1st Gen. Ram - All Topics Discussion for all Dodge Rams prior to 1994. This includes engine, drivetrain and non-drivetrain discussions. Anything prior to 1994 should go in here.

It seems like I mess around under the hood almost every day.

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Old 11-19-2010, 12:27 PM
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It seems like I mess around under the hood almost every day.

It seems like I mess around under the hood every day. Today I bumped my timing to somewhere between 1/8 inch and to the head. Maybe 1/4 inch would be a good guess.

On the way back to work from lunch (when aforemention messing around happened) the truck died on me while driving. I know that feeling.

I coast to a good wide spot on the side of the road and throw the hazzards on and pop the hood. Sure enough my FSS came disconnected. I opened my toolbox (which seems like a bigger pain in the butt than it is...go to the back bumper, step up over the tailgate, unlock the two padlocks, pop it open, pop open the hand tool box inside, grab pliers, close box, close box, lock locks, back over the tailgate to the front). Give the spade a squeeze and put it back together.

Every other day this week I spent a little time on the star wheel. Counterclockwise 1/4 turn. Counter clockwise another 1/4 turn the next day. Yesterday's 1/4 turn seemed to get rid of smoke enough to my liking.

Some things baffle me, though. Since I changed turbo housings, I get 28 PSI. Turn the power screw and 28 PSI. Advance the timing and 28 PSI. From everything I've read, it seems like that number should change a bit here and there...but nope.

So, from a perfectly good working stock truck that I bought last December, I've:

Increased fuel...'turned up the pump'.
Changed out stock injectors for Bosch 190s.
Changed the 21CM housing to a 12CM housing.
Swapped the 518 for a Getrag

Anyway, I guess it's kind of nice to work on something so simplistic...I never mind grabbing the 10-14 MM wrenches and adjusting stuff...lol.

Probably just me though.
Old 11-19-2010, 12:55 PM
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its fun right
Old 11-19-2010, 03:49 PM
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Pretty much everything ive done has been in the last year also. Right now im going to take out my rocker pedestals so i can machine them down and finally get my head studs in. It seems like my truck and i are constantly taking baby-steps in a good direction. Someday id like to end up with a truck that others are envious of from the modification side of things. Its all for the fun and the glory anyway.
Old 11-19-2010, 04:50 PM
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Yeah, round these parts if someone even knows what the truck is, it's nice. To most, it's just an old truck that probably stinks to be behind.
Old 11-19-2010, 05:02 PM
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Originally Posted by Subliminal
To most, it's just an old truck that probably stinks to be behind.
And when the mods are complete, that's exactly where they'll be, like it or not
Old 11-19-2010, 05:59 PM
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Originally Posted by G1625S
And when the mods are complete, that's exactly where they'll be, like it or not
The mods come to an end?
Old 11-19-2010, 06:56 PM
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Originally Posted by Subliminal
Yeah, round these parts if someone even knows what the truck is, it's nice. To most, it's just an old truck that probably stinks to be behind.
Usual pump mods to my truck. Friend was behind me the other day and said I have a stinky truck. Might work on the star wheel to reduce some of the funk. My wife wishes I had a star wheel she could adjust.
Old 11-19-2010, 07:10 PM
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Originally Posted by Subliminal
Yeah, round these parts if someone even knows what the truck is, it's nice. To most, it's just an old truck that probably stinks to be behind.
Ha ha, being on Lawn Guylund I feel yer pain
Old 11-19-2010, 08:53 PM
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ChrisLib you have noone, I am alone in North Jersey, Subliminal is alone central, The crossys and Bill south, Oilcan for Ct, 3 guys for Maine, one for Vermont and you got Sortie representin the 5 boros of NYC, I guess. PA has more than all of us combined. Pretty sad considering the combined population in the tri state area.

I would like to do one of those pin head maps of current first gen owners but don't know how.


I do get a lot of compliments on my first gens from all types, which is cool. Not sure if its such a rarity like an old antique or people aren't as ignorant as I think. Got a thumbs up and read the guy's lips "nice truck" as I passed him directing traffic today. Betcha he doesn't say that to just any Cummins truck. I get some respect paid from the Powerstroke/ Duramax guys at the fuel pumps from time to time. i guess if it had a 318 in it only the lack of rust would get any attention.

Damon, you ever get your driveshaft sorted out? Think you wrench alot, I usually have a couple first gens, I feel married to them and could do some work while I sleep.
Old 11-20-2010, 06:12 AM
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Ha. No, haven't worked out the driveshaft yet. I need to, though. Just hard when it gets dark about 15 minutes after I get home and there is NO chance that thing is fitting in the garage.
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