Crimedog

My brother is in the market for a truck, we went and looked at a 96 today, extended cab, long box, 3.55 gears, SLT, 285 tires, American Racing rims, chincy luverne brush gaurd, track bar is shot. Everything on the truck is clean, there is a little bit of rust coming out on the inside of the lower door lip, otherwise it just has a few small rock chips on the hood and your average dings. On the test drive the truck seemed a bit doggy, however I don't know if it is because I've been driving mine around for too long. However, it wasn't able to do a brake stand (remember the tires are 285/75R16), and it seemed to take a while to get up to speed, but again I don't know. I checked the air filter was a little dirty, turbo spun freely, and the fuel filter looked like it had been changed somewhat recently. My thoughts are replace the overflow valve, change fuel filter, take off the kitty, replace the air filter and go from there. I want to double check with the experts on here to see if there is anything I may be overlooking that would potentially be wrong with it. By the way, the pump is untouched, also. Other than that it is a great truck that I would have lots of confidence in, tranny feels great, it just seems a bit low on power. Any thoughts...?

FarmerJim

The 285 tires are probably a little big for the 355 rear end without any mods. That would probably make it seem doggy. I had 265s on my 96 with 355 rear and it was a little doggy untill I put a throttle plate in the 7100 pump and that sure woke it up. I would still be driving it if it had been an extended cab. Neighbor who bought it is still driving it. The only real problem I had was 5th gear nut backing off and losing 5th gear on a trip and comming on home it 4th. Had an aftermarket 5th gear retaining system installed and solved the problem. The only other thing I can think of is you need to check on is if the KDP (killer dowel pin) has been fixed. Tlhere are others on here that can explain how to take care of this much better than I can, or a good mechanic can take care of it.

Lary Ellis (Top)

Still enjoying my 96 I bought new, hard to go for a new one when you can't find any faults with the one you already have

Like the others have said, check the KDP and the fuel lines need to be addressed as they rot off at the injection pump. Put a fuel plate in it and have fun

Crimedog

Checked the KDP, that's still good. I'm hoping I can find a stock 12 valve around here that I can compare it to, hopefully it is just a combination of the tires and tall gears. Like I say I can't compare it to mine, and I can't remember what mine felt like when it was stock. I'm kicking myself right now because I forgot to check the throttle cable (has the recall on it) and to check the shutoff solenoid for possible adjustment. I felt for wetness on the fuel lines, couldn't feel anything but that doesn't mean air isn't getting in. Thanks for the extra confidence

js

sounds just like mine. buy it and drive it

96_12V

Great truck, but as you can see in my sig, I'm partial!

TxDiesel007

U drive a stock ram,


and an upgraded one and u get exactly that feeling, happensto me too, when i drive a friends stock 1997.....285's a stock engine, and a 180 pump, well its kinda hard to break the tires loose, I would be glad the truck is stock, or stock appearing, it make a heck of a bomb wagon! What i would suggest has already been suggested, so no need to repeat it..

Tx