had a different exhaust, PCM tuning, and 3.92s as well.

 

[ramchrisfla]

Bummer about the intake. So I bet going carb'd is a viable option considering the intake manifold. I do have a misfire on cyl 8, so that makes sense. Also how much fab or major effort would it be to swap out the 46re with a 727 or other trannys. Also is the SS/T rear diff worth buying....there is parts SS/T near me and from the ad he has he has at least 3 SS/T rims.

 

[ramchrisfla]

what's the good/bad/ugly about r/t aftermarket heads from mopar? And edelbrock is my only choice for alum. heads? what about intake manifolds? Lots of options....and I do think I want to go carb'd....not worried abut mpg....any thoughts on tranny swaps? SS/T rear diff swap?

 

[dodge dude94]

Bummer about the intake. So I bet going carb'd is a viable option considering the intake manifold. I do have a misfire on cyl 8, so that makes sense. Also how much fab or major effort would it be to swap out the 46re with a 727 or other trannys. Also is the SS/T rear diff worth buying....there is parts SS/T near me and from the ad he has he has at least 3 SS/T rims.

Going carb is a lot of work, far more than you think it is. There are a lot of systems on this truck that depend on the PCM for more than the engine/transmission.
Misfire on cylinder 8 is a cracked valveseat more than likely. 727 should bolt right up with a small block bellhousing. The 46RE is nothing more than a weak 727 with an OD tailhousing. The SS/T diff MIGHT be worth buying if you can confirm what gears it has in it. You'll likely need to rebuild the LSD in though if you did get it. Personally, I'd just replace the gears in my own axle before I bought and axle of unknown condition.

what's the good/bad/ugly about r/t aftermarket heads from mopar? And edelbrock is my only choice for alum. heads? what about intake manifolds? Lots of options....and I do think I want to go carb'd....not worried abut mpg....any thoughts on tranny swaps? SS/T rear diff swap?

Honestly, I don't know of any bad things about the Mopar R/T heads other than the price. Edelbrock and Hughes have aluminum heads....for a price. lol Carbed Magnum intake manifolds are reasonably common because small block Magnum swaps are fairly popular in the A and E-body Mopar realm. MPFI intakes, there are only two options: Hughes FI AirGap and the Mopar M1.

 

[ramchrisfla]

Well, if I have to get a new brake and cooling system..that's ok. What else would I have to worry about? I want to go all mechanical and fuel/hydraulics. don't need a/c...dont need abs...dont need air bags...just need a fire breathing motor tranny, rear diff and brakes.

 

[ramchrisfla]

oh yea...dont need power steering...none of it

 

[ramchrisfla]

You know what, I apoligize...didn't see that you posted there are fi intake manifolds. And am I only limited to TB? I might as well keep things how they are...I agree about the PITA factor going carb'd

 

[ramchrisfla]

Ok sorry for being such a barney....I know I must look like one. I did look around hughes engines website for a bit....saw the hughes fi airgap...saw the TB's they have...one is a big gulp. Also saw the iron heads they have. I will talk to them once I get a chance. Also....who sells a good CAI for our 5.9's? And as far as the tranny goes....because mine is about to go....where should I look as far as getting a stronger rebuild...reputable? And how can I confirm what gears this SS/T has...gonna look this weekend....I know Chevy has RPO codes in the glovebox for certain things. But I'm assuming 3.92 is what I want...and like I was asking...how do I actually confirm this?

Thanks!

 

[dodge dude94]

If you're making a vehicle strictly for track usage and have the time to mess with it, by all means, go all out. If you're actually going to drive the truck everyday, keep the fuel injection.

Hughes gives you a good idea as to what to look for, they are by no means be-all-end-all when it comes to Mopar stuff. The throttle bodies for example: Dan Arcand of Fastman will cut you a big ass 54mm TB if you want it, for way less than what Dave Hughes will charge you. Just look around.

For CAIs, the best are S&B and Volant. Expensive as hell, but they are the best. They are sealed box units, pull air from the factory location and can both be modified to add another tube and a scoop to the grille.

Transmission you can go here:
518 Transmissions - Transmission Depot
here
Dodge Mopar A518 Automatic Remanufactured Monster Transmission
and, finally, if you have the cash......this is the best you can buy:
PATC 46RE 47RE 48RE Transmissions, Performance Transmission A518, 518

The gear ratio is either on a sticker under the hood or in the glove box. If it's still there and visible, you can also look on the sticker that's on the axle housing itself.
Confirming it would involve either taking the diff cover off or doing the "spin test" with the tires and driveshaft. Neither is quickly.

 

[BBartow]

You should also check out the Mopar M1 intake Mopar Performance P5007852 Mopar Performance Aluminum MPI Intake Manifolds - Free Shipping on All Orders @ JEGS with everything for installation prices will come out pretty much the same. I'm sure Merc225hp can back up the M1. I'm not too sure on Hughes' TBs, since most go to Fastman for their TBs. I'm not a fan of Hughes anyway and apparently there's a lot more who agree. PATC is popular for strong replacement trannies PATC 46RE 47RE 48RE Transmissions, Performance Transmission A518, 518 . CAI is up to you. A stock system with a drop-in filter will give you just as much performance as a CAI will. If you want a CAI then find one that goes near the factory location and is sealed to block engine heat. 14x3 is another option if you're into looks. Temperature when moving will be similar to a CAI, but when stopped you'll suck in hotter air. You'll suck in a lot more air as well. I'd still recommend putting money into your own rear if its in good shape. You can step up to 4.10s as well which would feel awesome.

 

[dodge dude94]

^I ninja'd you on half your post.

 

[BBartow]

^I ninja'd you on half your post.

Yer.