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Introducing, Project Ram

This, post introduces my newest automotive project.

Project Ram.

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No... we aren't building a truck to shamelessly roll coal. Rather....

This, will be a truck, intended to be used as a truck. It will be beefed up a bit, and won't be slow. And, it will be able to haul a 15,000 gooseneck as well.

I am not building a show truck. Just a dead simple, reliable, multi-purpose truck.

The truck

I picked up this truck a couple weeks ago, a state over. Drove the truck the entire way back, without any issues. And, it averaged 18mpg, bone stock, doing 75mph.

Here- is a picture from the drive back after purchasing the truck.

Image shot of the interior, while driving the truck back home

As I said in the intro- this is not intended to be a show truck, or race truck. But, rather a multi-purpose truck capable of achieving quite a few tasks.

From Project: Because Racecar, I did learn, having a 1,000+ hp pickup truck is not very practical. Despite having a ton of power, it was not fast. There was no traction.

While- it could pull a small tailor- it was not very suitable for it due to the half ton suspension. It did, somewhat work for hauling things in the bed, as long as you were careful to not hit the 20gal aluminum fuel cell in the back. But... gas mileage was not a strong suit here, and 91+ octane was a must.

Instead- this is the intended use of this truck.

Picture of the truck hauling a tailor loaded with fence in an overgrown field.

Later on, I might see if I can help the paint out a bit. But, for now, it works.

Image of the truck taken from the front, showing the drivers side.

Now- most people would have taken a look at this truck, and walked away... The plastic Dodge used for these years, was not UV resistant, and becomes extremely brittle. So- you end up with this:

Image inside of the truck showing the dash... or lack thereof

However- I was not buying this truck for a cushy interior. Rather- This is what I wanted:

Picture showing the engine bay, with a 12v Cummins

This is the legendary 5.9 mechanically-injected, 12v Cummins turbo-diesel.

There is no computers driving this engine. It is 100% mechanically injected. It will run without any power, assuming you can push it down a hill and get it started.

In addition- there is one more key feature I was looking for....

Another picture of the interior, showing really nice seats, and a manual shift lever

That is- the NV4500 transmission. It is a 5-speed, Synchronized Manual transmission.

While- it is nothing special, I wanted a manual transmission for reliability purposes, and that is what is offered in these years.

So.... Why did I pick this specific model?

Well- I have a Post here, regarding the various generations.. with pros and cons

The shorter version- The P-Pump is one of the most well-known mechanical injection pumps, for good reason. Between the pumps capabilities, and the stout rotating assembly, the 12v for these years can EASILY be turned up to support 400+ hp with relatively simple modifications.

As well, there is no DPF. No DEF. No SCR. No EGR. None of that to worry about.

Project Goals

I do- have a few goals I would like to accomplish, however.

  1. It should be reasonably fast.
    • ~400hp.
  2. I expect good fuel economy
    • 18-22mpg.
  3. Able to pull a gooseneck, with a 6-ton tractor.
  4. Functional bed.
  5. Dead simple, mechanical reliability.

My Plans

  1. P-Pump modifications
    • Governor springs.
    • AFC Live
    • AFC Max Travel Modifications
    • AFC Springs
    • Fix Leak
  2. Correct potential reliably issues, such as KDP, Timing cover bolts. etc.
  3. Fabricate a new dash
  4. Install hardware for properly towing a loaded gooseneck tailor.
    • Receiver and hitch.
    • Tailor Brake Controller.
  5. Fix door locks. (The key does not fit the doors)
  6. New in-cab electronics.
    • New radio. Double-din, Touch screen, Android Auto.
    • New speakers (Factory speakers are so bad- I cannot tell what song is playing on the radio)
    • CB Radio. Its been sitting in my garage for about a decade now, this is a great vehicle to add it to.
  7. Ice Cold AC.
    • Leaks.
  8. Other reliability fixes.
    • Battery lugs.
  9. Exhaust
    • Stock too quiet.
    • Straight pipe, too loud.

Next Steps

After, a minor issue, I did manage to get this truck fully registered.

While- I was sold a truck with a clean title, it was discovered there was a preexisting lien still on the vehicle, which was unknown by the seller. This- was due to them registering the CLEAN title, in another state. While- My state (which is where he had purchased the truck)- had a lien on file from the 1998. The truck was not sold with this lien on the title either. The best we could figure, is the lien release was never filed back to the state.

To- resolve this- I got in touch with the bank whose name was on the lien from 1998, and they were able to send me a letter in the mail to clear up the issue.

Other then that, the truck is fully registered, insured, and legal now.

I did- manage to straight-pipe it, as the factory exhaust did not sound too nice. I have a new muffler sitting in my shop right now to go back on later.

Next up... Installing gauges to monitor EGTs, Boost, and Fuel. Essential step if you are going to be messing with your fueling! I'd recommend gauges regardless even if you leave it bone stock.