RamCharger.net

Tech => Projects => Topic started by: rjtx667 on July 26, 2012, 12:14:09 AM

Title: 2000 Mexico RamCharger
Post by: rjtx667 on July 26, 2012, 12:14:09 AM
I will fill in the back story later, but here are some new pics after the soda blasting is done and also with the new sport grille.

Its really amazing what that baking soda did, and how it got everywhere  ???

I am also amazed to see the previous work done on the truck body wise that I could not see before. The body shop looked at it real quick and loved what they were going to have to work with so thats all I need to know
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- Its Naked Now !!!
Post by: rjtx667 on July 26, 2012, 12:15:37 AM
forgot to mention I went ahead and put the new headlights on it for now. I still have to fix the wiring as the new ones are the "sport" headlights with 2 bulbs but they look and work soo much better.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- Its Naked Now !!!
Post by: Dodgestrike on July 26, 2012, 12:34:21 AM
the bodyshop will have a good start , looking forward to how it's going to look painted  8)
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- Its Naked Now !!!
Post by: Jungle on July 27, 2012, 02:41:57 PM
Looking good!!!
What color it going to be?
Jim
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- Its Naked Now !!!
Post by: rjtx667 on July 27, 2012, 05:02:09 PM
2012 Dodge Perl Blue. I have to do a few things then I will take it to the body shop next week to get started.

One of the things is to get the 91 back to the house after its been painted with primer.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- Its Naked Now !!!
Post by: SixGun on July 27, 2012, 10:10:59 PM
 8)  I like Nikid... hmmm good.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- Its Naked Now !!!
Post by: rjtx667 on August 28, 2012, 07:55:09 AM
well I have not done much, its kind of in limbo waiting for the 91 to finish at the body shop so it can go in.

I did find a good buy on some infinity speakers and I have the front pair installed. The rear pair should get in this week.

I also broke down and bought a new alpine head unit. Man it sounds a lot better with the new deck. It was not too bad price wise minus the steering wheel controls which cost a small fortune but are well worth it. I also had them tint all the windows and that makes a difference as well.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- Its Naked Now !!!
Post by: rjtx667 on August 31, 2012, 08:52:54 AM
Got the rear speakers installed... Man it sounds good  :great:

I don't have any subs or amps because I don't listen to stuff that loud, but its plenty good for what I need.

The new window tint makes a big difference too. Talking with the guys that did it, they told me the factory tint is tinted glass and has no UV or heat blocking in it. That's why I had them do the back, it made it a little darker but it got the UV blocked and 41% heat blocked.

I never knew before now that factory tint does not block UV/ Heat. I need to get my durango done now.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- Its Naked Now !!!
Post by: rjtx667 on September 06, 2012, 10:04:30 AM
So I might have gone a little crazy  :icon_scratch:   :dontknow:

I bought a 2005 Ram 1500 Axle for $500. 3.92 gears posi-track, disk brakes. I need some parts for the disk brakes, but it has the stuff to make it work.

The bad news, the spring perch's are not in the right spot.  :violent1:

Good thing I knew that before buying it. These go for like $800 at the junk yards, this guy bought the wrong gear and has a 4x4 so he could not use it and had to eat the loss.

I dropped it off yesterday at a welding shop, they are moving the spring perch's where I need them. :13:

After thats done I need to get the disk brake parts and verify that I can use my existing driveshaft, then I should have fun installing it.

The D44 that it has seems to be hard to find parts for here in the USA, so I felt better getting a 9 1/4 under it. Its a bit more work the way I went, but it gives me disk brakes and a posi-track rear end.

I hope the 3.92's help wake the sucker up... its a bit slow right now off the line.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- Its Naked Now !!!
Post by: SixGun on September 06, 2012, 10:08:19 AM
What's the gear ratio on there now?
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- Its Naked Now !!!
Post by: rjtx667 on September 06, 2012, 10:12:45 AM
3.55

the bigger issue is it went from 245/70/R16 to 265/75/R17. I did not change the tire size, but I like the look of the bigger tires.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- Its Naked Now !!!
Post by: rjtx667 on September 07, 2012, 12:17:35 PM
Sweet axle is done and back in the back of the truck.... was $165 and they had to move the spring and shock mounts.

I am excited, sadly I don't have all the parts yet, need disk brake parts and the ubolts.

Time to shop while at work and see what I can get done, would be cool to get it installed this weekend.


Anyone have a need for a Mexican Dana 44? lol
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- Its Naked Now !!!
Post by: Dodgestrike on September 07, 2012, 04:40:10 PM
does your truck have a stabilizer bar on the back ?
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- Its Naked Now !!!
Post by: rjtx667 on September 07, 2012, 05:38:44 PM
yes it does, not sure if I can transfer it over or not.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- Its Naked Now !!!
Post by: rjtx667 on September 07, 2012, 09:46:37 PM
more pics to come.

Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- Its Naked Now !!!
Post by: rjtx667 on September 07, 2012, 11:16:43 PM
Also in case anyone was wondering... Hyundai vs RamCharger... Hyundai 0 Ramcharger 1

Someone rear ended me on the way home, I could not find any damage to mine. I think the hitch took most of it
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- Its Naked Now !!!
Post by: rjtx667 on September 07, 2012, 11:21:12 PM
better shot of the new axle.

I got it cleaned up some. Also got the rotors turned and ordered the new brake lines. I don't feel good about using JY brake lines  :icon_scratch:

just did not seem like a good idea.

Everything is looking great and I plan to start trying to swap stuff out tomorrow. Lets see how it goes.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- Its Naked Now !!!
Post by: Dodgestrike on September 07, 2012, 11:39:32 PM
new axle looks good  :035:

and it wasn't a nice afternoon for the rice burner  :evil6:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- Its Naked Now !!!
Post by: crazzywolfie on September 08, 2012, 12:19:17 AM
that suck that you got rear ended but that axle is looking good.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- Its Naked Now !!!
Post by: SixGun on September 08, 2012, 12:53:16 AM
That naked girl knocked the f^ck out of that Hyundai.   :040:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- Its Naked Now !!!
Post by: rjtx667 on September 08, 2012, 05:46:53 PM
well I have to say its gone better than I thought so far, but then again I still have 2 major issues to resolve... well 3 really.

1) I need 2 more u bolts - about to drive to the parts store that has them in stock
2) apparently I have to bend my own brake line for the passenger side so need the line and a flaring tool for that
3) I need to swap the yokes between the axles and the nuts seem to be on there damn hard. The new one I will try again once I have wheels and weight on it. If that works then I will put wheels on the old and get some help to weigh it down.

Once I get all that done it should be as easy as bleeding the brakes and taking her for a spin.

Got some pics for everyone to enjoy... and I have to say I am damn impressed with those welders. The springs lined up perfect the first time!!!! not an issue at all. Shocks line up as well. Its going to take a bit of work but looks like I can keep the sway bar too.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- Its Naked Now !!!
Post by: rjtx667 on September 08, 2012, 11:55:27 PM
Ok so now the new axle is all bolted up and secure. I only have 4 lug nuts per side.

Side story. Somewhere between 2000 and 2005 they went from 1/2 wheel studs to 9/16 wheel studs and Orielly's wanted 4.99 a lug nut. I finally found 4 for 7.99. I will order the ones I want online then return these lol.

So anyways, its got 4 new ubolts and they are secured and look good. I was able to re-attach the sway bar as well.

The driver side brake line was pre-made and went together pretty good. The Passenger side I had to bend and flair myself. It looks ok, and I will take that since it was my first attempt. It leaked at first but appears to have stopped now that I tightened it up more.

I now need the parking brake cables, which will arrive tuesday, and the driveshaft. I am waiting for assistance on that as I need someone to press the brakes so I can break free the nut on the 9 1/4 to remove its yoke. I will then have to figure out how to do the same with the D44 that is now loose and not connected to anything  :icon_scratch:

Hopefully I will have it running under its own power again here real soon. Then we will see how far the speedometer is off again. Before it was 7% fast, now I am betting it will be slow by that much or more.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- Its Naked Now !!!
Post by: rjtx667 on September 09, 2012, 09:43:07 PM
so change of plans. After reading about what is involved in removing the pinion yoke and resetting pre load and all that I decided to try and find the yoke plate that goes on the new axle.

I went JY hunting today and found a yoke along with the ABS modules (now all I need is a good engine compartment wire harness)

The good news is the new yoke fits the axle, the bad news is apparently it was off a 2500 (was hard to tell as it was just sitting there alone, only one I found too). It has a 1 3/16 cap size not the 1 1/16 cap size of the driveshaft. Looking up parts it appears a 2005 1500 also uses a 1 1/16 cap for the rear u joint.

The good news is I just found a "combination" u joint that will do exactly what I want. I am going to pick it up tomorrow and we shall see how it goes. The new parking brake cables should be here tuesday as well.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- Its Naked Now !!!
Post by: SixGun on September 09, 2012, 10:56:34 PM
 :happy1:  I can't wait to see the burnout video.   :laughing7:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- Its Naked Now !!!
Post by: rjtx667 on September 10, 2012, 07:43:37 AM
 :laughing4:

I don't think my 5.2 will be able to handle that just yet, and while before this I probably could have power braked a good show that option is now gone. I have yet to see anyone power brake a truck with rear disk.

Now once I get to replace the cam and put some R/T heads on the sucker.... then we can talk  :laughing7:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- Its Naked Now !!!
Post by: Dodgestrike on September 10, 2012, 07:22:46 PM
never underestimate a 318  :035:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- Its Naked Now !!!
Post by: rjtx667 on September 11, 2012, 07:43:05 AM
Quote from: Dodgestrike on September 10, 2012, 07:22:46 PM
never underestimate a 318  :035:

I did not underestimate it... I just said yet  :laughing7:

I figured up the gain to be about 10.4% and thats a good gain, but with the stock settings its not going to be enough yet.

I was able to get the ujoint put in, and I was able to confirm that my brake line is still leaking  :dontknow:


I am going to re-do the end of the brake line tonight to see if I can get it to stop.

I was able to take it for a quick spin around the block and it defiantly helped out the get up and go. Its now to a decent level, but not where I want it yet.... thats ok the cam and heads and exhaust and tune will get it the rest of the way  :dance: sadly those will most likely be next year as now I need to turn the focus back to painting the sucker.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- Its Naked Now !!!
Post by: taz_man440 on September 11, 2012, 07:55:04 PM
Quote from: rjtx667 on September 10, 2012, 07:43:37 AM
:laughing4:
I have yet to see anyone power brake a truck with rear disk.


Guess you haven't driven a Hemi?  LOL My 06 Quad cab will roast em,  just too expensive to replace 20's....
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- Its Naked Now !!!
Post by: rjtx667 on September 11, 2012, 08:06:02 PM
Quote from: taz_man440 on September 11, 2012, 07:55:04 PM
Quote from: rjtx667 on September 10, 2012, 07:43:37 AM
:laughing4:
I have yet to see anyone power brake a truck with rear disk.


Guess you haven't driven a Hemi?  LOL My 06 Quad cab will roast em,  just too expensive to replace 20's....


I bet your hemi has enough hp and torque to just flat roast, it's also lighter in back than the ramcharger. Add to it that I have a nearly bone stock 5.2 doing 230 hp at best my only hope of breaking them loose is to power brake and I have never been successful at doing that with rear disk. growing up I power braked my old ramcharger all the time with drums
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- Its Naked Now !!!
Post by: rjtx667 on September 11, 2012, 10:15:37 PM
Well I got the brake leak fixed and got almost all the air out, I think I will need to bleed it once or twice more to get it all... when I was swapping it out it drained all the brake fluid out so lots of air to remove.

I can say it has some stopping power... put it in reverse and push the brakes down, it does not even try to budge, same with forward so thats a good thing. The petal is still a little soft, but I think I can get that out tomorrow.

I got a better test drive out of it today, figured out I have a vacuum leak (even found it) so I have to fix that tomorrow too. I did notice that when your taking a corner it now has no issues breaking free. We are not talking a bark but a full break loose, this is a far cry from what it used to be. I also noticed that while its still not a Hemi or street racer it now accelerates better and you can see the engine is happy by how much smoother it is running through the RPM range.


Now the other thing that shocked me today, I took it to a new shop to get a quote on a paint job for it. This is a local guy that has been in business for like 25 years. He looked it over and made some comment. Showed me his tools, his paint booth, his mixing room. He uses DeBeer paint which seems to be like best of the best stuff. He said he would work up a formal quote for me but that he is very meticulous about his paint jobs. He will remove the hood, doors, fenders, etc. The glass comes out, the interior comes out and he paints it all. the whole door, the whole body. He told me I could do as much of that as I wanted to reduce cost.

I asked when he could get it in and how long it would take, as those are 2 big concerns for me. He did not really answer when, just stated he has some insurance work he has to finish first. He said as far as time to do it, if he busted it out balls to the walls working like crazy it would take 2 1/2 months!!!!! So I guess that means 3-4 months of normal work? Now granted he said after a coat is applied they will let it cure in the sun for 2-4 days... He said he does 3 coats of primer, then base, then 3 -4 coats of paint, then 4 coats of clear. He then re-assembles it all and then wet sands and buffs it out. So if you figure 2-4 days between coats that can take a while, but man it seems like a lot of labor cost in there. I think he would do an excellent job on the paint, I am just not sure I would be able to afford him. Guess we will see when I get the quote from him.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- Its Naked Now !!!
Post by: rjtx667 on September 12, 2012, 08:19:44 AM
WOW  :dance:

time will tell, I am going to fill up to get an accurate reading, but going to work today I noticed a huge difference in economy. Used to going on a hill it would drop to 10 or 11 mpg, now its more like 15-16.

Used to it was averaging like 17 on the highway with the instant economy shown, now it was showing more like 20-22.

If its that big of an improvement, and I get more acceleration its defiantly a win-win situation.

Normally in town/ highway combo got me around 15-16.5 MPG so we will see how it does after the swap.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- Its Naked Now !!!
Post by: taz_man440 on September 12, 2012, 11:20:57 AM
Did you recalibrate the odometer?
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- Its Naked Now !!!
Post by: rjtx667 on September 12, 2012, 11:44:44 AM
not yet, I am testing that out, but it was 7% off before because of the larger tires and I figure a 10.4% change with the gears which means I am slow by 3.4%.

doing 73 my gps shows 70 so it's about accurate.

before the swap it used 2 sensors in the transmission, but since I added the abs sensor and plugged it in I am unsure if it's now trying to use that as well so I need to research more.


just visited another body shop, he said 5-6k and 3mo min. the long time was because he would only work on it between insurance jobs, so it would be a low priority job.

that price is about double what I wanted, I was looking for 3500 or so. guess I might have to re-evaluate.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- Its Naked Now !!!
Post by: Dodgestrike on September 12, 2012, 02:24:11 PM
how about a bodyshop that does racecar bodywork ? they are probably faster
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- Its Naked Now !!!
Post by: minionsram on September 12, 2012, 09:47:01 PM
why not just do it your self? its not that hard and for 5 grand you could get a lot of stuff.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- Its Naked Now !!!
Post by: rjtx667 on September 12, 2012, 10:16:35 PM
Quote from: minionsram on September 12, 2012, 09:47:01 PM
why not just do it your self? its not that hard and for 5 grand you could get a lot of stuff.

I have never done a paint job or any real body work for that matter, but trust me its something I am considering.

My wife might not like the time commitment it would take  :violent1: So I have to figure out how to balance a lot of things to make it work.

I actually played with it a bit tonight, I cleaned up a few spots that were trying t rust (still have a few more to get) and hit them with rust neutralizer or whatever you want to call it. It has to dry over night then I need to sand and throw some primer on there. So we will see how bad that looks when I am done  :017:

Just for grins and giggles I saw a Macco on the way to a stop I had to make, so I pulled over and asked for a quote.

It was $2800.... $1500 for the paint and 350 primer and the rest for body work. The other quotes the paint cost $1500, so how can Macco use the same paint at that price. I have visited about 4 different shops and they all say the same price range and all seem to think its going to be 25 hours or so just to clean up the body damage.

The Guy I meet with yesterday told me he would repull all the dents and get 95% of them out... which would be cool... less bond is better to me. Still not sure about the prices just a whole lot of $$ for a paint job.

At this point I wish I had only had it soda blasted down 1 layer and not to the metal, then it would be cheaper as all the bondo would still be in place   :laughing7:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- Its Naked Now !!!
Post by: crazzywolfie on September 12, 2012, 10:47:55 PM
it is nice to be able to sand or soda blast but it gets everywhere and can get fairly expensive.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- Its Naked Now !!!
Post by: Dodgestrike on September 13, 2012, 12:23:00 AM
maybe you can go somewhere in between , like doing part of the bodywork yourself and then droping it at a bodyshop for finishing details and paint. just an idea
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- Its Naked Now !!!
Post by: minionsram on September 13, 2012, 05:38:34 AM
Just gotta say body work is not that hard, it is time consuming and requires being very detailed, but easy work. Find some information and give it a try.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- Its Naked Now !!!
Post by: rjtx667 on September 13, 2012, 03:50:58 PM
Sadly I can see how the green could look ok on it  :victory:


I was spraying some stuff on it to kill the rust, it turns black when its working. Of course a bug had to join the party.

The stuff came out of the can very un-even. I am going to sand on it tonight and try and get some primer down on a few spots.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- Its Naked Now !!!
Post by: rjtx667 on September 13, 2012, 09:12:30 PM
So I got home and checked out my shady work from yesterday. Could be worse. I break out the sanding block and go to town, about 30 minutes in I recall I have a jitterbug sander. I stop and go find it  :dance: much better.

I clean up a good section of the driver side and it feels pretty smooth minus the body damage. I wipe it down about 3 times with cleaner and whip out the spray primer.

Here are a bunch of before and after shots on the setup

this first group is of the damage on the rear we are dealing with. This is the worst of it, the other is very minor.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- Its Naked Now !!!
Post by: rjtx667 on September 13, 2012, 09:13:34 PM
Here are some of the pre primer shots. Sorry for the blur... phone camera in the dark  :dontknow:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- Its Naked Now !!!
Post by: rjtx667 on September 13, 2012, 09:17:29 PM
And here it is post primer. I am going to let it dry over night and pull the sander back out again tomorrow. That primer did not come out smooth, but I still think it looks better than it did.

I was also looking, the driver side is not as bad as I thought it was when it was bare metal (funny how a little color changes things). I also looked and have limited access from the back side to that area. I am going to grab a hammer and block and see if I can beat some of that back out. I figure its hard to mess it up more than it is now (I know I could) but its worth a try to smooth it out.

The more I can fix myself, or fix better than now, the cheaper it will make getting it done. I also decided I will primer the whole thing myself. Then I won't have to worry about rust spots or rain. It won't be super pretty, but it gives me a shot to try my hand at some of it, and protects it all at once.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- Its Naked Now !!!
Post by: crazzywolfie on September 13, 2012, 09:36:11 PM
who the heck keep putting all the holes in it :017:? you can get a stud welder cheap and then you don't have so many holes to cover with bondo.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- Its Naked Now !!!
Post by: rjtx667 on September 13, 2012, 09:54:15 PM
Quote from: crazzywolfie on September 13, 2012, 09:36:11 PM
who the heck keep putting all the holes in it :017:? you can get a stud welder cheap and then you don't have so many holes to cover with bondo.

I got one word for you (no offense Francisco) MEXICO lol

that and the PO's were cheap SOB's. I mean the dash was in parts when I got it, the interior lights did not work, the ODB II port was dead, and it was krylon flat black.

Its been a long road of fixes. Like I said it has decent access from the inside, so I can try and either block it out with a hammer and block or try to find a stud welder. After its better I can weld all the holes closed and make it a lot better.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- Its Naked Now !!!
Post by: crazzywolfie on September 13, 2012, 10:10:54 PM
ok. i thought it might have been you punching all those holes. i know that is how my dad would do it but i hate the idea. people have posted links to stud welders at parts stores in the US for about $50. i don't think i would get that lucky here.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- Its Naked Now !!!
Post by: rjtx667 on September 13, 2012, 10:43:20 PM
Quote from: crazzywolfie on September 13, 2012, 10:10:54 PM
ok. i thought it might have been you punching all those holes. i know that is how my dad would do it but i hate the idea. people have posted links to stud welders at parts stores in the US for about $50. i don't think i would get that lucky here.

http://www.harborfreight.com/stud-welder-dent-repair-kit-98357.html

its $100 not 50 but it might be worth playing with. If I can figure out how to use it. :fucyc:  Granted I think I would also like the try the block and hammer first just to see if I can get that to work since I already own it and have access. I am sure in the end it would take a combo of both to get it where it needs to be.

I wonder if it could work out good enough to stud weld over the holes, then cut off and grind down to cover the holes up lol.

The other option is getting a copper block to put back there and using my normal welder. I really need to take a welding class as I am eh at best on it but then again i don't have much practice with it either.

if I had been thinking I would have got a lesson from Ron when he was here  :021:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- Its Naked Now !!!
Post by: Dodgestrike on September 13, 2012, 10:52:10 PM
yeah non taken , it is a cheap ass job in defense of the bodyshops over here same as in the US you get what you pay for and the PO got what he paid for ... if he paid lol
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- Its Naked Now !!!
Post by: minionsram on September 14, 2012, 02:28:34 AM
http://www.moparmusclemagazine.com/techarticles/body/mopp_0612_how_to_paint_a_car/viewall.html
this will get you started. If you have a local paint supplier, talk to them. they are always happy to help get you on the right track with advise because they know you will come in for the next thing to buy and the advise on how to use it. :headbang:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- Its Naked Now !!!
Post by: rjtx667 on September 15, 2012, 02:19:45 PM
stud welder on sale for $99... thats a good $99 spent  :evil6:

Only did one little section so far, but it did not take long and worked really well.

granted what I am seeing at this point, I am going to have to do multi passes. So do 1 pass pulling some, trim studs grind off. Do another pass

keep repeating until its good. but I would say that pulled about 80% of the dent that was there. if I can get it to 85-90% I would be happy.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- Its Naked Now !!!
Post by: Dodgestrike on September 15, 2012, 06:13:10 PM
I might need one of those soon  :great:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- Its Naked Now !!!
Post by: crazzywolfie on September 15, 2012, 06:36:58 PM
that is looking pretty good. when you start doing the work yourself that $99 you spent on tools seems like nothing compared to what a body shop would charge you to do the same work.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- Its Naked Now !!!
Post by: rjtx667 on September 15, 2012, 09:59:18 PM
When I am finished with it, maybe we can get it sent south of the border.

Yeah I wanted to try spending $99 before I go and send several thousand for someone else to do this. I know I can't get it 95% out like they can, but if I can get it 90% out and filler the rest then it will be almost as good for a whole lot less.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- Its Naked Now !!!
Post by: crazzywolfie on September 15, 2012, 10:10:12 PM
at least your not just filling in the dent with bondo like most people would. i know my dad says he wants to get his ford to last another 5+ years but i find with the way he keeps doing body work it won't last that long.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- Its Naked Now !!!
Post by: rjtx667 on September 15, 2012, 10:16:28 PM
Quote from: crazzywolfie on September 15, 2012, 10:10:12 PM
at least your not just filling in the dent with bondo like most people would. i know my dad says he wants to get his ford to last another 5+ years but i find with the way he keeps doing body work it won't last that long.

that's what the PO's did to this one
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- Its Naked Now !!!
Post by: Dodgestrike on September 15, 2012, 11:34:05 PM
I was trying to figure out how those dents were made but... I don't know
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- Its Naked Now !!!
Post by: minionsram on September 16, 2012, 08:28:21 AM
looks to be time for a dolly and a shrinking hammer. that is if you can get a dolly on it. I have had to tack the dolly on a rod and stick it inside of panels before to get them. :violent1:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- Its Naked Now !!!
Post by: rjtx667 on September 16, 2012, 12:31:30 PM
I can barely get the dolly in there, I was going to give that a try.

The passenger side has more damage, but less stuff in the way was well.

The other thing I have to do is weld up the holes which should be fun too.

Hopefully I get to work on it some more this afternoon.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- Its Naked Now !!!
Post by: minionsram on September 17, 2012, 05:46:52 AM
dont know what your hand and time in welding is, but make sure you dont put too much heat in the sheet metal. Just "dot" the trigger and give it a second then "dot" trigger again. Holding the trigger too long on the gun will warp the hell out of the body. Take your time with it. A auto shield is a great thing, I have payed for mine time and time again with all the use in just doing body work for friends.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- Its Naked Now !!!
Post by: rjtx667 on September 17, 2012, 07:24:59 AM
Yeah I have an auto shield. I have done a little bit of work, but not a lot welding.

I will be sure to practice before I do it on the truck. Luckily it appears I will be able to get a copper plate behind all the spots I need to fill.

I had kid duty last night so I did not get to work on it any more. Before I do too much more I need to stop and get me a mini grinder or whatever they are called to clear off the studs, the 4" electric grinder just seems overkill for that.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- Its Naked Now !!!
Post by: rjtx667 on September 18, 2012, 08:16:01 AM
Little progress, got me a angle grinder and some 36 grit sand paper.

You can defiantly still see the issue, and its really hard to get a dolly back behind it to work it out more but I figure its better than it was and should require less bondo as it is. The last section I need to  fill the holes up before I primer it.

I also got all the spots trying to rust treated and covered so that should not be an issue any more. Think I am about ready to turn it around and work on the other side some.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- Its Naked Now !!!
Post by: minionsram on September 18, 2012, 09:16:07 AM
I always just stuck to a 4 1/2 inch grinder or pistol grinder with some 120 grit flap disk. Just dont stay on one area too long ;)
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- Its Naked Now !!!
Post by: rjtx667 on September 18, 2012, 09:17:34 AM
Quote from: minionsram on September 18, 2012, 09:16:07 AM
I always just stuck to a 4 1/2 inch grinder or pistol grinder with some 120 grit flap disk. Just dont stay on one area too long ;)

harbor frieght is great... 19.95 for a angle grinder and 7 for the disk kit. I can get tools with that price :-)
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- Its Naked Now !!!
Post by: rjtx667 on September 22, 2012, 10:37:16 PM
So I have not done a hole lot to the body, I am hoping to try and weld some holes up tomorrow.

With news that the 91 is suppose to be back home monday I took the time today to work on preping the 2000 for some paint work.

I have been told to "remove it all" but then they back petaled when I mentioned it would not run without the dash  :laughing7:

So now its even more naked lol.

No carpet
no headliner
no plastic what so ever
No "quad cab" window
no door front window
No door wire harness
no speakers
No rear seat
no console or pass seat


I still need to

take out the rear glass
take out the hatch glass
clean up sides and floor from "padding"
remove hatch wire harness so its out of the way

Since I plan to use this to pull the 91 home, I want to leave the driver seat and windshield in place until it gets there. Once at the shop I can work to remove both and load them up to take to my house.

The shop that has the 91 has given me a much better price than the other places, I had just been concerned about them not getting it done because it took so long with the 91. It seems I finally got a good fire lit under them and they are moving full speed ahead now.

I have to say it was a lot of work to get it stripped, but did not take as long as I figured it would. Granted the glass will take me a while just because I am more cautious about it. I bought my own cutter so I don't have to pay anyone else though.

I was also happy to find that it already has all the wires for the A/C I am working to install as well.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- Its Naked Now !!!
Post by: Dodgestrike on September 24, 2012, 06:22:16 PM
hey Ryan if it is pre-wired I can send the parts you're missing to do the install sooner , still have to figure door panels and the other pieces.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- Its Naked Now !!!
Post by: rjtx667 on September 24, 2012, 09:14:33 PM
Well the 91 is now home and the 2000 is at the body shop.

The glass guy will stop by tomorrow and pull the rest of the glass (for the price he quoted I decided he could do it  :laughing7: )

They want to have it ready to put the first coat on Saturday. I guess we shall see how it goes. I am excited now.

I will get some pics as they do the work. I plan to stop by every day after work lol

Worse than a kid at christmas
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- Its Naked Now !!!
Post by: rjtx667 on September 27, 2012, 08:58:03 PM
glass is out, they are finishing up the body work now.

They wanted to paint on sat, but things just did not come together as we needed so it will be early next week.

They did get the paint, so here is a shot of the lid. Looks darker than I expected there, but we shall see.

They are going to take the letters Francisco got me (the "Ram Charger" on the doors) and instead of chrome stickers they are going to use gold paint (off the canyon sport) to air brush the letters on.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- Its Naked Now !!!
Post by: SixGun on September 27, 2012, 09:35:59 PM
Hey I see clouds and buildings in your paint.... really cool.   :tard:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- Its Naked Now !!!
Post by: crazzywolfie on September 28, 2012, 02:21:42 PM
i think i  like that color. it will look awesome when it is done
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- Its Naked Now !!!
Post by: rjtx667 on October 04, 2012, 08:47:05 AM
Well its a bit less naked now.... they got all the body work done, cleaned it up some and put the bondo/ putty in place.

They are now sanding it all down and prepping it for primer. They plan on 2 coats of etch primer, followed by 3 coats of sanding primer.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- Its Naked Now !!!
Post by: minionsram on October 05, 2012, 01:28:31 AM
Cant wait to see that top coat! I like that color. want to see the end result. :headbang:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- Its Naked Now !!!
Post by: 80W150 on October 05, 2012, 07:23:54 AM
Looks like the blue on my 01. I like that. That'll be sharp.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- Not Naked anymore !!!
Post by: rjtx667 on October 12, 2012, 09:36:14 AM
The blue is suppose to be the 2012 Dodge true blue.

The shop has spent a lot of time working on the truck, a lot of little dents that were hard to see because it was bare metal. The hood was really bad, apparently it was in a bind because someone did not install it correctly. This has all been fixed and they finally have it primered. They did 2 coats of etch and 3 coats of sanding. He found about 3 more dents he needs to work out then he will prep it for paint.

The good news is that its going to be awesome when its done, the bad news is that it won't be done in time for the road trip next weekend to hidden falls.

Sorry for the quality of the pics, they had it outside "baking" in the sun and I got what I could.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- Not Naked anymore !!!
Post by: SixGun on October 12, 2012, 04:34:11 PM
So what vehicle are you taking to Hidden Falls??   :steeringwheel:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- Not Naked anymore !!!
Post by: rjtx667 on October 12, 2012, 10:20:27 PM
Quote from: SixGun on October 12, 2012, 04:34:11 PM
So what vehicle are you taking to Hidden Falls??   :steeringwheel:

We its not like it was going off road anyways, but it seems I will be hauling the fam in the durango. It too is 2wd (no lockers or lifts) and will also not be going off road. I will just have to bum rides when I can and play with my boys when I can't.

The body shop was getting a new roof all week, and today they got the skylights in. So with all that mess they were not able to do much with the truck because of all the dirt. They plan to hit it hard again on monday and hopefully when I show up on friday I have pics of a blue truck that is waiting on wet sanding.    :dance:

I still need to take the headliners to get cleaned up, but thats hard to do without a large enough truck to carry them in  :icon_scratch: I guess that gets to happen once it gets back.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- Not Naked anymore !!!
Post by: rjtx667 on October 22, 2012, 10:05:01 PM
So the word is now that they are painting the top and door jams tomorrow with the rest to follow on wed.  :dance:

I will be stopping by tomorrow after work to take some pics and see how its turning out.

The body work looks really good, no more dents and looks smooth and clean. With all the time that has gone into it I bet its going to look great
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- Not Naked anymore !!!
Post by: SixGun on October 23, 2012, 01:06:48 PM
Can't look anything but awesome!!   :great:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- Not Naked anymore !!!
Post by: rjtx667 on October 24, 2012, 09:15:20 PM
Well its hard to tell what the finished color will look like, it was really dark in the shop and the clear is not on it. But WE HAVE PAINT  :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance:

I will say that the paint looks darker than I expected right now, but it looks good. It seems to "change" color depending on the light and the angle you view it from. That was not expected and might be because it was still a little wet. We will see when I stop by tomorrow.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- We have paint !!!
Post by: rjtx667 on October 24, 2012, 09:16:42 PM
it looks a blueish purple on my screen, but it did not in real life. Also these pics are super grainy... I am going to take my slr with me tomorrow to try and fix that.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- We have paint !!!
Post by: SixGun on October 24, 2012, 10:56:04 PM
 :thumbsup:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- We have paint !!!
Post by: crazzywolfie on October 24, 2012, 11:34:04 PM
i think it will look a lot better once you get it out in the sunlight.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- We have paint !!!
Post by: rjtx667 on October 25, 2012, 07:34:51 AM
well I forgot the SLR, but yeah I plan to get some pics of it in the sun today I figure they will have it out there drying some.

I am excited to see it here, but know it will be a week or more before its back to my house and a few weeks after that before its back together.

I need to get the A/C mounted in the rear and some parts from francisco so I can have rear A/C ducts. Then I need to get the headliner re-done along with some new carpet and my sound/ heat deadener I bought installed.

I don't plan to re-do the seats just yet because I can't afford it at this time. But they still look to be in good shape so that should be ok.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- We have paint !!!
Post by: rjtx667 on October 25, 2012, 08:10:32 PM
Well they had to get more paint.

All said and done its 1.5 gal of paint and 2.5 gal of clear!!!!

Letting it dry till monday then wet sand and buff.

The paint is different than I thought, it seems to change color with the light... from light to dark. I really like it with the clear on it.

I should get glass back in wed or so, then home soon after that to start putting the rest back together.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- We have paint !!!
Post by: rjtx667 on October 25, 2012, 08:12:21 PM
not sure i ever mentioned it, but its ALL blue... mirrors, grille, door handles, etc.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- We have paint !!!
Post by: crazzywolfie on October 25, 2012, 08:47:10 PM
that thing is going to look beautiful in the sunlight
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- We have paint !!!
Post by: 80W150 on October 26, 2012, 04:42:46 AM
Man, lookin' great! I'm having truck envy. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- We have paint !!!
Post by: phillip637 on October 26, 2012, 08:37:57 AM
looks good. like the color :thumbsup:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- We have paint !!!
Post by: Dodgestrike on October 26, 2012, 09:37:21 PM
looking great Ryan !
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- We have paint !!!
Post by: minionsram on October 27, 2012, 01:35:50 AM
I like that color. Cant wait to see how it looks in the sun light :great:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- We have paint !!!
Post by: rjtx667 on October 30, 2012, 10:16:42 AM
well they found 2 spots where the paint was not applied good, and I found a few more spots as well  :crybaby2:

They are getting some more paint and clear and going to go fix those spots. Taking a long time, but hopefully its all done right when its over.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- We have paint !!!
Post by: rjtx667 on November 01, 2012, 09:56:51 PM
Suppose to be painted tomorrow and cleared on saturday, we shall see how it goes.

They are sanding the whole truck to get it smoother then paint it all again and then 2 gal of clear again.

Hope it comes out right this time.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- We have paint !!!
Post by: rjtx667 on November 05, 2012, 06:13:34 PM
well they are still sanding on it, hope to paint this week/ weekend.


Its funny if you look real quick it almost looks like it did when I got it... Flat black vs Flat Dark Blue  :crybaby2:

Hopefully it starts looking good again. They have sanded a whole lot on that sucker.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- We have paint !!!
Post by: rjtx667 on November 06, 2012, 09:14:03 AM
Well I broke down and ordered more parts today.

Got the Dodge emblem for the grille, and all sorts of rubber gaskets for windows and doors. There was more I wanted, but the other will have to wait. That weatherstrip stuff is not cheap  :tard:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- We have paint !!!
Post by: rjtx667 on November 13, 2012, 01:48:53 PM
Paint take 2

looks good, they have to wet sand and buff along with fix a few small things on the door. Maybe by friday it will be close to ready for windows.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- We have paint !!!
Post by: phillip637 on November 14, 2012, 08:59:50 AM
 :thumbsup:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- We have paint !!!
Post by: Dodgestrike on November 14, 2012, 03:17:11 PM
 :035:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- We have paint !!!
Post by: rjtx667 on November 19, 2012, 09:10:18 AM
Well they have the hood wet sanded, and are working on the rest. They are using 3000 grit paper !!!!

I am not sure how long its going to take them to get it all done, but we shall see.


It all works out as I am low on cash right now, so I need time to save up $$ so I can do the carpet and head liner.


I did go to the JY saturday and bought a new front headliner, not sure it will work like I want yet but I will try. I also got a new steering column for it... Tilt steering here we come  :13:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- We have paint !!!
Post by: Dodgestrike on November 22, 2012, 07:20:00 PM
thats good news , I have the templates done for the back headliner done  :icon_salut:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- We have paint !!!
Post by: rjtx667 on December 12, 2012, 08:49:40 AM
Well I was sick yesterday so did not make it anywhere, but they called and said its washed, waxed, buffed, and all pretty. They have it all done and ready for glass. The glass guy is going to work to get it scheduled and installed this week so hopefully this weekend I can put some door glass back in and get it drivable again.

I prob won't drive it a whole lot as I need to get the rest of it going.

I will start with replacing the dash wire harness (again) and the sound deadening.

Once that is done I have to work on the head liner and carpet. The headliner also requires the new rear a/c I plan to install into it.

Outside I need to fix the parking brake for the new axle and see about swapping out the lug nuts on the axle to the same size as the front.

Sadly I am sure it will be Feb or better before its all done, but it will be nice to have it back home.

I also have to give some time to the durango so I can get it sold and to the 93 so that I have a reliable snow/ ice vehicle.

Beyond all that I have to get the gas leak fixed on the 91 so it can head on over to the body shop for its new paint.

Its great to have progress, but it makes me realize how much more I have to do

I will get some pics today of it, I hope.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- We have paint !!!
Post by: rjtx667 on December 13, 2012, 02:27:36 PM
PICS!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- We have paint !!!
Post by: SixGun on December 13, 2012, 04:56:47 PM
Sure is shiny...   :13:

Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- We have paint !!!
Post by: crazzywolfie on December 13, 2012, 06:58:49 PM
looks good. almost can't wait to see it all back together and completed.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- We have paint !!!
Post by: rjtx667 on December 16, 2012, 10:20:03 PM
Me too!!!

when I get it back I have to finish getting the rest of the glass back in it and the power windows/ locks working. Once I have that done I will drive it around a bit and get quotes for people to do the head liner/ carpet/ side panels in the rear (carpet).

hopefully that won't cost an arm and a let.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- We have paint !!!
Post by: rjtx667 on December 27, 2012, 09:27:42 AM
Well its been home since Sat, not that I have had time to do hardly anything to it.

I got the "extended cab" glass in, but the latches are not secured. I have the door rubber in, but don't have all the window seals in for the door windows.

Hopefully if it warms up some I can work on the windows some more and get the door wire harness back in there.

Pics to follow soon
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- We have paint !!!
Post by: rjtx667 on January 03, 2013, 08:42:08 AM
Did a little more last night, got the hatch closing good and got the wiper blades on. Sadly they have to come back off as I need to fix 1 thing then the cover goes on under the wiper blades.

Its amazing how I have not really drove the truck but yet its dirty  :icon_scratch:

I will have to clean it soon, and I am sure that will be a cold time doing that.

I am taking a page out of Ron's book, but who knows how it will turn out. I bought a backup camera and LCD, this LCD is in the rear view mirror so its smaller but also should be a cleaner install if it works correctly. I am trying to keep a clean look in here, but if it works good I will do something similar to the 91 and 93. (here is a link http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007RC2390/ref=pe_175190_21431760_M3T1_SC_dp_4)

The place I one up'd Ron is that I found this:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0055XCLK4/ref=pe_175190_21431760_M3T1_SC_dp_3

for the price I bought 2 to play with, my hopes are to paint them and install front and rear. I want to wire it so that I only need 1 "display" for both sets of sensors.

They should all be in tomorrow I think so we shall see, not that I am sure when I will have time to work on it. I am trying to clean up the inside metal so I can get ready to sound proof it, but driving it around last night I heard some noise so  now I have to get my wife or someone to drive around while I look for the sound  :angry5:  It also sounded like there was a hole or something not sealing well in the back as the exhaust was louder than I expected on the inside... granted it is a flowmaster but still it sounded like something I should look into.

If I get time this weekend I want to start on the dash wire harness replacement. It should take a few hours to do and will give me the rear wiper back, but I will have to re-work a few of my "creative" solutions for the cruise control.

Here are some pics last night from the parking lot. Going to try to get some during the day, but with daylight like it is, its getting hard to do during the weekday.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- We have paint !!!
Post by: SixGun on January 03, 2013, 10:22:37 PM
Hey Ryan,  looks real good!  As for the mystery dirt, maybe your Mexico RC is sneaking out of the house.  Baaad Pancho.... :laughing7:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- We have paint !!!
Post by: rjtx667 on January 04, 2013, 08:25:29 AM
Maybe the wife is sneaking it out? :icon_scratch:  Naw she knows better lol.

It was a little dirty when I got it from the glass shop, I am trying to find something that is ok to use on the new paint but still looking. I washed it with water only yesterday but it did not help as much as I hoped.

I got the plastic cover that goes under the windshield wipers, seems I am missing a bolt there too so I am going to have to track one down.

I drove it around a bit, and downloaded a DB monitor on my phone. Going down the road at 60 it ran just under 90DB of noise, most of it being road noise. When I got back home I started working to remove the old "sound junk" that was on the floor and wheel wells.

What a PITA  :tard:  Its going to take a while to get it all off, once I do I will take another ride and do another DB test. After that I will start applying the sound deader and then re-test once more.

For a base line today on the way to work the Durango at 70 was about 80 DB.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: Dodgestrike on January 05, 2013, 07:22:31 PM
it looks great ryan , I see you figured out how to mount the glass again  :headbang:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on January 07, 2013, 01:32:36 PM
Quote from: Dodgestrike on January 05, 2013, 07:22:31 PM
it looks great ryan , I see you figured out how to mount the glass again  :headbang:

Yeah I am not sure I am real satisfied with how it was mounted, but they did what they could. If the painter had done a better job keeping it clean around the window they would have put it in like the durango without any rubber showing... but the edges were not clean enough to do that.  :angry5:

I also have a few other spots I have found, so here before long it has to go back to the body shop so they can make this 90% great paint job a 100% great paint job.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on January 07, 2013, 01:35:24 PM
So the parking sensors and camera's came in. I played with the parking sensors just to see if they really worked, and they do !!!! :13:

Now I have to figure out how to mount those suckers.  :icon_scratch:

I also got the backup camera mocked up. I think it will work pretty good once its done.

The glare off the glass makes it hard to see in the pic, I need to take more pics but can't just yet.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on January 07, 2013, 01:46:21 PM
So Saturday and Sunday I did more scraping getting the old junk off, man it weighs a lot too.

I got about 1/2 of it done, the passenger side is all cleaned up! I had to give my blistered hands a break so I took the dash off so I could work on the wiring and the sound insulation under it. I got the wiring harness of and fixed up the new one,  I now need to get the new wire harness back onto the dash and get the dash back in.

Before I do I have to finish the sound insulation on the driver side firewall, the passenger side is done on the firewall and some of the floor and wall. I am trying to do the whole cab + some so we shall see.

On the doors I put 2 parts on them on the outside skin to try and help vibrations, I did the same on the back wall sticking a few patches here and there to help. On the wheel well inside the wall I have it 100% covered to try and help reduce noise. I will do the same on the inside. I am also covering up most of the holes in the inside wall with the mat, it should help some with sound and some with heat.

I think once I am done putting it on the floor I am going to have to put the old carpet in just to be able to drive it around, otherwise the glare and reflection will kill me.

I hope to get the dash back in tonight (the durango had to park outside last night and that made for a cold morning for me lol) Then it will be either scraping or applying the insulation... its hard to put it on in this weather, I stole the wife's blow dryer and once I apply it I have to heat it up to get it to stick good. It takes a little time, but it works pretty good.

I will say it does stink to feel the de ja vu of being dashless again lol

one last thing I wanted to vent on... what was Dodge thinking on these trucks, the sides (as you can kind of see in the last pic) drop like 3-4 inches when the floor meets the wall. all sorts of junk can get stuck there, and I am shocked there are not rust issues there... Ok end rant  :laughing7:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on January 16, 2013, 09:29:55 PM
Hmm I could be in trouble.


http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/cto/3547394737.html

going to look at it tomorrow. If it is anything like what he describes I am sure I will have a new toy for a short time. If I go through with it, then the 2000 will very quickly have a transplant performed on it.

When I talked to the guy he said he dyno'd it at 398hp, not sure on the torque but he is going to find the dyno sheet for me.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: crazzywolfie on January 16, 2013, 09:36:23 PM
as long as it runs good, no funny noises and is fast i would think it is a good deal. i would guess that 398HP is at the crank because i know people on other forums running turbo's on there 318 and they are only putting out  290RWHP,  375RWTQ.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: SixGun on January 16, 2013, 11:39:55 PM
Just be sure to take it on a serious test drive.  Sounds too good to be true.  Hopefully, it's all he's advertised. If it is, sounds like a great swap.  Is this thing gonna run on the computer?
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on January 17, 2013, 09:14:14 AM
I have serious doubts about the engine still. I know I priced out building a kick ass engine... 5k!!!!

granted he did not do everything I would have for that 5k, but he did a lot.

He did not blueprint the block or any other stuff, he worked on bearings and a little to the crank, honed it and called it done.

He has (yet to be verified) R/T heads. He ported and cleaned them up. Not sure what size valves. Those go for $800 bare if you can find them as they are no longer made. I have looked at the indy heads which I think are suppose to flow better and cost about the same bare. Now if you want them built and ported to the max your looking at 1600 give or take.

He got a decent comp cam which is 400 or so retail, looking it up I was a little surprised he did not go bigger, but I think he was limited on valve clearance due to the R/T heads.

He got the M1 intake, which I already have, thats 600 or so

The pistons he used are "eh", no Keith Black here, but run 200 for the set.

He has the Mopar Performance Valve covers, figure 200 for those.

So thats 1k right there just in parts, and you still need oil pump, water pump, seals and gaskets, bolts, etc so say another 300 right there? so 1300, he said he had 1900 in the engine so that leaves 600 for machining cost which could be reasonable since he works at a machine shop. oh forgot the shorty headers, those I bet were 200-300 so that cuts the machining budget in 1/2.

I think I am going to go look it over, verify the R/T heads and see what it looks like, smell the oil etc etc. Going to ask him if we can do a compression and / or a leak down test. then if all that looks good I will test drive it and go from there.

The issue is, even if the motor is just "eh" is it still a "deal"? I just figured up 1600 worth of parts, not that I would be able to re-use the seals. Throw the $800 pair of R/T heads in there and there are parts to make it a good deal even if its just an ok engine.


Richard, you want a 5.2 magnum for your truck instead of a TBI?  :laughing7:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on January 17, 2013, 12:01:19 PM
been fighting all week trying to get that pic uploaded  :angry4:

apparently it was too high of a resolution for the software to handle? :icon_scratch: :dontknow:

Anyways this is what I did sat lol when it was not raining I pulled it out, washed it, dried it and took pics  :great: I am sure my neighbors think I am crazy.

its running and driving, but with "issues"

The bright lights stay on all the time?
the power door locks don't work

I cut a wire to "fix" the bright lights but nothing else found so far. I believe I have a ground getting power somewhere as there are other "odd things"

Its back at the body shop to get the sensors painted and installed and a few touch ups done. Should have it back this weekend to hopefully do some more work on it.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: SixGun on January 17, 2013, 09:12:31 PM
Richard, you want a 5.2 magnum for your truck instead of a TBI?  :laughing7:
[/quote]

Quit tempting me Ryan :040:    :stop: or I'm gonna need a bigger garage. 
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on January 17, 2013, 09:25:04 PM
Quote from: SixGun on January 17, 2013, 09:12:31 PM
Richard, you want a 5.2 magnum for your truck instead of a TBI?  :laughing7:


Quit tempting me Ryan :040:    :stop: or I'm gonna need a bigger garage.

Don't worry that was in good humor as the 5.2 is going back in the dakota which I may already have sold?

And yes that means I bought the truck. its programming (tune) was done very strangely and seems to well sux. But from a dead stop you can burn the rubber past 60 on the gage and if you floor it at 20 it will spool up and break them loose again. He did something with the fan clutch and it seems like it is engaged all the time, not sure what is up with that.

We did compression test and 4 cylinders (2 per side) all were 120-121 and looked good. It ran good and sounded good... very loud but good. The 4.10 gears are way stupid as your doing almost 3k rpm at 70 MPH!!!

Once its in the ramcharger with proper gear ratio and no stall converter, fix the fan clutch it should do real good for what I want.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: crazzywolfie on January 17, 2013, 09:58:40 PM
you should have got said burnout on video to share. you know everyone likes watching a good burnout video.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on January 17, 2013, 10:03:12 PM
Quote from: crazzywolfie on January 17, 2013, 09:58:40 PM
you should have got said burnout on video to share. you know everyone likes watching a good burnout video.


that might be arranged this weekend  :laughing7: :steeringwheel:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on January 18, 2013, 08:21:50 AM
I took some number readings on the way in, I forgot to get the tire size which I will go down and do here in a bit.... but it looks like this truck has 4.56 gears !!!!

I have never done gears, but I might have to swap those with my trail rig and buy new gears for the d44  :laughing7:


It explains why it does not like the highway
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: SixGun on January 18, 2013, 08:21:26 PM
Congrats on the new Drag Truck!    :headbang:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on January 19, 2013, 09:34:53 PM
Man what a PITA!!!! V8's in small trucks are lots of fun, until you go to remove one... then there is no room.

I cut the exhaust in 1/2 and removed the front section, that helped some.

I do have to say that this is a new record for me, bought the truck about 48 hrs ago and it already is not running anymore  :laughing7:

I was happy to see the flex plate was balanced so I can use my torque converter with no issues.

I do have to say I am a bit disappointed in a few things already. I asked the guy like 4 times "These are R/T heads right?" ... "oh yeah the are R/T's"

yeah no they are not R/T heads  :angry4:   they are standard heads that he put a little $$ into and ported out a bit.

Also he said the engine was cold natured... well could that be because you did not put a t stat in?

what else... lets see

- he did not think the inspection plate for the torque converter was important
- looks like he -reused the intake bolts (I guess you can, but why?.... one has a broken head so now I have to try n fix that).
- he did not use any fancy rockers... which is ok as I have some, but now I have to learn how to adjust them and set them up  :icon_scratch:
- he did not have the right collector bolts for the shorty headers... so what did he do? he welded the bolt to the headers so he could secure them.
- he had grounds in all sorts of strange places (on the intake with the intake bolts for one).
- I don't think he did the exhaust but man I think whoever did welds worse than I do  :violent1:


So the good news is its out and ready for a touch up then get slammed back in the 2000. The bad news is I got something going on next weekend and the weekend after, so I will either have to take a day off to do the swap or its 3 weeks out.  :crybaby2:

So far my list of "fixes" are:

New intake bolts
New rockers
New push rods (maybe?)
Swap Fuel rail/ fuel injectors
swap power steering pump bracket
remove bolts from headers
paint headers
clean up pulleys
New plugs
new wires

Inspect lifters
inspect timing chain
look for MP thrust plate (add on to help oil timing chain)

I also want to do a leak down test just for grins since its out and easy to do. I am not super thrilled with the thought of going into the timing cover (I hate removing the balancers... well installing them lol) but I think it needs to be done. If there is not a double roller chain in there, there soon will be.

I will get into some of it tomorrow and check things out, for now I am reading about the rockers and trying to understand all of that along with looking for goodies that need to be purchased.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: crazzywolfie on January 19, 2013, 11:02:24 PM
that sucks that it is not all the guy promised it was but if it has lots of power it could still be worth the money. it will be a fun ride when you are done.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on January 19, 2013, 11:04:20 PM
well I don't think he knew what he was promising... he is not a dodge guy so when I asked does it have R/T heads I am sure he was confused.

but yeah its got good power, I am going just to tweak it a bit.. then maybe in a year or so I can afford the indy heads and rock with them  :headbang:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: crazzywolfie on January 19, 2013, 11:07:43 PM
so i guess we won't be getting a burnout video till your done?
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on January 19, 2013, 11:11:03 PM
Quote from: crazzywolfie on January 19, 2013, 11:07:43 PM
so i guess we won't be getting a burnout video till your done?


:laughing4:  yeah looks like it. I am going to go by where I did the burnout the other night... see if I can get some pics of the marks left for you guys.

Let me put it like this though.. when I bought the truck it was below E, I put $40 in it (about 1/2 a tank). Drove it home, played a little. Drove to work (25 miles each way) drove home, let a friend play. Got home it had 1/8th of a tank left and the gas light was on. :tard:

After that I figured I needed to pull the sucker as I would go broke driving it as it was  :laughing7:

I have to buy a new computer for it too as there is no way to set this computer back to stock  :angry4:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: crazzywolfie on January 19, 2013, 11:17:46 PM
couldn't you just get the dealer to reprogram it back to stock or for a 5.2? i don't think it could be to expensive to get them to fix it. i know if you buy a new one you would most likely have to take it to them anyway to get the vin and mileage entered into the computer.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on January 19, 2013, 11:23:35 PM
Quote from: crazzywolfie on January 19, 2013, 11:17:46 PM
couldn't you just get the dealer to reprogram it back to stock or for a 5.2? i don't think it could be to expensive to get them to fix it. i know if you buy a new one you would most likely have to take it to them anyway to get the vin and mileage entered into the computer.

I am going to ask, but not sure how happy they would be to clear a tuner programmer out. Not to mention I am not sure how happy the truck will be to run up there once its "stock again" lol
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: crazzywolfie on January 19, 2013, 11:32:49 PM
i bet you they fix computers that have been screwed up by tuners all the time. its not like this would be the first time it has happened. at least you can say you bought the truck like that.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: SixGun on January 20, 2013, 11:38:02 AM
Don't lie, you know even if there was nothing questionable you still would have dug into it.  It's an addiction ya know.   :evil6:

That intake looks like a high rise.  Are you gonna change it or (cough cough) tear into your beautiful new hood.  Surely, that tall monster won't fit under the hood or does it?
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on January 20, 2013, 01:49:17 PM
Quote from: SixGun on January 20, 2013, 11:38:02 AM
Don't lie, you know even if there was nothing questionable you still would have dug into it.  It's an addiction ya know.   :evil6:

That intake looks like a high rise.  Are you gonna change it or (cough cough) tear into your beautiful new hood.  Surely, that tall monster won't fit under the hood or does it?

really I wanted to just throw it in and go, but once all the little issues started showing up, I would rather check it now while it is out of the truck than after its in the truck.

I was looking, the roller rockers give you like max of 5hp.... I just shook my head and thought am I seriously going to go through all this config and setup for 5hp at the crank? then skilled and said hell yes  :laughing7:

as for the intake, I already have that exact intake on the rc and it fits just fine. so that also means I will have one of those for sale soon, just have to figure out a price and when.

told Amy I might have to take a day off to do this otherwise it will be a month before I have a weekend for it... and I am just not that patient of a person
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on January 21, 2013, 08:17:02 AM
Well I got a few things on order, and about to order the rest.

Got the fender protectors for it so I can keep the paint nice  :laughing7:

I also bought a dial indicator to degree the cam.

here is the rest I am ordering:

front cover gasket
chain tensioner
chain/ gear set
valve cover kit
intake bolt set
intake gasket set
water pump/ timing cover bolts
breather cover
thermostat
push rods set
lifters
wire set
wire separators
spart plugs

I don't guess any of it is needed, but its all wanted lol he re-used the chain that was on the engine before the rebuild and it does not have the Mopar Perf chain tensioner, so if I have to go in there and remove it all to put the tensioner on then I might as well spend a little more and get a new chain and gear set for it. I don't know about the lifters and push rods, so rather just play it safe and replace them now. The intake bolts, one is broke off so I have to remove the intake to try and pull it out so new kit to re-install.

and I figure if its all off I might as well buy the "pretty chrome" bolts for the water pump/ timing cover.

Oh yeah I ordered new header bolts and some better gaskets, I don't want to be replacing those next year, those shortly headers are a PITA lol

I believe most stuff will be in wed, so I am thinking I will be taking thursday off to try and do the install. I should get the ramcharger back today or tomorrow which means I can prep it (remove  wire harness, fuel line, alternator, hood, etc) before thursday so I can get going fairly quickly. The other good thing is its suppose to be 74 on thursday, so its a good day to try it.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on January 21, 2013, 01:25:10 PM
Parts are on there way and will be here wed for my install date of thursday. I plan to take off since its gonna be like 74 or something.

I have been debating on the rolling rockers, not sure if the adjustments will be worth it and I am not 100% sure if I won't need custom length rods which I don't want to go down that road.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: SixGun on January 22, 2013, 12:49:36 AM
If it ain't broke don't fix it. 
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on January 23, 2013, 08:54:13 AM
I used to take that approach, but now days I have a different one.... If I am hip deep into something, replace everything that could need replacing so I don't have to go back in there again. :laughing7:

As long as you use quality parts it seems to work good. Point being the lifters should be replaced if your in the engine after 50k miles...  I don't know if he did or not, if you replace lifters you need to replace push rods.

The timing set he told me was re-used, and he did not put a tensioner in there. The new timing set is billet so will not need the tensioner as it does not stretch.

I have to take the intake off to fix the broken bolt, which gives me access to the lifters and push rods. While off I will replace all the intake bolts with new. Since the water pump has to be swapped as well as the timing chain I will replace those bolts as well. All new bolts are stainless steel and should look really good when its back together.

I ordered the valve cover items as the bolts were not the right ones (and not pretty) and he did not have the right gaskets or parts for the valve covers.

All in all I am not doing much to the engine, just verifying its all good before it goes back in. :great:

I also broke down and bought a tuner for it yesterday, it hurt a bit but I think it should help. Since its from mx no one can confirm that the tuner will work, but we think it will? :icon_scratch: :dontknow:   If not I guess I will find a new computer and see what functions I loose and work around it.

I have a dr appt this afternoon, then after that I plan to hit the engine hard (and prep the truck) so I can start pulling stuff early tomorrow. Richard you need to live closer so we can help each other more often  :laughing7:

I did buy fender covers to protect the paint, I don't want anything happening to it.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: SixGun on January 23, 2013, 06:40:58 PM
It's only 271 miles one way.... heck we're practically neighbors.   :035:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on January 23, 2013, 07:00:05 PM
Quote from: SixGun on January 23, 2013, 06:40:58 PM
It's only 271 miles one way.... heck we're practically neighbors.   :035:

in that case come on over tomorrow and help me  :laughing7:

I got the intake taken off and the broken bolt was not the issue I feared :13:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on January 24, 2013, 01:01:05 PM
I should have never gotten out of bed today...

leakdown test 2 & 8 leak on exhaust valves. great so I pull both heads and take them to machine shop that did the work, yeah no warranty because they told him the springs were too stiff and it would not work. 320 or more $$ to fix.

oh and to boot... yeah stock heads no porting no polishing and no stainless steel valves.

oh the lifters and pushrods.... yeah not new at all. I will post pics later.

now I am going to go talk to the guy and see if we can work out how to correct his mistakes
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on January 24, 2013, 04:49:34 PM
Ok so pics....

First two are the "new" push rods

Next two the "new" lifters... They could possibly be new, except they don't match! they are not all the same. And the wear marks on them are very strange.
5th is the head that was leaking, you can see TONS of carbon build up, most likely because it was running too cold and not combusting completely... guess thats what happens when you don't have a t stat installed?

The last is of the pistons. You can tell they are not stock and do match the the item he claimed they were, or at least close they are 4" exactly so he gave the wrong part number as that part number was for a 30 over bore.  :violent1:

guess we shall see how it goes when we meet up.

Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: SixGun on January 24, 2013, 05:32:46 PM
Ouch.... that's gotta sting.   >:(
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: crazzywolfie on January 24, 2013, 05:33:45 PM
that sucks but when your done it will be a mean pavement eating machine.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on January 24, 2013, 05:59:05 PM
Well it suxs bad because I would not have bought the thing if he had said "yeah it has factory heads, not a thing done to them at all besides springs that are too stiff and will probably ruin the cam if you don't change them"  :evil6:

But then again I am sure if he said that to anyone they would not buy it lol
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: SixGun on January 24, 2013, 06:06:46 PM
So what will the machine shop have to do for $300 to make the heads useable?
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on January 24, 2013, 06:59:31 PM
complete valve job (again) new stock valves and new correct stiffness springs.

then I need new head gasket, intake gasket, valve cover gaskets, still need to replace timing chain so that and a gasket then put it all back together to have a stock top end with a mild cam :angry4:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on January 26, 2013, 04:57:57 PM
Well the more I thought about it, the more worried I was about the bottom end.

So this morning I hauled the short block up to the machine shop. They are going to dip, inspect, hone, replace all bearings and rear main. Polish the crank, check the cam and balance.

Then put it all back together.

I just did not want to risk putting it in, I am now looking into some Iron Ram heads instead of re-doing the stock heads. I should be able to get some core back for a set of good heads so that would help.

But I hate putting $$ into heads that I know can't flow the way I need them to for the engine I want, even if I don't port or polish the heads yet they still flow better than stock or R/T heads.

Oh They are also verifying the pistons and CR to make sure its not above 9.5:1

Guess we will see what happens when it gets back to me, whenever that is   :crybaby2:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: crazzywolfie on January 26, 2013, 05:42:33 PM
which iron rams were you thinking of getting? there seems be some on e-bay that seem like they are fairly cheap and the guys on dodge forum seem to mention them enough. 
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on January 26, 2013, 05:50:09 PM
Quote from: crazzywolfie on January 26, 2013, 05:42:33 PM
which iron rams were you thinking of getting? there seems be some on e-bay that seem like they are fairly cheap and the guys on dodge forum seem to mention them enough.

the machine shop has a relationship with them, so I will see what the quote first. otherwise I am not sure. either eBay or Hugh's... never bought anything from them but they have a bare set with stainless steel valves no springs for like 720 then have the machine shop test and build

either way I go its way more $$$ than I had planned. but I don't want a stock 360 when I install it.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: crazzywolfie on January 26, 2013, 06:19:04 PM
at least you are going to spend your money right the first time.

the heads i saw on e-bay were about $385 per head but i think hughes is selling a set with the same specs for $975.00.
ebay heads
http://www.ebay.com/itm/160887572247?ru=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fsch%2Fi.html%3F_sacat%3D0%26_from%3DR40%26_armrs%3D1%26_nkw%3D160887572247%26_rdc%3D1
hughes heads that look similar
http://www.hughesengines.com/Index/products.php?browse=category&level0=U21hbGwgQmxvY2sgRG9kZ2UgTWFnbnVtICgzLjkvNS4yLzUuOSk=&level1=Q3lsaW5kZXIgSGVhZHM=&searchmode=partnumber&page=2&partid=27820
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on January 26, 2013, 06:26:49 PM
yeah Hugh's has no springs but stainless steel valves, and I would have to use custom springs anyways.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: crazzywolfie on January 26, 2013, 07:00:26 PM
i think the ones on e-bay come with springs but i don't know much about springs. they may or may not be good for what you need.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on January 26, 2013, 07:18:26 PM
I don't know much, but know they depend on your cam. The cam I has too high of a lift to use stock springs, but you also don't want to go too stiff.

IE stock is like 80-90 ft lbs closed and my cam needs 120

open stock is 200, I need 320-340

but stock lift is .432 and mine is .480/.512
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on January 28, 2013, 09:29:05 PM
Well  :icon_scratch:  :dontknow:

I just don't know anymore  :crybaby2:

Talked to the guy today after work, he said he talked to 4 or 5 people about springs, and they all said the springs he bought were good for the cam.

One of the guys would be the SAME guy that last week told me the seat pressure was too high!!! When we had him on the phone today, he started back peddling pretty fast on that comment.  :angry4:  I was not impressed, makes it seem like all he was after was selling me a $400 set of springs, retainers, and lockers.

Well I was looking online this evening and it gets better.

http://www.mopartsracing.com/parts/a/chartvs.gif

the P4876064 would be the spring in question. Notice on the chart how it says it has an installed height of 1.86"?

Anyone want to take a guess at the installed height of my springs? 1.610" !!!!!!

So it may or may not be his fault, but the issue is not the spring, the issue is the spring seat and it not having the correct installed height.

He did say he was told the heads were ported, and he is going to check with where he bought them. If they are not ported he will make it right. So I feel better all in all.

I still want to get the lower end re-done just because its out and it won't cost much (how $500 is not much I am not sure  :dontknow: )

after that I guess we will see where it goes.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: SixGun on January 28, 2013, 10:01:40 PM
Sorry to hear all that but I do think that you should get a 2nd opinion from a reputable shop that specializes with Mopar.  Might even call some Mopar speed shops in the know for some advice.

James @ Brutal Off-Road (can PM through RCC - BrutalOwner)  He is a wealth of information.  Nice guy too.

http://www.moparproshop.com/

http://www.manciniracing.com/

http://www.bpemopar.com/
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on January 29, 2013, 05:23:31 PM
So confirmed the seat height is wrong and causing issues.

Trying to figure out how I should go about fixing it, talked to machine shop...  :dontknow:

Its like the guy wants to always be right "yeah I know that"

you know that? then why did you not say anything, you said the seat pressure was too high, you did not say it was because the seat height was too low. :icon_scratch:

So then I ask him, if thats the case why not fix the seat height and use the $400 springs vs your cheap cheby springs? He did not have a good answer, but agreed we could do that.

I also looked at the heads while there, I confirmed at home that the intake has not been ported as the gasket is larger than the intake runners.

The heads are bone stock, still have the casting marks.

So we have to see what the PO will do about that, but its confirmed. I am also working with Indy heads, we had a "issue" back in june 2011 that never got worked out. If we can get it worked out I might be getting a set of RHS/ Indy heads... if not then I will probably do the EQ Monster Magnums.

More than I want to spend, but want it done right and want a good engine. Stock heads are not going to do what I need/ want.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on January 30, 2013, 03:29:53 PM
So I think I have decided to go get all my parts from the machine shop and take a slower approach to this mess.

I talked with James @ Brutal some and he gave me some contacts to reach out to.

I think I am going to go with some EQ heads once I find the shop I like to build them up for me. I still have lots of un answered questions for the small block and that will take time to work through.

But I want to work though it all, and don't seem to be getting that help at the current machine shop. They want to do a stock short block and be done with it. That could be ok, but maybe not, and why spend the $$ until I am sure what I want.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: SixGun on January 30, 2013, 04:29:12 PM
I'm really glad you decided to talk with James.  He is like a Mopar encyclopedia and full of good advice.  :035:

If you are not getting the machine shop to understand what you are going for and see your vision then there's a problem.  You definately need to find a different shop.  Especially if you are not getting a warranty from them anyways.  No reason to stick with them.

Just take your time and do the homework so you don't have any regrets.

Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on February 01, 2013, 01:28:37 PM
Man I feel lost  :(

Too many options and formulas and ways to build an engine without any solid advice I have found so far.

Some books say 9.1:1 CR is max, others 9.5:1. Yet there are those online that are doing 10.5:1 or whatever all on pump gas.

So while CR is a factor, you also have quench and deck hight and how your cam plays with the CR. Its going to take me a while (I fear) to figure out exactly what I want and how to do it.

The machine shop tried to do a quick spin of "well just look on their site and know what cc the head is, then it tells you the compression ratio" Well that is the static CR, what about the dynamic CR. And what about quench? and zero deck? and how will my cam play with that CR?

I can't just grab a number out of thin air and hope it will work. Thats what the PO did and is why I am now where I am at.

Guess its a good think I have LASIK today so I won't be able to do anything anyways lol

now I just need to be able to see after LASIK and I will be in good shape. :laughing7:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: SixGun on February 01, 2013, 06:50:13 PM
I read in Mopar Speed Secrets PN: P4452790 that 9.0 - 9.5:1 is max on premium pump gas and slightly higher CR's can be used if maximum spark advance is decreased.  That being said, I would stay on the safer side and go with 9.0 in case of poor quality gas or carbon buildup that will slightly increase CR as the engine gets aged.  Would hate to damage an expensive engine like this one.

http://chucker54.stores.yahoo.net/mo9thedensps1.html
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on February 02, 2013, 04:44:21 PM
yeah I have seen the 9.5:1 as well, but then I read online and see all these guys running 9.8:1 or 10.5:1.

But that seems to have a lot to do with how big your cam is, if its big enough then some compression "leaks" out either intake/ exhaust/ or both  because of the duration and that helps to avoid pinging.

The other big thing is the quench, which needs to be about .040", anything more can also cause ping. So its real important to get all the numbers just right so that you don't end up with a screwed up engine.

There was an example of going from 10:1 to 9.5:1 where the 9.5:1 was worse because the quench was .080" and would not let the fuel/ air work as the should.

so lots more reading and number crunching to do. Got a feeling the block is coming home and some more measurement tools are going to show up at my house so I can get the numbers to crunch.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: SixGun on February 02, 2013, 09:57:45 PM
I have never heard of the term "quench" before.  Where did you find this term.  Got me curious. 

Check out this Hughes cam and watch the video.
http://www.hughesengines.com/Index/products.php?browse=category&level0=QmlnIEJsb2NrIDM4My0zNjEtNDAwIChMb3cgRGVjayk=&level1=Q2Ftc2hhZnQ=&level2=V2hpcGxhc2ggTXVzY2xlIENhciBDYW1z&partid=25115

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akNAKzkSNcg&feature=player_embedded
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on February 04, 2013, 10:38:34 AM
Well I am feeling a bit better now.

Found Mike at MRL Performance. Only does Mopars and is a great and friendly guy.

http://www.mrlperformance.com/index.html


He listend to what I have and what I want (he used to work at Chrysler and even knew what a 2000 Ramcharger was  :13:)

He gave me a lot of pointers real fast and a basic plan.

Keep the 9.1:1 CR unless the pistons are bad or a bore is required. No need to get a higher CR for power

The cam is a mild but good cam and should keep it

Get new heads with a little port work

Sell the M1 intake and get a AirGap intake.

Once done and cleaned up, it will have lots of low end torque and run great.


as for quench, its something I found in my mopar build book and online.

http://www.theoldone.com/archive/quench-area.htm

Quench, or squish area is typically the flat area on the top of the piston that's almost level with the top of the block deck. It must have a corresponding flat area on the deck surface of the head to qualify as quench.
If you look at a combustion chamber, you will usually see these flat areas, and they will have the volume of the actual combustion chamber between them. When the piston is compressing the mixture, as the piston nears the head, the flat areas on the head and piston come together and force the mixture from those areas to "squish" into the chamber, where the spark plug and burning mixture reside, so you achieve a more complete burn.
The quench area also runs cooler than the rest of the chamber / piston. These lower temperatures are where the "quench" comes from.
When properly designed, the quench areas can have a tremendous effect on the quality of combustion, and allow higher compression ratios, and due to this they are considered "artificial octane" by scientific types.
Bottom line is "properly designed, quench is good".
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: SixGun on February 04, 2013, 08:22:49 PM
Cool .... are you buying the heads from them?
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on February 05, 2013, 07:54:46 AM
Not sure where the heads are coming from yet, I just know what they are...

EQ Monster Magnum with 2.02 Stainless Steel Valves and my springs I already have.

Get a good 3-6 angle valve job and some minor porting on the bowel and it will flow more than the engine can make.

The intake I am going to try and clean up a little myself and get a "turtle" for it to help with the low end torque the M1 intake normally looses.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on February 07, 2013, 09:51:42 PM
Well I decided it is going to be a bit before the new carpet can be ordered and installed, and I am tired of the loudness

So I finished the sound matt under the driver seat, and laid the carpet back down. I also got the rest of the front seats installed again so that more than just me can ride in it.  :laughing7:

Hopefully tomorrow I can get the rear row installed and seat belts back in. Get some car seats back there and let the kids cruise lol.


So the bad news

Machine shop called

1) block is factory... factory bearings, factory pistons, never been touched
2) block appears good, will vat and mag tomorrow to verify
3) crank is toast. One of the bearings was shot  :angry5:

I am really not happy hearing 1 and 3.... looks like I will be going to pay a visit with the PO again on monday, I want to get the pistons and what not to take with me and show him


sounded like a new crank should not be too expensive.... if I had more $$ I would say go with a 4.0 crank lol  but I am broke as it is... does not help francisco found more parts in MX so I have to try and get those now.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on February 11, 2013, 12:19:41 PM
So here are some pics... stock pistons and all.

I am going by today to get the crank, pistons,  and bearings.

Tomorrow going to go talk to the PO.

Talked to a few people, they all say one thing when I say I need a new crank. "Stroke it"

So I am looking into that now, but this build is going south fast and the $$ is going up  :crybaby2:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on February 13, 2013, 07:51:57 PM
Well today was good and bad, that seems to be happening a lot on this here lately.

The block mag'd out good so I have a foundation to build on, small at this point but its something.

the bad... man its a list.

the machine shop told me to get a stroker kit and they will install it, but man they did not even know what the stock stroke was much less the stroker stroke  :crybaby2:

Its a little cheaper than I figured for the estimated machine work so I guess thats a good thing too.

I called Mike at MRL Performance again and he helped me out.

Contrary to what the shop (and I am sure others) think, the cam plays a very critical role in deciding the stroker kit. My cam is too small to do a "off the shelf" stroker kit. It can't handle 10:1 or even 9.5:1 CR. I need about 9.1 - 9.25:1. To do that I need different pistons. He quickly worked up a kit for me and it was about 300 more than the off the shelf kit and about 500 more than what I thought, but some of that was because its a internally balanced crank that he balances at his shop.

So Bad because it cost way too much, but evens out a bit with the cheaper machine shop work.

The good... he has a nice little computer program that you put all the numbers into because I asked about power... I warn you.... you need to be sitting down for this. He said because its a small cam, it has lots of good low end torque.

HP will be apx 420 peak... think a 5.2/5.9 stock is about 230/235 so some nice gains there of 185hp, a gain of 78.7% !!!! :headbang:

Torque... he estimates will be apx 510ft lbs peak at apx 2500 rpm and will remain above 450 ft lbs past 5500 rpm. Stock is 295/330 for magnums so thats a gain of 280ft lbs, or 121.7%!!!!! :evil6:

I am thinking this is going to be a really fun truck to drive when I am done.

The best news was a combo of the power it should have with the fact it should be as good as or better gas millage as a stock 360.

so today was an expensive day, but I think its going to make for several great days after its done. We are not sure yet if the parts are all in stock, so he will order tomorrow and we will see how long its going to take to get the kit ready so the machine shop can proceed.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: SixGun on February 14, 2013, 12:53:37 AM
 :thumbsup:  Sounds exciting  !!
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on February 15, 2013, 11:28:55 AM
Francisco got me some more parts from another RC down there.

I am going to be all over him to start getting this stuff up here :evil6:

I need the new engine wire harness so that I can get the lights and all to work and be able to pass inspection. I ordered the last 2 cables I "Should" need to fix the parking brake.

tailights ( two driver side ,one passenger )
Ecu + complete harness nothing chopped or cut
driver side harness ( that turned out to be 90% interior harness lol goes from the ds to the ps over the roof )
top moldings
an extra set of letters in really good condition ( no peeling )
3rd row seats

Top Moldings will be nice too, will get them painted to match and then get them on... since right now I have holes in the truck's roof.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: Dodgestrike on February 15, 2013, 05:30:13 PM
Quote from: rjtx667 on February 13, 2013, 07:51:57 PM
Well today was good and bad, that seems to be happening a lot on this here lately.

The block mag'd out good so I have a foundation to build on, small at this point but its something.

the bad... man its a list.

the machine shop told me to get a stroker kit and they will install it, but man they did not even know what the stock stroke was much less the stroker stroke  :crybaby2:

Its a little cheaper than I figured for the estimated machine work so I guess thats a good thing too.

I called Mike at MRL Performance again and he helped me out.

Contrary to what the shop (and I am sure others) think, the cam plays a very critical role in deciding the stroker kit. My cam is too small to do a "off the shelf" stroker kit. It can't handle 10:1 or even 9.5:1 CR. I need about 9.1 - 9.25:1. To do that I need different pistons. He quickly worked up a kit for me and it was about 300 more than the off the shelf kit and about 500 more than what I thought, but some of that was because its a internally balanced crank that he balances at his shop.

So Bad because it cost way too much, but evens out a bit with the cheaper machine shop work.

The good... he has a nice little computer program that you put all the numbers into because I asked about power... I warn you.... you need to be sitting down for this. He said because its a small cam, it has lots of good low end torque.

HP will be apx 420 peak... think a 5.2/5.9 stock is about 230/235 so some nice gains there of 185hp, a gain of 78.7% !!!! :headbang:

Torque... he estimates will be apx 510ft lbs peak at apx 2500 rpm and will remain above 450 ft lbs past 5500 rpm. Stock is 295/330 for magnums so thats a gain of 280ft lbs, or 121.7%!!!!! :evil6:

I am thinking this is going to be a really fun truck to drive when I am done.

The best news was a combo of the power it should have with the fact it should be as good as or better gas millage as a stock 360.

so today was an expensive day, but I think its going to make for several great days after its done. We are not sure yet if the parts are all in stock, so he will order tomorrow and we will see how long its going to take to get the kit ready so the machine shop can proceed.

I've only read good things about MRL , so are you using the stock 5.2 block for a 390 or a 5.9 block for a 408 ? either way those are nice estimates , the 5.7 on the ram has 345hp and arround the same weight it would be reaally fun to have an extra 80
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: Dodgestrike on February 22, 2013, 01:26:37 PM
some tease pics

(http://i612.photobucket.com/albums/tt208/valenzia_92/DSCN2053_zps328786d1.jpg)

(http://i612.photobucket.com/albums/tt208/valenzia_92/DSCN2052_zpscd46c07c.jpg)

(http://i612.photobucket.com/albums/tt208/valenzia_92/DSCN2051_zps89550abd.jpg)

(http://i612.photobucket.com/albums/tt208/valenzia_92/DSCN2045_zpsa30993b2.jpg)

(http://i612.photobucket.com/albums/tt208/valenzia_92/DSCN2058_zpsb42e4b73.jpg)
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on February 22, 2013, 02:06:38 PM
well get it shipped  :tongue3:

I am now working on getting a quote to just have Mike @ MRL do the whole lower end and new heads. I figure he knows how to do the stroker and I don't think anyone where does. He has already mentioned a few things that I did not have a clue on... and they are a MUST for a stroker.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: Dodgestrike on February 22, 2013, 07:34:40 PM
working on it  :icon_salut:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on March 02, 2013, 08:39:14 PM
So update time....

Did not do much today, got my steering wheel controls to work again with the new harness. I broke the wipers in the process, but its all patched back together. Next time I will check 3 times before a cut a wire lol. I will say it was interesting to see the radio input change when I turned the wipers on,  :laughing4:

They also replaced my radio because the backlight went out, pretty sure its nothing I did but I don't know.


As for the engine, I went to the machine shop on friday and got everything but the valve springs forgot those... and I am pretty sure they owe me $$ so I have to get that squared (accounting guy was already gone).

After talking with Mike @ MRL I came to 1 un deniable conclusion.

YOU HAVE TO KNOW WHAT YOUR DOING TO BUILD A STROKER

:laughing7:


Mike mentioned oil modifications and clearance here and there, then mentioned you HAVE to use main studs or the engine won't last... and that you can't use studs on the last cap because of the oil pump (side note he said some other popular shop that starts with a H likes to use a stud on 1 side and a bolt on the other, said that is 100% the worst thing to do  :dontknow: ).

I tend to believe Mike as he is a straight shooting honest guy. The fact he worked at Chrysler (in the performance division) also says a lot to me.

At any rate Mike worked up a quote, and him building me a short block... are you ready...

Cost More 

:laughing4:

Sadly I knew it would, but that is him supplying the block and doing all the work he does for a stroker. Its about 400 more before shipping than the local guys, seemed like a win to me.

I gave him the green light and will ship off my cam and other parts up there shortly along with a check I wish could keep.

I don't know how long its going to take, but he said it already dropped the block off last time I talked with him, and he already has all the parts in he already ordered for the stroker kit.

It might be back together for the April meeting (I hope) if not for sure by Ram Jam.

I think mid March I am going to pull the engine, that way I can get the dakota running and out of my garage sooner rather than later. Now that the 93 is almost where I want it, its close to happening.

I hate the waiting game, but what else can I do now... besides dream of when the new power plant is in  :dance:  :steeringwheel:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: SixGun on March 02, 2013, 10:29:06 PM
Cool ....  :happy1:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on March 09, 2013, 09:13:38 PM
have not done much lately, besides drive it  :13:

I did get a bonus at work, so with that I sent a large large chunk of it up north to Mike @ MRL.

By wed he will have my $$ and a whole slew of parts

Camshaft
timing cover
timing chain
set of roller rockers to measure for push rods
gasket sets
valve covers
oil pan
oil pickup
damper/ pulley
valve springs

prob a few other things I am forgetting


Mike told me the block just got finished with basic machine work and boring. He already has the pistons, rods, and crank in stock.

Now he can order the heads, valves, oil pump, intake, and a few other odds and ends.

Not sure how long it will all take, but its going to be coming together real soon.

Francisco's box got held up in customs, so it will be here monday, I have a dr appt tuesday so plan to take the rest of the day to work on the wire harness. My plan is to get the wire harness installed and verify everything (fingers crossed) is fixed and I can go get it to pass inspection.

Once I have it inspected and we are good, then I am ripping the engine out. I have the intake sold to someone on DodgeForums and the engine I am going to do a few things and stick back in the dakota for my friend. (he wants a valve job, new cam, new timing chain, lifters push rods, clean up the intake fix the gasket, and check the lower end/ oil pump). I figure between this one and the one I have coming down I can justify getting a engine stand now so I will do that as well.

Once the 5.2 is back in the dakota I think it will run pretty good with the mild cam we get for it. I don't want to deal with new springs so I am going mild enough to keep stock springs for him.

Here are a few pics of the box I shipped to Mike.... 75# of some good stuff  :evil6:


Oh another side note, I picked Mike's brain a bit... he said they had a few of the Mexico RamChargers up at the corp office. He played with them some but did not know why they were never sold here. He never heard of emissions of safety issues. He said up until 2005 or 2006 one of the security vehicles was a Mexico Ram Charger... Which is interesting I think... if it was tagged on the street, by Chrysler that means they did the song and dance to register it providing the EPA and Customs with all the required docs to show it meet USA safety and emissions requirements. I don't know that it was registered, but I see most security vehicles registered.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on March 11, 2013, 10:19:35 PM
well the package from Francisco arrived, it almost had everything I expected  :icon_scratch:  :dontknow:

we will figure the rest out, but for now I am fighting with the cab harness... what a PITA that is  :BangHead:

not only does it run from end to end on each side of the cab, it runs under the dash... so now I have to take the dash back out.

I am hopeful that this will fix my power door lock issue, as it touches the door harnesses as well.

I did a quick test and it appears it fixes the issue with the bright lights always being on. Now they are never on  :icon_scratch:  :dontknow:

The front running running lights are still not on as well. but the turn signals and head lights are working. This seems to all stem from going from normal head lights to the "quad beam" lights... who would have know it would be such a pita?

I think those issues will not get resolved until I get the other parts of the harness from Francisco. Fingers crossed that the trucks still there and they don't make me bend over again for the rest of the parts.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on March 14, 2013, 10:50:47 PM
So parts made it to Mike @ MRL just fine... along with the check. He said it all looks good.

Mentioned the heads will be in tomorrow and the new intake will be ordered monday or tuesday, also said if things go well the short block will be done mid next week.  :13:

after that its just waiting on the heads and intake, but I am excited to hear that.

I thought it was very cool he mentioned another customer engine he built was at a car show and grabbed attention. Something along the lines of "wow that sounds great, what do you have in there?" to "there is no way your making that much HP, its just a Mopar." to "damn thats impressive" after the ride to prove  :laughing7:

at any rate Spike's power block TV did a clip on it, and Mike and the car are suppose to be on there in early May... I have to set my Tivo.

Mike asked for better pics of the 2000, he wants it and the engine on his site when its done... I like that too  :great:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: SixGun on March 15, 2013, 12:27:26 AM
That's pretty cool.  She'll be a star.   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: crazzywolfie on March 15, 2013, 12:52:56 AM
maybe you and your ride will end up on power block one day. it has definitely come a long way and is becoming one cool ride that is power block worthy once it is done.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on March 16, 2013, 07:09:26 PM
had time for a jy run today... found a couple of efans I need to test.

Found some steering wheel control buttons for the radio I needed. I also found a new better antenna so thats cool....


but the best thing is I found a 99 Sport that had an almost complete  engine compartment chassis wire harness. It appears to be about 90% compatible.

It does not have the rear wiper washer fluid power, and the connectors to the fuel pump are different.

I have it in but not done yet. The running lights and turn lights work, and brights "kind of work" meaning the normal lights change, but the "quads" do not come on, and the light on the dash does not come one... but I think its good enough to pass inspection.

I also found a rear harness for the hatch I think might work off a 2000 caravan.

:13:

Going to play some more, get the fuel pump connected and see if I can get the sucker running again. Then I have to track down the door lock issues... after that I think it will be good to go.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: crazzywolfie on March 16, 2013, 08:27:44 PM
e-fans eh? what did you take them out of? definitely might have to do up a review. i know the rads on the newer rams seem to be a bit smaller so i am not sure if caravan fans would fit. i do know someone on rcc said the caravan fan he got pulled air better than the 3000cfm fan he bought.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: workgoats on March 16, 2013, 10:04:22 PM
I have several fans that I have collected over the years.  Do I need to take them to Hidden Falls in April to see if they would be of any use to anyone?  I think two came off of a cheby lumina and one came off of a Cherokee.  I think there may be another but if it is still there, I have no idea what it came from.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on March 16, 2013, 10:08:20 PM
I got 2 from a caravan, well 3 really but the 3rd was aftermarket.

The other was from a dakota... but sadly it needs to go back on a dakota.

Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on March 17, 2013, 10:13:25 PM
had to go back to the JY to get the connector for the fuel pump... this harness has parts for the trailer wires, though it does not seem to be working yet, I am hopeful.

Its now running and driving again with all required safety lights. I have to figure out the high/ quad beams as well as the temp sensor. The washer fluid connectors were gone, but I can splice those back in later as well as add in the wire for the rear wiper.

The harness is also missing the plug for the abs module, but I will splice that in and install the module I bought here in a few weeks (after inspection is done).

The power door locks are still acting up on me (aka not working). I picked up another set of lock actuators from the JY today just in case those are the issue, but the rear hatch lock is not working either so I don't know.  :icon_scratch: :dontknow:

All in all it was a much more productive weekend than I thought... though I still have to hang the new door on the 93.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: SixGun on March 19, 2013, 09:52:04 PM
Hey Ryan, there is a sweet special on Hooker Polished Stainless Steel Mufflers for just $59.50 ea.  They are regular $169.95 each.  You can get them in 2.5" or 3" for the Aero Chamber or Maximum Flow style.  I remember you mentioning the Aero Chamber before.  The stainless would fit right in with your show truck.  Here is a page from the site with some of them listed.

http://www.summitracing.com/search/brand/hooker-headers/department/exhaust/part-type/mufflers/inlet-diameter-in/2-500-in
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on March 19, 2013, 10:50:48 PM
Quote from: SixGun on March 19, 2013, 09:52:04 PM
Hey Ryan, there is a sweet special on Hooker Polished Stainless Steel Mufflers for just $59.50 ea.  They are regular $169.95 each.  You can get them in 2.5" or 3" for the Aero Chamber or Maximum Flow style.  I remember you mentioning the Aero Chamber before.  The stainless would fit right in with your show truck.  Here is a page from the site with some of them listed.

http://www.summitracing.com/search/brand/hooker-headers/department/exhaust/part-type/mufflers/inlet-diameter-in/2-500-in

sweet thanks!!! they had the 3.5" on sale too, but I only found it after I searched for the part number.  :13:

That was a nice find and a good saving  :headbang:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: SixGun on March 19, 2013, 11:33:39 PM
Since your truck is going to be a daily driver, I don't know if I would put the 3" or 3.5".  I don't know anyone else's feelings but it would be really loud and you want to keep some back pressure in the motor too.  Make it a sleeper and that way you can hear your stereo too.  Just my 2 cents.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on March 19, 2013, 11:55:08 PM
Quote from: SixGun on March 19, 2013, 11:33:39 PM
Since your truck is going to be a daily driver, I don't know if I would put the 3" or 3.5".  I don't know anyone else's feelings but it would be really loud and you want to keep some back pressure in the motor too.  Make it a sleeper and that way you can hear your stereo too.  Just my 2 cents.

I am taking a page out of mad max's book... or plan too

2.5" into a 3.5" collector and 3.5" single all the way out. a single 3.5" flows the same as a dual 2.5" just not dual exhaust

I don't want it loud, so I hope this works like I want it to.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: SixGun on March 20, 2013, 12:23:59 PM
Aha.... thought you had duals.  Hope it works as planned.   :icon_salut:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on March 20, 2013, 09:29:18 PM
 :angry5:

figured out why my power locks are not working... and maybe a few other things.

Apparently Dodge could not be consistent with wire harness's. So after tracing down various things tonight I finally figured out the connector that goes from the dash wire harness to the chassis wire harness are not lined up as they should be (could explain the rear wiper not working too).

so now I have to try and fix that, I ordered the Miller tool 6934 which the MSF says is used to take connectors apart. I am hoping that this will let me re-arrange the connector instead of the other option of having to splice in a known good pair of connectors.

Have to see when the tool gets here.

Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on March 25, 2013, 08:43:59 PM
So I got the headlights "mostly" working... meaning normal and high beams now function correctly, but the dash indicator does not. I bought a new headlight switch, but fog lights are not working either. I am going to guess wiring issue that are needed to be fixed all over the place, but have not looked yet.

I did manage to get it to pass inspection today, so thats good progress.  :13:

Maybe after I get back from going out of town this weekend I can get the 93 axle and door fixed up so I can drive it and pull the engine out of the 2000.

Mike said the short block is done and cam is in and degreed. He has all the parts he needs and is just working on the heads and various parts so he can finish the assembly. Should be end of next week at the lastest before its ready to ship.

I really hope I can get it installed and going good before the RJ planning trip, the burban' did not care for pulling even an empty trailer... of course if the RC had 3.08 gears I don't think it would like it either  :angry5: Stupid GM putting 3.08 gears in SUV's
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: crazzywolfie on March 25, 2013, 09:13:12 PM
i am guessing those 3.08 gears are how those things are get as good of gas mileage as they do.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on March 25, 2013, 09:16:57 PM
Quote from: crazzywolfie on March 25, 2013, 09:13:12 PM
i am guessing those 3.08 gears are how those things are get as good of gas mileage as they do.


I guess that depends on if you call 14.3 "good" for combo city/ highway driving.

I am about ready to get it bumped to 3.73's. It should help with gas millage in town, and if not it will at least be a bit better to drive in  :evil6:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: crazzywolfie on March 25, 2013, 09:30:15 PM
14.3 is not bad. that is what my 93 ramcharger was averaging. i bet if you did lots of highway driving you would get better mileage.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on March 25, 2013, 09:33:39 PM
I got 16 in town with the durango, 19-20 on the highway.

I get 17.2 combo driving with the 2000 Ramcharger (3.92 vs 3.08 gears). and before you say it weighs less it does not the RC has about 15 lbs on the burban'

the burban' also has the engine advantage as far as newer more HP and TQ.

Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on April 04, 2013, 08:50:18 AM
Heard from Mike at MRL yesterday.

He said the engine is done minus the push rods. He did the whole thing so when I get it, its complete... spark plugs, intakes, fuel injectors, fuel rail, water pump etc.

The push rods should be in Friday which means we can finish it up early next week and get it shipped out. I just hope I have time to get it all done soon. :dontknow:

I have to throw the accessory bracket and accessories on but thats about it.

I hope to have time this weekend to get the 93 in good shape so I can start fighting the wiring on the 2000. I need the wiring fixed so I can take it to the dodge house and get the computer updated and the odometer changed over. The computer is throwing a error so if its not fixable, I have another computer they can put in and re-program the vin number as well.

Since I don't know how the new engine will run with a stock tune I figure its best to get that done before the new engine.

Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on April 06, 2013, 08:16:22 PM
worked on the wires some today, got some pics to post later.

I now have door locks and the overhead lights work. I still need to track down the trailer wiring and the rear wiper.

also need to fix the washer connector from the jy harness I bought. all in all it was good progress.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on April 06, 2013, 09:55:26 PM
not a lot to see, but I did manage to get the wires out of the connector without breaking anything.

I had to splice one wire where it went from a small connector to a big connector, but otherwise it worked good.

I can't tell you how happy I am to have working power locks again (with the keyless entry).

since the engine is suppose to be done and shipped soon, and I got my wire issue mostly fixed I am going to take my new computer + truck to the dodge house this week and see if they can't swap it out and re-program the vin and odometer all while converting the odometer to miles from kilometers.

I was also reminded tonight that I need to fix my hitch, when I mounted it the first time its too far under the truck and makes it hard to use.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on April 07, 2013, 09:27:08 PM
So after all that work yesterday you would think I had enough, nope. Went back for more today.

Funny thing I figured out this little connect I found yesterday that I had no clue what was... yeah its the door locks, now that I know that maybe I can put those wires back in the connector they should be in.

I worked on the trailer wire connector today. I got the turn signals and running lights working, think I got the brake wires but I need my controller before I can know that. I do know that my stop lights don't work because the 2000 is a 3 wire system not a 2 wire system. With that being said I ordered a converter from amazon so I should be able to get it hacked together and work as it needs to.

I have also decided that at some point in the not to distant future I am going to have to pull the dash back out and do a one by one comparison of the dash connector and engine bay connector. I have all sorts of discrepancies that I can see so while 90% of the stuff appears to be working, I think there are other issues that I may not know about not to mention the ones I do:

No rear wiper
No rear washer fluid (missing wire, just need to install that one)
No fog lights
No bright indicator on dash
No interior lights from rear hatch open

Not sure if its a "problem" or not, but you don't see any lights flash when the doors are locked or unlocked. Seems most other dodges have something they do, not that it matters because I will get it replaced with a keyless entry here soon enough.

I am going to take it to the dodge house tomorrow and get them to swap the computers and program the vin/ milage. Hoping they can understand I need them to convert the odometer from Km to Miles.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on April 09, 2013, 09:52:51 PM
The converter for the trailer wires came in today as well as the new trailer brake controller.

Controller plugged right in and had power, but kept saying no trailer connected so I will have to look at that some more.

The converter is connected and appears working good, once I connected it in the right spot. I wanted it inside the cab but that was not to be, so its up under the driver seat.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on April 15, 2013, 08:25:18 AM
TADA  :dance:

It's done and ready to go, getting a shipping quote today, so hopefully it can ship out tomorrow.

If it makes it here this week... I might be sick one day  :laughing7:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: taz_man440 on April 15, 2013, 09:57:02 AM
Sweet...   yea I would be sick 2 days, 1st day puttin it in, 2nd day buyin new rear tires....lol
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: crazzywolfie on April 15, 2013, 10:39:49 AM
 :laughing4:

that is one nice looking engine
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on April 15, 2013, 10:44:22 AM
It will look a lot nicer in my truck when its running  :laughing7:

Its getting picked up wed, so I have no clue when it will get here.  ::)  but not soon enough.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: SixGun on April 15, 2013, 12:00:49 PM
Man that motor is a work of art.    :headbang:

I'm excited for you.  Too freakin' cool and no surprises since it's pro- built.  What are you gonna do for a tranny on this monster? 
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on April 15, 2013, 12:44:35 PM
I already have a Martin Saine Transmission... can handle up to 750 hp 2 year warranty and I was told "you cannot break this transmission"

Now I get to put that to the test  :laughing7:

I just got the money order off the for the shipping, thats not cheap for an engine  ???

While I was out I stopped by a place to see what they would charge to fix my head liners... with me removing them it was 425 with tax  :confused2:

I might be looking into getting my own material for that price.

I don't know yet if I will get to bring it down this go around, but if not this time for sure for RJ.  :13:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: ernestgonzales78@gmail.com on April 15, 2013, 10:30:35 PM
That thang is bad ass!!! :headbang: :headbang:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on April 19, 2013, 02:17:47 PM
engine gets here monday, between 10am and 2pm  :dance:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on April 20, 2013, 09:02:23 PM
Not sure if anyone watches fast n loud on discovery... but I have some and decided last week when I was in Dallas to run over to Sue's and see what she would charge to re-do my headliner. A shop over by work wanted $425 for front, back, and the sun visors. Sue wanted $200, so I immediately took them out and gave them to her.

She is really nice, played with the 2 kids I had with me. She called today saying that they were ready so I will go get them monday.

Once I have more funds I will have her do the carpet and seats as well.  :headbang:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: taz_man440 on April 20, 2013, 09:07:16 PM
Cool, I like some of the tricks they do to cars, but not the way he does business....
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on April 20, 2013, 09:13:15 PM
I agree, I see him as the ultimate example of a used car salesman... If that is what it takes to be successful in business, then I will never make it.

Of course I say the same of Steve Jobs... he was so buys his kids hardly knew him. He let them write a book on him not for the public, but so that his kids could better understand what he did and why.

One again if thats what it takes to have success in business, I will keep my fam.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: crazzywolfie on April 21, 2013, 08:27:41 PM
good to here.

i am also not a big fan of the way they do business. i think i remember 1 episode where they sold Aaron's step dad a car and made over $10,000 on the deal. i understand they need to make money but i couldn't do that especially to family.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on April 22, 2013, 10:40:43 AM
 :angry4:

The engine is now at my house... but where am I? I am at work  :angry4:

lol

Not like I have time to install it this week anyways  :'(
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on April 22, 2013, 11:20:23 PM
So the engine got here at what 10am? and I got to open it at 9pm? Man I hate mondays  :angry4:

It looks great. I got the headers sitting on there, just finished painting them this weekend. Thats when I found out they were JBA headers... those suckers are not cheap  :confused2:

Put the front accessory bracket there to see how it looks... I like it  :13:

It should really show my commitment that I am going to Hidden Falls this weekend instead of Installing an engine  :laughing7:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: crazzywolfie on April 22, 2013, 11:32:17 PM
that thing is looking good :13:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: SixGun on April 23, 2013, 06:27:07 PM
Sweeeeet ....    :headbang:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: crazzywolfie on April 25, 2013, 04:24:23 PM
if you don't mind me asking do you know approximately what the engine build cost you? someone on dodge forum was planing on sticking a 360 in there truck and was planning on buying a crate engine but i was a bit surprised when i saw that it was $6500 for a crate engine that is suppose to only put out 390 Horsepower, 420 ft.-lbs. Torque and is setup for carb.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on April 25, 2013, 04:37:26 PM
Mine was somewhere in there, but there was $500 for shipping as well. The other thing to consider was that I had already bought roller rockers, already had the cam and timing set, etc.

Mine is also a stroker which has a lot more cost in it just because of that... the piston and rings were almost $700 because they are forged.

The good news with mine is, if I ever want to get crazy all I have to do is a cam and spring change and the rest is there to go hog wild... that or just keep as is and throw a turbo or supercharger on it  :evil6:

But that won't happen as I have a personal opinion on that... which is a 6500 lb suv thats slightly better aerodynamically than a box has no need to go that fast for a daily driver.  :laughing4:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: crazzywolfie on April 25, 2013, 04:50:57 PM
i don't think this guy would be able to go too crazy with some of the mods since it is going into a 92. i also don't think the engine he was looking at come with taller roller rockers. i think the engine just came with the stock type since it doesn't say otherwise.
this is the one he was looking at.
http://www.bpeusa.com/P5153475.asp
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on April 25, 2013, 05:04:21 PM
Quote from: crazzywolfie on April 25, 2013, 04:50:57 PM
i don't think this guy would be able to go too crazy with some of the mods since it is going into a 92. i also don't think the engine he was looking at come with taller roller rockers. i think the engine just came with the stock type since it doesn't say otherwise.
this is the one he was looking at.
http://www.bpeusa.com/P5153475.asp

he would be better off calling Mike @ MLR... that has a non magnum water pump and timing cover. plus its just 9.0:1 CR and the cam is prob a bit bigger than he needs.


Plus for the same $$, I rather have a 408  :evil6:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: crazzywolfie on April 25, 2013, 05:11:33 PM
i was kind of thinking the same thing. minus well spend the money right the first time and just get a pro to build you an engine.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on April 25, 2013, 11:51:13 PM
Just got done with a test pull of the 93 on the trailer... I  have to say I love 3.92 gears  :dance:

I seem to have a trailer brake issue that its grabbing when it should not making take offs a bit harder than they should be, but after your off that over drive and gear combo is amazing, I was accelerating going up hill with a stock 5.2 magnum... I was only doing like 50 but still accelerating going up hill!!!

Makes me really want to see how it does with the new engine.  :evil6:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on May 02, 2013, 10:00:01 AM
So the trip went pretty good, the 2000 did great even with the old worn out 5.2l. got about 10mpg on the way there, 11.8 or so on way back.

Yesterday I had a "work at home day" So I did  :evil6:

I started working about 11 or so, stopped working about 9. I had the old engine pulled prob by 3pm? then cleaned up a bit and finished tightening the headers and installed the flex plate. By 6 I was starting to try and get the new engine in. I have to say its a real PITA to stab an engine by yourself lol  :violent1:  but I did what I had to do.

I got it finished, need to still get 2 more bolts in the transmission and finish securing the engine mounts... but its a damn good start.  :13:

Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: crazzywolfie on May 02, 2013, 08:29:59 PM
looks ok as is but looks a lot better when turn your monitor upside down :laughing7:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on May 06, 2013, 01:43:10 PM
not sure why the software turns it up side down, but it did  :icon_scratch:

So I got a bit more done yesterday, the transmission is bolted up, the engine mounts right.

I have the accessory bracket bolted on, the A/C compressor and a few others. Some of the wires and sensors.

I did manage to break my radiator  :angry5:  but it might be better off getting a new one at this point anyways.

I also figured out that the new Accel Injectors are EV1 plug style and the wire harness is EV6... Which means I have to get adapters. I have then on order.

I guess I could swap them with the 93 or 91, but that seems it would be a pain, easier to wait a few days for it to come in the mail.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: ernestgonzales78@gmail.com on May 06, 2013, 07:25:45 PM
Keep a truckin!!! :13: :13:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on May 08, 2013, 10:29:16 PM
I will get a pic up tomorrow, not that there is a lot to see.

I got the transmission all buttoned up, got the steering pump up and in place.

The adapters for the fuel injectors came in, those are on... and damn those are hard to get on. I now have to try and get the wire harness to stay connected to them... I might be getting zip ties for that  :icon_scratch:

I also need to "adjust" the throttle body bracket for the hughes intake.

The radiator comes in tomorrow, so  if luck holds (I am not holding my breath) I may get to start it tomorrow.

There is a lot left to do.

injector wires
throttle body
inlet rad hose
return heater core hose (flush heater core first)
radiator
battery
tighten engine mounts
add oil filter
add oil
add coolant
add pvc valve
add brake booster line
bring engine to tdc
install wires
prime oil pump (run for 5 min)
install dizzy
START

I am sure I missed a few things, but looking at that list... yeah maybe I can get it started friday or sat  :dontknow:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on May 11, 2013, 12:28:03 AM
well I made progress.

Had a false alarm of leaks because the gasket I tried to use on the thermostat housing was not good. Replaced it and no leaks.

Got the truck primed for 5 minutes... its a real PITA to get that stuff back there, I have the fan and shroud out still to deal with it.

I ran into issues getting the dist to sit in, ended up being the new o ring for it, pulled the old one back on and no issues.

I started it, then turned it off... exhaust was not near tight enough Can you say loud... at 10:30 at night  :evil6:


Rolled it out of the garage and tightened it up. much better... then I noticed 2 things.

1) the tensioner pulley seemed to be bouncing more than I recall being normal. I am going to look at the 93 and maybe 91 tomorrow and see, I had to top off the power steering pump from the work so it was possible that was a drag but I doubt it. It does not seem as bad as it was at first

2) there is a "squeak" coming from the truck, I think its from the back/ transmission area. Which means I now need to remove the starter and inspection plate and review everything there... make sure its happy.

Once I get those 2 done I can set the fuel sync and go for a spin  :13:

Its really nice to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on May 14, 2013, 10:08:38 PM
Well after countless hours and head scratching I think its done.

I had a squeak I could not figure out. Pulled stuff (dizzy, intermediate shaft, belt to check accessories, etc)

I decided it must be the flex plate, bought a new one... pulled the tranny and replaced the flex plate... still there  :angry4:

I messed with a few more things, then said screw it and took it for a spin. Squeaked the whole time. It was a good drive but did not press it hard.

Got back to the house turned it off to look at stuff, started it up to put it in the garage... squeak is gone !!!! stopped it started it again. still gone.

I will try it tomorrow but who knows?  :dontknow:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: SixGun on May 14, 2013, 11:00:38 PM
Maybe the mouse died from fright.   :laughing7:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on May 15, 2013, 09:13:32 AM
had to be something... started it again this morning and all still good.

I did not drive it to work today as its missing a few major components... hood bumper, fan shroud, fan, etc.

Maybe I can get it all done by friday to drive it in.

:dance:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: The War Wagon on May 16, 2013, 05:38:59 AM
Just imagine how much fun this'll be, when you convert it to 4wd next!  :tongue3:  :confused2:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on May 20, 2013, 11:55:24 AM
so it's running and driving with issues

the power steering pump pulley is too far out and trying to eat belts and cause squeaks

the driver header is leaking

I took it off to get fixed, it's not fixable and new ones are 500!!!!


they won't be in till Friday, so I am going to put it back stock so it's drive able just in case the 93 acts up again
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on May 20, 2013, 03:23:00 PM
well I worked on this one today, got the headers off and factory manifolds on.

waiting to get the wide and fuel gauge O2 bung installed the. I can start working on the tune, as it is running way rich.

while I have been waiting (person in front of me has a rust bucket ford explorer with broken bankroll bolts they can't get out) I got the wideband system temp installed (not like I want but will work) and even found the broken vacuum line to cruise. I think they should help stuff out some. :13:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on May 21, 2013, 08:18:21 AM
So I had to re-calibrate the Wideband fuel gauge... which I can't remember if I explained that... its a more sensitive O2 sensor. So instead of saying rich, lean, or center as the factory ones do it can say the exact number as far as rich or lean.

with that done I turned the data logger on and headed to work. Man I can say a few things about it right now.

1) its not doing 400hp or 475 ft lbs of torque yet
2) even so it is way easy to do more than 70  :laughing7:
3) it loves gas  :confused2:

Its drinking maybe gulping so much gas right now because the mixture is way off and its running way rich.

So after I made it over to work I ran to up to the Dodge stealership. I got some confused looks there  :tard:

After I explain what it is and where it came from I tell them what I want. I needed the Vin re-programmed, and want the odometer in miles not kilometers (that also got a blank stare) then finally I want them to align the power steering pump pulley as I tried and got no where  :evil6:

Hopefully they can get it all done in a reasonable amount of time.

I also got the data logs off to the tuner so he should be able to get me something that suxs a bit less.


here is a pic of the logs

Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on May 22, 2013, 03:29:23 PM
So I got a new tune, it seems to be doing a little better but no where near what I expected  :angry4:

I know the factory manifolds and stock exhaust pipes are causing a little restriction, but should not be that much in the grand scheme of things.

I am going to check a few more things to see how it all looks and make sure its all correct, but I need to find a big "magical" change sometime here soon to see a good difference.

I did not remember to post my stealership experience. They called and said the tech looked at the power steering pump and agreed that the pulley was not set all the way in... well duh I said that. I was then told the tech said he would have to remove the pump to have room to adjust the pulley and it would be $170!!!! I called BS and said that is stupid and ridiculous. I said there is room to use the tool there, and that if he wanted more he could remove the fan shroud but that there was no need to remove the pump. I told her I figured it would cost me $100 or so to buy the tool and wait for it to fix it myself and that was the max I was willing to pay. Her response "so we can fix it for $100?"

and they ended up fixing it for $90....  :tard:  never negotiated on service price before, thats a first. I also thought it was funny she put it in the computer as a charger because she did not know what else to call it. :laughing7:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: crazzywolfie on May 22, 2013, 04:32:18 PM
thats funny. i did my final driving test in my ramcharger and the guy behind the counter wrote charger. the other guy came out expecting a charger :laughing7:.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on May 25, 2013, 09:57:16 PM
Well still not much change on the engine performance. The tuner is saying the dizzy is "1 tooth off"

I have thought about this a lot... I don't know that you can be "1 tooth off" where ever you stab the intermediate shaft  and the engine is TDC on cyl1 then that is now here the spark from the rotor will hit. As long as the rotor and cap align correct your good?  :icon_scratch: :dontknow:

So after pulling and setting the dizzy about 4 or 5 times I give up and will wait to see what I can get from the tuners.

I did get the sound mat installed on the front section of the roof, and I now have the head liner back in  :13: small but decent progress.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: SixGun on May 26, 2013, 12:47:37 AM
That is odd.  I've never heard of that before but the timing gear one tooth off ....  I've heard of that before.    :dontknow:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: ernestgonzales78@gmail.com on May 27, 2013, 09:18:56 PM
Ryan make sure ur on the top dead center of the compression stroke. The computer can only adjust so far. If its to far it will think it's a tooth off.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on May 28, 2013, 09:39:51 AM
yeah its not the dizzy. I have the new tuner working with me now. we found an extra 60 hp so far!!!

now the issue is 2 fold...
1) stock exhaust don't cut it. I have been reccomended that I need long tube headers and 3" dual exhaust for the engine. I was a bit shocked as that seems really big to me, but its also a big engine and doing lots of breathing.

2) Stock intake don't cut it... lol this I guess is a given, but its what I have right now. Its making vacuum at WOT when it should not and running way rich. I think I found a used one I can try to get tonight to see how that helps.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on May 28, 2013, 11:13:54 AM
I don't think I mentioned this, but its finally getting to the point that I can no longer do my old driving style that has worked for me in every ramcharger I have owned.

That is when you are ready to go you put the skinny pedal to the floor till you reach desired speed.  :evil6:

its a very strange feeling to have it accelerate faster. Its by no means a speed demon yet but its faster than it was.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: SixGun on May 28, 2013, 12:21:28 PM
 :icon_scratch:  Why didn't you try the M1 since you already have it?  If you didn't like it, you are only out time and a couple of gaskets.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: crazzywolfie on May 28, 2013, 12:29:40 PM
i thought the M1 was already on the engine because of the picture he posted had it installed already.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: SixGun on May 28, 2013, 12:34:41 PM
Saw them both for sale and only one left at last check.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on May 28, 2013, 12:55:15 PM
engine builder said m1 runs bad on full size  truck, suggested the Hughes airgape

was hard for me to buy since I don't drink their cool aid lol
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: crazzywolfie on May 28, 2013, 12:59:29 PM
then what intake did you have on it in the picture you posted on page 15?
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on May 28, 2013, 06:03:12 PM
had the Hughes air gap in the pics of the engine.... the 5.9 out of the Dakota had the m1 on it... and I have a m1 on the 91 (92 magnum in it)

it always seemed to do ok to me, even the 5.2 I pulled did decent with it so who knows :dontknow:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: crazzywolfie on May 28, 2013, 06:47:47 PM
so you swapped the hughes air gap for a stock intake? :icon_scratch:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on May 28, 2013, 07:03:25 PM
what?

the 408 has always had... only ever had the Hughes airgap intake

I had a m1 before I pulled the engine and had a m1 from the Dakota. sold 1 working on selling the other. the Dakota will get a stock intake out back on it
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: crazzywolfie on May 28, 2013, 07:12:46 PM
in post 241 i thought you said you put a stock intake manifold on it.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on May 28, 2013, 07:48:25 PM
ah!!! :violent1:

I had a leak on a header and I had to put the stock exhaust manifold back on while I wait for new headers to come in.

I picked up a used cold air intake today for 80 so I think that's a good deal, now to see if it helps.

I have it scheduled for dual exhaust on Friday, should be interesting to get it there with headers only lol
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on May 29, 2013, 12:18:05 AM
just got my spectre cold air intake installed and did a few runs.

I have to say that while we (tuner and myself) are lost as to why it's not breaking tires yet, I was very impressed that the estimated 5300# truck is doing 0-60 in 6.81 seconds!!

I looked up data I a 93 ramcharger, it was like 3700 lbs... 0-60 like 9.3 a d 1/4 mile in 17 seconds with top speed of 78mph!!!

I am not 100% sure those are accurate but can't be far off if not :laughing4:

so to think the newer heavier truck is moving like that.... I am impressed. granted also figure it's stock exhaust manifolds and an exhaust system that is less than 1/2 the size it needs to be ( single 2.25 vs dual 2.5)
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on May 31, 2013, 12:21:46 PM
wow I am deaf!!!!

drove the truck in to exhaust shop with headers only!!!

it was not bad getting them installed, but I have to say its going to be some work to tweak stuff.

they are very long, go past the tranny pan, so my cooler lines which are rubber have to be watched for.

Here is a pic of the cold air intake too, its interesting but I might try to improve it.  :13:

and last but not least I installed some LED's on the dash I like it   :headbang:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: crazzywolfie on May 31, 2013, 01:18:06 PM
looks good. is that a intake air temp sensor in that airbox?

what color led's did you use? they look nice.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on May 31, 2013, 01:20:12 PM
Quote from: crazzywolfie on May 31, 2013, 01:18:06 PM
looks good. is that a intake air temp sensor in that airbox?

what color led's did you use? they look nice.

yeah I did not k is where else to put it, I need to drill and tap a hole maybe.

the led's are dark blue. I had some in the 91, but they are single led and not bright, these are 5 led per and help a lot
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: crazzywolfie on May 31, 2013, 01:26:59 PM
so is the temp sensor on a switch so that you can switch swap back and forth between the one in the intake and the one in the air box? i know i saw the idea and was going to try it on my 93 when i get some time. i got a spare sensor with the spare intake i bought. i heard it can give you a bit more power.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on May 31, 2013, 01:48:11 PM
the Hughes intake does not have a spot for the sensor, so only there.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: crazzywolfie on May 31, 2013, 01:55:30 PM
that seems a bit stupid to me. you pay $600 for a fuel injected intake and there is no where to put the air temp sensor.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on May 31, 2013, 02:38:33 PM
well their thought (which I mostly agree with) is that its stupid it measure the air temp inside the hot manifold, better to do that in the intake tube.

I just need to either drill a hole in the 4" tube for that or find another location to put it.


I am also thinking of trying to fab my own setup, and move it from the side to the front next to the radiator and get more of a "ram air" style intake because it would get fresh air from the grille.

Stopped by at lunch, he welded collector plates onto the headers (thank goodness, I was worried how he was going to do that), and has the driver side done to the x pipe (so crossing behind transmission mount and over to pass side, as the cat on then the x pipe). The passenger side is almost the same but not bolted up.  Once he gets that done most of the hard work should be done, from there just get the mufflers on and the last tailpipe section. I also decided to get some nice looking tips... they are black to keep with the no chrome look lol. The only thing that remotely resembles chrome is the CAI and the headers. Headers are "Armor coated" whatever that means, and the intake is polished SS I believe. If I was thinking I would have taken a few shots of it.

While I was under there yesterday removing stuff I looked at the spare tire... 245/55R16 convert it and its about 27" tall. Go look at the tires that are on it... 265/70R17 convert it and its about 32.1" tall  :confused2: 5" taller on the tires? dang no wonder its so tall. So I can get a 2.5" give or take drop just by going back to factory height tires (and keep the 17" wheels). So like a 235/55R17

Once I recovery from all this work here lately I will have to look into that and see if I can afford to make that happen  :dontknow:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on May 31, 2013, 11:35:08 PM
So here are some pics of the exhaust.

1st is looking from back of truck forward at the driver side pipe coming behind the tranny mount
2nd is looking across the same pipe
3rd the x-pipe and the mufflers
4th the cats... small huh
5th back of mufflers and tail pipe.

Just got the AFR set back and re-calibrated. Not sure why it got off, but it did  :dontknow:

first run shows the fuel is a bit off, but you can tell a difference and the numbers don't lie either

:040:

0-60 in 6.4 seconds!!!! .41 seconds faster than best and thats with a tune that is not good yet. I am waiting for the next revision to see how that does. I would love to see it get into the high 5's but I don't know that its going to happen  :crybaby2:

Either way it has to be one of the fastest ramchargers around, no matter what generation  :evil6:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on June 01, 2013, 01:41:13 AM
Not sure y'all care but I am stoked!!!  :dance:

did more tuning tonight, had to stop a bit early because I had enough torque to pull the driveshaft out of alignment a bit and so I need a trip to Home Depot to get a bolt to resolve that  :angry5:

The good news is, with new exhaust and some, but not all tuning... we hit 0-60 in 6.15 seconds  :confused2:

1/8 mile was 9.51 which puts the 1/4 mile estimated at 14.85  :13:

we are pretty sure we can get it to break into the high 5's on the 0-60. I don't plan to run it hard all the time, the dang fuel cost too much but its fun while we tweak it.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: SixGun on June 02, 2013, 11:56:13 PM
Holy Smokes !!!!   That's one fast sumbitch. 
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on June 03, 2013, 07:45:18 AM
 :laughing4:

why yes, yes it is... and in fact with a new file he sent I got 6.07 and my speedo is off so figure thats more like 0-64.2 in 6.07!!!!

I went and met some fellow Mopar nut's (dakota guys) yesterday and I laughed at one of them while he was looking at my tires.

"Those are not exactly launch friendly tires" I think that was a good way to put it, but it made me laugh.

I had a nice little group of guys come over and check it out, they all approved  :13:

Right now I am averaging 13's in combo of city/ highway driving and 19-20 highway driving. Thats on 93 octane and I really want to get the combo mpg up more but for what it is I guess I can't complain.... I know many of 318's and 360's that can't do that.  :evil6:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on June 04, 2013, 09:31:51 AM
Man I found the wheels I want, I just wish things did not cost so much lol

http://customwheelsmarket.com/20srremablwh.html

I think they would look good, but 20" wheels are big when factory was 16 lol. Not sure how big of a sidewall you could fit on there.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: SixGun on June 04, 2013, 11:16:56 PM
Whooooooa nellie..... hold those horses.  Are those $700 a piece?????   

That's a couple of Ramchargers there.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on June 05, 2013, 08:23:46 AM
I don't know, and it does not matter as they are not going to get bought lol.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on June 06, 2013, 10:56:32 PM
so I am not sure if its good or not, but I have now reached traction issue territory  :13:

this last tune seems to have put me over the top, on a curve 0-60 was 5.66.... the straight test was a 6.34 due to the above mentioned loss of traction

using online calculators we estimate 472hp at the crank and 320-350 at the rear wheels.

and in town/ highway I got 14.3 so that's getting better to, the only thing that remains to be seen is if I can keep out of trouble with it :evil6:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: workgoats on June 10, 2013, 10:29:50 PM
the only thing that remains to be seen is if I can keep out of trouble with it

I fear I know the answer to that question.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on June 11, 2013, 10:42:29 AM
Quote from: workgoats on June 10, 2013, 10:29:50 PM
I fear I know the answer to that question.

What ?  :toothy9:

I am going to take it out to Ennis sat night and see if I can get a decent run pulled off.  :icon_scratch:  :dontknow:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: Brutalowner on June 11, 2013, 10:01:14 PM
Sound like you are getting to the fun part! Congrats on the tune!! Next thing you know, you'll have M/T E.T.s on the back w/12 lbs of air in 'em, front sway bar disco'ed and a pinion snubber out back!
You are on a very slippery slope, my freind! :headbang:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on June 12, 2013, 08:19:43 AM
I don't think it will go that far, its setup to tow and drive, not run down the strip.

Now if I can't find better insurance that will give me an agreed value, then I don't know how often I am going to get to keep driving it either  :angry5:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on June 17, 2013, 09:21:02 AM
So quick update. I bought a new 53mm throttle body and got it put on friday after work. It seemed to help a good bit. We did a few more tunes on it and by sat afternoon I was heading to to drag strip  :headbang:

I met a few other Dodge guys out there, from a Dakota RT forum I found that has lots of 408's on it. One guy's dakota with a carb'd 390 does a mean 11 sec 1/4 mile  :confused2:

It was interesting getting peoples reaction to the truck, some knew what it was and almost wet themselves because they got to see it, others were asking what it was and still others thought I had built it or something.  :dontknow:

I had a blast and was great getting to hang out with other Mopar nuts. I did 9 passes, and they were decent enough I think for "a box on wheels" as I call it. The DA (density Altitude) was horrible and had everyone running 3/10 or more of a second slow.

                           
   8:27 PM   9:38 PM   9:52 PM   10:40 PM   10:58 PM   12:05 AM   12:14 AM   12:21 AM   1:25 AM
r/t   0.771   0.586   0.662   0.569   0.126   0.081   0.078   0.094   0.187
60'   2.159   2.185   2.279   2.182   2.243   2.245   2.255   2.215   2.207
330   6.133   6.14           6.29      6.163   6.269   6.245   6.294   6.215   6.174
1/8   9.419   9.515   9.64           9.451   9.578   9.53           9.674   9.516   9.452
mph   74.92   75.13   72.2       74.92   74.49   74.75   71.57   74.59   75.1
1000   12.262   12.254   12.606   12.294   12.436   12.379   12.661   12.37   12.289
1/4   14.678   14.669   15.115   14.711   14.861   14.8           15.18   14.795   14.7
mph   93.08   93.16   89.85   92.96   92.81   92.83   89.58   92.54   93.26

Here are my runs, the Response time improved once I realized I needed to floor it on the 3rd yellow and not wait till green. The 2 times I did 89 mph was when I forgot to put it in 2nd and it shifted early on me.

All in all I am happy with a 14.669, damn fast for a box on wheels lol.

I was able to beat a newer avenger (easily), I also had several good runs on a 360 dakota. I did 2 or 3 runs against a newer (08 or up?) Ram 1500 single cab with a 5.7, 4.56 gears and a tune. I did not smoke him, but I consistently out ran him by 2/10ths or better.

I can see how people get sucked into this, as its a blast and lots of great people out there. While I plan to go again and at least hang out or maybe do a few runs, I don't plan to get sucked into it as this is a tow truck and its exactly what I want.

Several people stated I had done exactly right with the truck and its what they would have done.  :13:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: SixGun on June 17, 2013, 10:38:27 AM
What - no pics or vids????  :)
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on June 17, 2013, 10:41:12 AM
I forgot the go pro at home  :angry5:

I don't know that anyone video'd me.

Here is the time slip from the best run.

I will prob go again next month, I will be sure to take the go pro that round.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on July 05, 2013, 08:12:58 AM
well I had a strange 1 liner email last night.

U wanna sell that Mexican Ramcharger?


no clue who it is, but  looks like someone off RCC by the address and path the email too.

I responded with a "anything is for sale for a price, but at this point my price is not what you would consider reasonable or fair."

:evil6:

lets see if I get a response.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: Dodgestrike on August 24, 2013, 01:32:29 PM
looks great Ryan , I've sent you some emails did you get them ?
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on September 06, 2013, 01:14:11 AM
So this was a interesting weekend, started off by blowing a cap out of the rear yoke of the driveshaft. Did enough damage to de-form the driveshaft yoke.

I got another u joint in there and thought it was good, started out with the trailer and "Tristan" the 93 RC. Made it about 60 miles and it did it again. :angry4:

took 4 hrs to get parts again and make repairs. It held for the rest of the trip, but I was not taking chances.

Wed I took it to a driveshaft shop and had a new yoke put on, When I swapped rear ends out the diff yoke was bigger which meant I had to use a crossover u joint. I question if I ever had the right one and that was my issue, but I resolved it by having them install a new bigger yoke that matched.

It looks good and runs good. Also found out this is the ticker of the 2 materials used for driveshafts and with it being as short as it is, I should have no issues with my HP range now. :13:

The last thing I did today, was I got new tires. 265/70R17, a little bigger than I really wanted,  but the size I wanted (275/60R17) was hard to find and cost a little more with very few selections. So I went with smaller tires than I had and got a really good one. It changed how the truck looks just a little.... lowered it a bit too  :13:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: SixGun on September 06, 2013, 01:45:01 PM
I just want to brag on Ryan's "truck" a bit.  Those of us that got to see and especially hear it were really impressed at Ram Jam.  He drove in when it was dark and the rumpety-rump was awesome.  Ryan left it idling while we unloaded him.  Sounds like a hot rod and looks stealthy in the daylight.  Real nice vehicle   :sign0098:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on September 06, 2013, 01:55:19 PM
next time we have to do some driving... it drives a bit like a hot rod too  :evil6:

not a 10 sec 1/4 but its fast enough for what it is.

thanks for the compliment.  :13:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: crazzywolfie on September 28, 2013, 09:43:53 PM
so who did you get to do the tuning? i know you mentions having issues with the hemifever tune slowing you down and mentions something about someone on dakotart.com being a wiz. only reason i ask is i think there is someone on another forum that might be having issues related to a hemifever tune and might benefit from a second opinion. 
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: joemouton on November 08, 2013, 09:53:54 AM
I know that there hasn't been any response to this post in a while, but I was wondering how you found your Mexican ramcharger? I think that is one sick looking ride. I just don't even know where to look, I mean of course Mexico, but I mean online or wherever.  I live in Houston and I have never seen one of those here. I don't speak the lingo so I wouldn't know how to find one in Mexico. Just wondering how you found it.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: SixGun on November 08, 2013, 11:42:01 PM
Joe, I believe the guy that helped Ryan get the 2000 RC goes by Dodgestrike on this site if I'm not mistaken.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: crazzywolfie on November 09, 2013, 04:24:28 AM
didn't Dodgestrike also have a Mexican ramcharger for sale?
http://ramcharger.net/index.php/topic,46.0.html
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: joemouton on November 09, 2013, 08:25:17 AM
Well I have found something to save for.  :13: Having or will purchase two RCs in the last two months I am not able to spend that kind of money right now, but that sure is a nice ride.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: The War Wagon on November 09, 2013, 10:39:25 AM
I would love to see one of those converted to 4wd (Dakota/Durango chassis/running gear?), lifted, and a whole hog 360 Magnum monster build dropped in it.  If all you need is to pull the body off the factory frame, and bolt it to the Dakota/Durango frame accordingly, I think such conversions would really take off, with a steady supply of good bodies!  :dance:

Oh yeah - T-18 tranny, NP205 case, and Dana 60's front & rear.  Folks would flip out over the places such a beast could crawl!  :great:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: joemouton on November 09, 2013, 02:43:40 PM
Great! Well, war wagon there is always that one person in the group who comes up with such a great idea that you have to now save three times what you planned on saving and perhaps sell you best running vehicle. Thanks buddy.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on November 26, 2013, 12:08:53 AM
Hey,

sorry I have been MIA, got a new job and its a bit hectic right now.

I got luck and found mine on Craigslist in Cali and had a friend buy it and ship it out to me. It was in bad shape with paint and tranny issues.

Just have to keep an eye out on the web to see what you find.

As far as 4wd goes, you can't swap it to a durango chassis thats too small, and it can't just go onto a ram 1500 chassis because those are too long. from my understanding to convert it you would need a donor frame and graph the 2 together in the front sections to make it work.

Its a real pita and why I decided 2wd was good enough for me.  :13:  Besides, if its snowing and icy or I am going off roading I am NOT taking that thing... I have a 93 trail rig (which in a way is just as rare, but it was already beat up).

And War Wagon... who wants a magnum 360 when you can have a magnum 408?  :headband:  they rock thats all I have to say lol
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: SixGun on November 26, 2013, 12:42:27 AM
I was thinking about redoing the exhaust in my 91 D150 with the 5.2 and was wondering what you ended up with on the exhaust on this monster.  If I remember correctly, it is single exhaust but with like a 3 or 4" pipe.  Can you give me details again?  All I know for sure is that is sounds mean as heck.   :hello:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: The War Wagon on November 26, 2013, 06:55:45 AM
Quote from: SixGun on November 26, 2013, 12:42:27 AM
I was thinking about redoing the exhaust in my 91 D150 with the 5.2 and was wondering what you ended up with on the exhaust on this monster.  If I remember correctly, it is single exhaust but with like a 3 or 4" pipe.  Can you give me details again?  All I know for sure is that is sounds mean as heck.   :hello:

Does it sound THIS mean?  :headbang:

http://s212.photobucket.com/user/The_War_Wagon/media/Ramcharger/100_8648_zpsfe1e2fa3.mp4.html
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on November 26, 2013, 09:55:04 AM
ended up with dual 2.5" pipe and a x pipe. it has high flow magnaflow cats and hooker aerochamber "mufflers". the mufflers are mostly see through and not sure how much they help.

I also have a set of pacesetter long tube headers on it.

I should have an audio file of if somewhere I can post up when I get a few
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: SixGun on November 26, 2013, 05:44:12 PM
See with the gas tank at the rear on RC's, duals are no problem.  On the D150 it has the driver's side tank and I will have to run it down one side.  Hooker has a kit that goes outside the frame rail and then crosses over the drive shaft - no likey.  Then JC Whitney carries one that goes outside the frame rail on both sides - hmmm ... no likey.  So I was thinking bigger tube single exhaust possibly.  Cheaper with only one cat and muffler too.  Right now it is running single exhaust with the V6 small tube pipes setup.  It's like running track with one nostril closed off.  LOL

@ War Wagon- no offense but Ryan's MX RC sounds super nice like crisp clean $100 bills floating out of the exhaust.   :13:

Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on November 26, 2013, 06:47:13 PM
the 2000 also has a side mounted tank, both pipes run down the pass side. with the 5.2 you could do a single 3" and be more than good. I have a cat and muffler I could sell ya
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: The War Wagon on November 26, 2013, 10:02:15 PM
Quote from: SixGun on November 26, 2013, 05:44:12 PM@ War Wagon- no offense but Ryan's MX RC sounds super nice like crisp clean $100 bills floating out of the exhaust.   :13:

I don't have headers...

Yet...  8)
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: murfman on March 20, 2014, 04:29:29 PM
I finally got me one of these things!
Pic from the seller when I bought it:
On the trailer coming home:
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x205/murfman_photo/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsa6890642.jpg) (http://s184.photobucket.com/user/murfman_photo/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsa6890642.jpg.html)

(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x205/murfman_photo/RamCharger/5F59F6E6-281E-432A-A7EC-942E3247CC7B_zpss0de9dqq-1.png) (http://s184.photobucket.com/user/murfman_photo/media/RamCharger/5F59F6E6-281E-432A-A7EC-942E3247CC7B_zpss0de9dqq-1.png.html)

Mine also is staying 2 WD, BUT I'm swapping in a 24V Cummins/ NV5600 6 speed / Dana 80 / 3/4 Ton front suspension from a 2001 2500 QC I bought to part out
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on March 21, 2014, 06:30:03 AM
That looks pretty nice.

Let me know of anything you rip off yours... I might can use some of it.

Mine was missing a few parts, and was not a SLT to begin with so I had to get creative on a few things  :laughing7:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: The War Wagon on March 21, 2014, 08:07:42 AM
Quote from: murfman on March 20, 2014, 04:29:29 PM
I finally got me one of these things!

(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x205/murfman_photo/RamCharger/5F59F6E6-281E-432A-A7EC-942E3247CC7B_zpss0de9dqq-1.png) (http://s184.photobucket.com/user/murfman_photo/media/RamCharger/5F59F6E6-281E-432A-A7EC-942E3247CC7B_zpss0de9dqq-1.png.html)

Mine also is staying 2 WD, BUT I'm swapping in a 24V Cummins/ NV5600 6 speed / Dana 80 / 3/4 Ton front suspension from a 2001 2500 QC I bought to part out

9" of lift, 5.13's, a 392 Hemi crate engine, and 40" M/T/s, and you'll be stylin' & profilin'!  :great:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: murfman on March 23, 2014, 08:59:03 AM
Quote from: The War Wagon on March 21, 2014, 08:07:42 AM
9" of lift, 5.13's, a 392 Hemi crate engine, and 40" M/T/s, and you'll be stylin' & profilin'!  :great:

Will do, but the parts I strip off will mostly be driveline/suspension related. 

I would like to find a 3rd row seat, I'd most likely never use it but it would be nice to have.  I would also like to replace the roof rails, they are pretty beat up.  I'd also like to find the lower plastic trim under the hatch, mine is broken under the latch post on the floor.

My registration request came back denied because of insufficient papaerwork.  They are looking for another form from Mexico that I will most likely not be able to attain, so I'm going to use the  registration from the 2001 Ram 2500 I bought for the Cummins/6 speed.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: The War Wagon on March 23, 2014, 01:16:31 PM
Quote from: murfman on March 23, 2014, 08:59:03 AMMy registration request came back denied because of insufficient papaerwork.  They are looking for another form from Mexico that I will most likely not be able to attain...

That bites big weiners.  I'm guessing we'd have about the same luck bringing a '96 Ramcharger into the country, as we would a '99...  :-\
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: ProjectM880 on March 28, 2014, 04:29:05 AM
Check out this Trail Charger

http://houston.craigslist.org/cto/4395627010.html
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on April 08, 2014, 09:31:11 PM
So while I have been busy at work and trying to bring them into the 21st century, I have found time to do a little to the truck. It has to get ready for the Easter outing.

I bought new tie rod ends a while back knowing those needed replacing. So while doing that I look and realize that the ball joints are shot  :angry4:

The uppers had been replaced before so that helped, but the lowers were factory and still riveted in. The driver side was going ok, then I broke a drill bit off.  :angry4: Hours later, and after removing the lower control arm I finally got it off.

Once that was done it was pretty smooth sailing.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on April 08, 2014, 09:33:26 PM
While I was in there doing the ball joints I figured this would be a perfect time to start on the Air suspension add on I bought from Air Lift!  :13:

The front was a breeze, since the springs were out I just slid them right in. With the springs not under pressure the bags looked way small, but once they were back in it was a perfect fit.

I had them aired up to 30 psi  to test for leaks and left them that way to go drop it off for the front end alignment, I think I need to lower that a bit for normal every day driving.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on April 08, 2014, 09:37:47 PM
The Rear bags I thought would be a walk in the park, boy was I wrong.

Someone down in Mexico thought the perfect location for a body mount was almost exactly above the rear axle.  :angry4:

As you can see, that makes this not work so well. After a little head scratching and some thinking I decided to remove the body mount bracket and see what I could figure out. Turns out I can modify the body mount and get a shorter bolt and make it work.

The rear air bags are some serious bags, I was impressed. They did miss a part when shipped (but a quick call and they are 2 day shipping the parts out for free... great service  :13:).

Once the parts get in I can connect the air lines and test them out. Normally you cannot drive on the bags if there is no pressure, but these are the new ones that have built in baffles to allow you to drive without air. I don't plan to do that much but did it to get the alignment.


I also bought the onboard HD air compressor and remote control module, but I don't think I will have time to install those before the Easter trip. I will just put valves on front and rear and control that way.

I am excited to get this going back on the road its taken a few weeks of work to get it all back together. Not that it took that long, but it took that long to find time to work on it.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on April 08, 2014, 09:44:03 PM
So I just realized I never told anyone that my tuner (Flying Ryan) found me a used 58mm throttle body. took a bit to get it all worked out and installed, but its on and we are about done tweaking the tune.

I was shocked at how big that sucker is compared to the 53mm I had on.

After working on the front end and messing with the wheels and tires, its been decided that is the next project.. those things are heavy!!!! its a lot of energy to spin them... no wonder I can't do burn outs easily lol.

So between this and the air bags/ front end work we are all set for the trip and will be able to tow the trailer no problem. I also got new tires on the trailer... went from load C (6 ply) to load e (10 ply) so I think that will solve my other issue I had.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: SixGun on April 08, 2014, 09:47:45 PM
Air bags??  You must have been watching Fast and Loud.   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on April 08, 2014, 09:49:43 PM
I do... but not those type of bags... their bags raise and lower the car height... these bags make it so when you have a load the truck does not squat and it also smooths out the ride  :13:

I am all for both of those.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: ProjectPW on April 10, 2014, 07:47:03 AM
Quote from: rjtx667 on April 08, 2014, 09:44:03 PM
So I just realized I never told anyone that my tuner (Flying Ryan) found me a used 58mm throttle body. took a bit to get it all worked out and installed, but its on and we are about done tweaking the tune.

I was shocked at how big that sucker is compared to the 53mm I had on.

After working on the front end and messing with the wheels and tires, its been decided that is the next project.. those things are heavy!!!! its a lot of energy to spin them... no wonder I can't do burn outs easily lol.

So between this and the air bags/ front end work we are all set for the trip and will be able to tow the trailer no problem. I also got new tires on the trailer... went from load C (6 ply) to load e (10 ply) so I think that will solve my other issue I had.

What are y'all using to program the ecm? Glad to hear progress is being made...should be a fun easter trip....see you there
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on April 10, 2014, 07:55:50 AM
we are using sct. does a good job but you have to use an external monitor and data logger. their new version has some of that intergrated. I will buy it when they can tune the R/T Durango  :evil6:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: crazzywolfie on April 10, 2014, 12:17:20 PM
man that 58mm TB looks big and custom made. so has it made any difference?
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on April 10, 2014, 12:31:51 PM
It has, but not sure how noticeable just yet.

We are working with SCT to get a torque management table added to my type of computer. Once that is added we believe we will see more significant gains.

As it is I am still doing 0-60 just over 6 secs... which I have to say for a 5300 lb truck is pretty damn impressive. My 2013 R/T durnago with the 5.7 hemi can't get below 9. I figure a lot of that is torque management, but even so 3 seconds different for 2 trucks that weight about the same.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on April 10, 2014, 09:22:20 PM
WOW !!!!!!!

I LOVE air bags lol

the current "stock" height from top of rear tire to bottom of wheel well is apx 6.6" If I put 30 psi of air in there it goes to 7.8"

Its cool to watch it slowly go up as the psi increases lol. So yeah I guess its like fast n loud except it does not go that low, it just goes high. And yeah I can see it being a great improvement on hauling trailers weighed down with ram chargers  :evil6:

The tags and inspection ran out on me  :angry4:   

Going to get the tags tomorrow, I can't get the inspection until the tune is put back in closed loop...but I will risk it with a out of date inspection pretty sure I can explain hat with the battery reset and all... both out, its just asking... begging for a ticket lol
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: murfman on April 15, 2014, 07:41:19 AM
Do you have a source for any Ramcharger specific parts?  I would like to get a set of roof rails for mine. Mine have a couple broken mounting studs. I can make them work but would rather get new or better ones.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on April 16, 2014, 04:02:05 PM
Quote from: murfman on April 15, 2014, 07:41:19 AM
Do you have a source for any Ramcharger specific parts?  I would like to get a set of roof rails for mine. Mine have a couple broken mounting studs. I can make them work but would rather get new or better ones.

At least you have some.... I don't have any and they are no longer made. Just have to hunt and find what you can.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: Dracen on April 16, 2014, 09:15:31 PM
depending on how hard these might be to make I have a lathe and a mill so I might be able to at least make something close but I would need pics and measurements. There not much I can't make... That is when I have time...LOL
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on April 20, 2014, 07:41:29 PM
Just got back home from the trip. Was quite the adventure.

The truck did great and I LOVE the airbags!!!!  :13:

Wow what a difference they made. Anyone who tows should buy some. I think Eric is a believer from seeing them in action.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: SixGun on April 20, 2014, 08:31:05 PM
Whew.... Glad to hear the good news.  I was almost afraid to read this after seeing what happened to the 93 RC.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on April 20, 2014, 08:34:18 PM
Well I think there is a pattern.

Had issues with the 2000 last time. So I fixed them and neglected doing much to the 93 though it did serve beyond its ability.

I do know I have a few small things to do to the 2000, mainly replacing the fuel pump before it pukes on me. And I also need to do a good vacuum leak test as I think I have one somewhere.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: ProjectM880 on April 27, 2014, 12:13:29 PM
looks like this guy is doing  3/4 ton cummins 6 speed conversion
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/tow-rigs-trailers/1665513-family-truckster-south-border-style.html
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: SixGun on April 27, 2014, 03:47:56 PM
Quote from: ProjectM880 on April 27, 2014, 12:13:29 PM
looks like this guy is doing  3/4 ton cummins 6 speed conversion
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/tow-rigs-trailers/1665513-family-truckster-south-border-style.html

Pretty cool
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: ProjectM880 on September 18, 2014, 12:25:26 PM
So what are your over all thoughts and opinions of the rear Airbags?

I want to do them on the future tow rig right off the bat.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on September 18, 2014, 12:48:52 PM
I got the on board air installed for them... its cool  :13:

I like them and it made a huge difference... now I just need to upgrade the brakes a little more. need to see if I can get 3/4 or 1 ton brakes on front.

But I also kind of think it might be best to start looking for a dedicated tow rig, but then that gets into storage issues and back to needing land and a workshop.

Too many needs to little time and money lol.

I have some pics I will throw up soon.

You going to be around next weekend when I am down?
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: ProjectM880 on September 18, 2014, 01:04:30 PM
I should be around friday and sunday but not saturday.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger -- back from paint and going back together
Post by: rjtx667 on September 18, 2014, 09:41:06 PM
cool I will let you play with the setup.... now that the onboard air is working with a remote... its awesome.

I am going to get the trailer this weekend so will get to test it out a bit... but even empty you can watch it raise the truck a few inches.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger
Post by: rjtx667 on October 15, 2014, 01:55:55 PM
Well the trip down to Noah's showed me I have some warped rotors in front. I recall the rotors in back were not great when I got the axle.

I did a little research and found a company called power stop. They create special after market disk and pads for different cars and situations.

They have an extreme version that is made for towing and hauling heavy loads. I decided to put these all around and see if it helps. I am also going to order the braided stainless steel lines as they say that makes a difference, but that will have to be after this.

Its really strange that my rear rotors are bigger than my front, I checked on the 2005 year model (which is what the rear axle came out of) and it was the same way. The rear rotor is just a little bigger than the front.

Noah helped me find a bad ground on the trailer and got the trailer brakes working, and that helps a lot... but I would like a little more stopping power, plus I can't stand warped rotors lol.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger
Post by: rjtx667 on October 17, 2014, 11:40:22 PM
brake parts are in  :dance:

I hope to work on it tomorrow and sunday.

Nice looking hardware, still baffles me how the rear disk are larger.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger
Post by: ProjectM880 on October 18, 2014, 05:52:33 AM
Quote from: rjtx667 on October 17, 2014, 11:40:22 PM
brake parts are in  :dance:

I hope to work on it tomorrow and sunday.

Nice looking hardware, still baffles me how the rear disk are larger.

Look like some badass brakes  :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger
Post by: rjtx667 on October 18, 2014, 07:06:27 AM
that's the hope... and for the price it should be
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger
Post by: ProjectM880 on October 18, 2014, 07:46:34 AM
Quote from: rjtx667 on October 18, 2014, 07:06:27 AM
that's the hope... and for the price it should be


What brand setup did you use for your Airbags? I've started looking for kits for my 78 PW.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger
Post by: rjtx667 on October 18, 2014, 07:48:49 AM
airlift. I got them on Amazon, I bought the 5000 plus series or whatever that was... they have internal bumpers to avoid damaging them if they somehow end up empty
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger
Post by: ProjectM880 on October 18, 2014, 07:55:58 AM
Quote from: rjtx667 on October 18, 2014, 07:48:49 AM
airlift. I got them on Amazon, I bought the 5000 plus series or whatever that was... they have internal bumpers to avoid damaging them if they somehow end up empty

Good Deal, Im  Going to do some research on them :thumbsup:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger
Post by: rjtx667 on October 18, 2014, 10:21:14 AM
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B32DCMW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001OMVCN2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001BET3F2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

if that helps


Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger
Post by: ProjectM880 on October 18, 2014, 11:54:59 AM
Quote from: rjtx667 on October 18, 2014, 10:21:14 AM
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B32DCMW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001OMVCN2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001BET3F2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

if that helps

Thank you..... and damnit I just got a 30 day Amazon Prime trial....... Might order this a Little early.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger
Post by: rjtx667 on October 18, 2014, 12:01:46 PM
Amazon prime is good and bad lol
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger
Post by: ProjectM880 on October 18, 2014, 12:02:52 PM
Quote from: rjtx667 on October 18, 2014, 12:01:46 PM
Amazon prime is good and bad lol

Indeed....  :breakcomp:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger
Post by: taz_man440 on October 18, 2014, 05:43:31 PM
I have the Firestone Ride right air bag kit on the 06 Quad cab. That's the only way I can tow.  Without air in them the trailer squat's the truck & makes the trailer fishtail.  i add 25-30#'s in the bags & it rides like stock.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger
Post by: ProjectM880 on October 19, 2014, 05:47:06 AM
Quote from: taz_man440 on October 18, 2014, 05:43:31 PM
I have the Firestone Ride right air bag kit on the 06 Quad cab. That's the only way I can tow.  Without air in them the trailer squat's the truck & makes the trailer fishtail.  i add 25-30#'s in the bags & it rides like stock.

That makes me want to put Airbags on my 2011 Ram now so I can tow with HEMI Power!
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger
Post by: rjtx667 on October 19, 2014, 08:24:34 AM
cheaper than rebuilding the cummins... maybe not as fun but cheaper lol
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger
Post by: ProjectM880 on October 19, 2014, 08:49:16 AM
Quote from: rjtx667 on October 19, 2014, 08:24:34 AM
cheaper than rebuilding the cummins... maybe not as fun but cheaper lol

It doesn't matter how much Airbags I put in the rear of the 2011 ram, The rear coil spring suspension is just not made to handle any significant weight. But yeah it would be cheaper...... Until I blew out the rear springs or links.

I think I should just stick with building the cummins  ;D
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger
Post by: rjtx667 on October 19, 2014, 05:07:43 PM
you just want a cummins... and I can't blame you

I got my brakes done, they seem nice. they had a break in procedure which was interesting.

now I have to get 100 miles on it before pulling a load
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger
Post by: ProjectM880 on January 13, 2015, 04:14:53 PM
So now that you have Potential Cummins to be the New tow rig, will the RC become a full on Hot Rod ? :steeringwheel:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger
Post by: rjtx667 on January 13, 2015, 05:04:49 PM
Not sure about that, but it might loose the air bags and be more fun and street.

Not sure I should race it a whole lot, besides the torque converter and tranny were not really setup for that. I guess I could always throw a new torque converter in it and change the cam... but what a PITA that is for not much gain.

If I wanted a hot rod I would just keep the dakota I am about to sell.  :headbang:


I don't need to be going that fast lol
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger
Post by: SixGun on January 13, 2015, 05:13:57 PM
Hot Rods are cool but ticket magnets....that's no good.   :nono:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger
Post by: ProjectPW on January 14, 2015, 09:25:08 AM
Quote from: SixGun on January 13, 2015, 05:13:57 PM
Hot Rods are cool but ticket magnets....that's no good.   :nono:

I am pretty sure 408 stroker small block Mopars allow RC's to not only out run any problems, but it also allows for stealth cloaking of any Dodge vehicle it is installed in.... :steeringwheel:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger
Post by: SixGun on January 14, 2015, 02:46:37 PM
Invisi-shield!
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger
Post by: ProjectM880 on January 14, 2015, 03:20:02 PM
Though the Exhaust on that bad boy is a dead give away that its not stock  :headbang:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger
Post by: SixGun on January 14, 2015, 04:44:45 PM
Quote from: ProjectM880 on January 14, 2015, 03:20:02 PM
Though the Exhaust on that bad boy is a dead give away that its not stock  :headbang:

That kick in the pants feeling was a bit of a give away also.   :headbang:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger
Post by: rjtx667 on January 14, 2015, 04:53:03 PM
yeah I am thinking that muffler is going to change soon, just way too loud.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger
Post by: ProjectM880 on January 14, 2015, 05:47:11 PM
Quote from: rjtx667 on January 14, 2015, 04:53:03 PM
yeah I am thinking that muffler is going to change soon, just way too loud.

As a great fellow dodge member we once had said

"LOUD PIPES SAVE LIVES"- Mad Dog Aka Brett
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger
Post by: ProjectPW on January 15, 2015, 09:16:16 AM
Quote from: rjtx667 on January 14, 2015, 04:53:03 PM
yeah I am thinking that muffler is going to change soon, just way too loud.

yep maybe some 1 3/4" super turbo mufflers....... I promise it will be quiet after that....may also have to detune the engine lol  :tongue3:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger
Post by: rjtx667 on January 15, 2015, 10:06:43 AM
lol yeah I don't think its worth de-tuning.

Maybe I should just focus on sound proofing the inside  :laughing7:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger
Post by: ProjectM880 on January 15, 2015, 12:43:03 PM
Quote from: rjtx667 on January 15, 2015, 10:06:43 AM
lol yeah I don't think its worth de-tuning.

Maybe I should just focus on sound proofing the inside  :laughing7:

Just install A louder Stereo!  :headbang:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger
Post by: rjtx667 on January 15, 2015, 02:16:21 PM
You did not ride in it yet did you?
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger
Post by: ProjectM880 on January 15, 2015, 02:57:46 PM
Quote from: rjtx667 on January 15, 2015, 02:16:21 PM
You did not ride in it yet did you?

I have not, But when I hear a problem with my truck i just turn up the stereo and it fixes everything  :great:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger
Post by: rjtx667 on January 15, 2015, 03:23:19 PM
this one is very loud, the radio can fix it... but it might damage your hearing in the process.

No radio is gonna fix the 2005, that needs other parts  :evil6:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger
Post by: rjtx667 on February 19, 2015, 03:50:38 PM
Changed the oil yesterday, and worked on the collector bolts (again). I added lock washers this time, going to see if that helps.

it is quieter without all the exhaust leaks.

I also think I got the power steering leak fixed, though I still have a small oil leak coming from the back top of the engine I have to track down. Once I get that done I am going to pressure wash it all and get it clean again.

I drove it today, and taking it on a road trip this weekend.  Its amazing the power the thing has... I mean you think the 5.7 hemi's with 360hp are movers... this thing I am looking down and I am doing 90 passing people thinking I am doing 75!!!!

Its probably a good thing I don't drive it daily anymore lol  :headbang:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger
Post by: ProjectPW on February 19, 2015, 04:09:07 PM
Fine thread bolts and self locking nuts (not nylon) work good for header collectors.... just using fine thread bolts & lock washers has worked for me
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger
Post by: rjtx667 on February 21, 2015, 12:21:40 AM
thats a good thought to try if these back off.

I made to to Amarillo tonight, but it was a trip. Had issues with trailer lights (not sure if it was truck or trailer or both), and it was windy and somewhere along the way I lost one of my tail light covers  :angry4:

like the one I bought new for $500 from Mexico side lost   :angry4: :angry4: :angry4: :angry4: :angry4: :angry4:

I have some red tape on it till I get back home, then I have to figure out what I want to do. I have 1 spare set.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger
Post by: SixGun on February 21, 2015, 07:05:40 AM
I remember the discussion some time back about them possibly being minivan lights.
I bet you wish they were now.

That sucks for sure  :character0029:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger
Post by: rjtx667 on March 10, 2015, 10:41:40 AM
Well the cummins project is going to be on a extended money hold due to the engine being a PITA.

At this point I need to do a few more tweaks on the old girl to get her ready to pull the trail rig a few more times.

The steering has always been a little off, but seems to have gotten worse lately. I notice it while driving it, and its just that much worse while pulling a trailer.

I rebuilt the front end and did new Tie Rods, ball points, and idler arm last year. So at this point the only things it could be are the pitman arm and gear box?

I am thinking of a new gear box and pitman arm:

http://agrperformance.com/Gearbox-AGR-Performance-MB-Motorsports.htm#SB1

the SB2 should work?

If its improves things a lot I might get a SB1 for the trail rig.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger
Post by: rjtx667 on March 10, 2015, 10:55:41 AM
hmm might do the pitman arm and a steering stabilizer first to see how that does.

Those high performance gear boxes are a lot more $$ than I thought they would be  :tard: :confused2:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger
Post by: SixGun on March 10, 2015, 10:57:37 AM
I thought pitman arms were a non-wear item.  :dontknow:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger
Post by: murfman on March 14, 2015, 11:30:48 AM
If its too loud you can do this:
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x205/murfman_photo/RamCharger/image_zpsc4d03c12.jpg) (http://s184.photobucket.com/user/murfman_photo/media/RamCharger/image_zpsc4d03c12.jpg.html)
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x205/murfman_photo/RamCharger/image_zps56bfa13a.jpg) (http://s184.photobucket.com/user/murfman_photo/media/RamCharger/image_zps56bfa13a.jpg.html)
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x205/murfman_photo/RamCharger/image_zps07c4bed5.jpg) (http://s184.photobucket.com/user/murfman_photo/media/RamCharger/image_zps07c4bed5.jpg.html)
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x205/murfman_photo/RamCharger/image_zpseecdbbc2.jpg) (http://s184.photobucket.com/user/murfman_photo/media/RamCharger/image_zpseecdbbc2.jpg.html)
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x205/murfman_photo/RamCharger/image_zps4f7f834a.jpg) (http://s184.photobucket.com/user/murfman_photo/media/RamCharger/image_zps4f7f834a.jpg.html)

I was surprised that there was absolutely no insulation on the roof at all.  I used AC vent insulation from Lowes on the roof and Hush mat on the floors, wheelwells, quarters, firewall, and doors.  Cant say yet how much it helped as the engine compartment looks like this:
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x205/murfman_photo/RamCharger/image_zpsn1ramjx1.jpg) (http://s184.photobucket.com/user/murfman_photo/media/RamCharger/image_zpsn1ramjx1.jpg.html)
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger
Post by: rjtx667 on March 14, 2015, 11:35:28 AM
you have done a lot of work on yours, looks promising.

I have the sound mat under all the front, on the roof and most sides. I need a little more under the rear cargo area. It did not help at all.

But also realize that I have 2.5" pipes with high flow cats (read almost see through) with Hooker aero chamber mufflers (read are see through). So its not straight exhaust, but its about as straight exhaust as one can have and still be legal  :laughing7:

I have thought about swapping out the mufflers to something quieter, but not sure yet.

Where are you located at murfman?
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger
Post by: ProjectPW on March 14, 2015, 10:38:14 PM
Yep that stuff works wonders.... I see another RC in  your pics with some cool old slot wheels.  :13:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger
Post by: murfman on March 16, 2015, 03:16:10 PM
Quote from: rjtx667 on March 14, 2015, 11:35:28 AM
you have done a lot of work on yours, looks promising.

I have the sound mat under all the front, on the roof and most sides. I need a little more under the rear cargo area. It did not help at all.

But also realize that I have 2.5" pipes with high flow cats (read almost see through) with Hooker aero chamber mufflers (read are see through). So its not straight exhaust, but its about as straight exhaust as one can have and still be legal  :laughing7:

I have thought about swapping out the mufflers to something quieter, but not sure yet.

Where are you located at murfman?

45 miles SW of Chicago
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger
Post by: murfman on March 16, 2015, 03:18:50 PM
Some progress:
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x205/murfman_photo/RamCharger/image_zpsukomsqlx.jpg) (http://s184.photobucket.com/user/murfman_photo/media/RamCharger/image_zpsukomsqlx.jpg.html)
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x205/murfman_photo/RamCharger/image_zpsy9ezxzgd.jpg) (http://s184.photobucket.com/user/murfman_photo/media/RamCharger/image_zpsy9ezxzgd.jpg.html)

I did the headliner and all the interior trim in Dark Agate, I hate the light colored headliners Dodge used in that era. I also re dyed the carpet with SEM Dark agaite as it was the lighter grey and stained.
(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x205/murfman_photo/RamCharger/image_zpsfdefcf10.jpg) (http://s184.photobucket.com/user/murfman_photo/media/RamCharger/image_zpsfdefcf10.jpg.html)
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger
Post by: ProjectM880 on March 16, 2015, 03:50:39 PM
Nice  :thumbsup:

Murfman you start your own thread on this project with all the details. I read about some of it on pirate.

great project, Welcome to Ramcharger .net  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger
Post by: rjtx667 on March 22, 2015, 09:15:14 PM
Ernest was up here picking up some parts.

I finally got the new black chrome wheels for it, but they are not going to go on until after this last tow trip in April. The tires are not as good as what I have now, and they are slightly taller which I have to make sure that will be ok

I will get a pic tomorrow

:13:
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger
Post by: rjtx667 on August 09, 2015, 05:31:45 PM
hmm I forgot to upload a pic of the wheels  :violent1:

the last one shows what was on there.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger
Post by: rjtx667 on August 09, 2015, 05:34:41 PM
Last time I drove it, the A/C was less than desirable  :angry5:


Finally had time today to fix some stuff on the dash and hook up some gauges. Low side high, high side low... either a stuck txv or a bad compressor.

Compressor is 15 years old.. so I don't think I am going to risk it. I will get a new compressor, new condenser, new txv, new dryer. And while I am at it, I will get the lines fixed so that I can plumb in the rear a/c. I have all of the line parts, just not all of the vent parts. Will have to see what I can do.

I got a feeling its not going to be a cheap project, so I might not be driving it a lot till fall. Granted I have not been driving it a lot now just because with my folks living  here and 3 cars in the driveway, its not exactly easy to get it out of the garage.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger
Post by: crazzywolfie on August 09, 2015, 06:08:37 PM
when it comes to fixing or modifying a/c it is never cheap. plus i think in order to even qualify for a warranty on most of the a/c parts you pretty much need to replace the entire a/c system.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger
Post by: murfman on September 23, 2015, 08:18:45 PM
Quote from: rjtx667 on August 09, 2015, 05:34:41 PM
Last time I drove it, the A/C was less than desirable  :angry5:


Finally had time today to fix some stuff on the dash and hook up some gauges. Low side high, high side low... either a stuck txv or a bad compressor.

Compressor is 15 years old.. so I don't think I am going to risk it. I will get a new compressor, new condenser, new txv, new dryer. And while I am at it, I will get the lines fixed so that I can plumb in the rear a/c. I have all of the line parts, just not all of the vent parts. Will have to see what I can do.

I got a feeling its not going to be a cheap project, so I might not be driving it a lot till fall. Granted I have not been driving it a lot now just because with my folks living  here and 3 cars in the driveway, its not exactly easy to get it out of the garage.

Is your cowl sticker still legible showing the factory fill amount for freon?  Mine was unreadable, I'd just like to know, as that is my next project.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger
Post by: rjtx667 on September 23, 2015, 09:49:51 PM
I believe so, I will check tomorrow and let you know as I am probably about to order parts for this.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger
Post by: rjtx667 on October 03, 2015, 06:51:36 PM
went out to the NHRDA event in Ennis TX with Ernest today. It was fun and got to see a lot of interesting stuff.

They had a mobile dyno out there... I could not resist  :laughing7:

I probably should have, given that I have not updated the tune on it in a while and it was still running a winter blend tune, but I gave it  ago.


Did 291HP and 397 torque to the rear wheels. Factor is the parasitic loss for the drivetrain and thats about 364HP and 498 Ft Lbs of torque at the crank !!!

thats some numbers I can be proud of.

Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger
Post by: rjtx667 on May 05, 2016, 09:49:49 AM
So the AC has been out in the Ramcharger for about a year now.

Been meaning to get around to fixing it, but time and money... yeah that stuff.

So with the durango being tore apart and the cummins in the body shop, I suddenly had to find time and money for the AC.

I started working on it Saturday since I did not get to make it off roading. Got the compressor replaced and a new dryer. Vacuumed it all out and it looked good. Started charging it up and it was getting way high head pressure. Like 350PSI after 1 can!!! I could not figure it out.

I guessed there must be a restriction somewhere. So I ordered a new orifice tube line and a new condenser.

They came in tuesday, so before going to get the kids I quickly swapped stuff out and vacuumed it down again. Started charging and it did the same thing !!! while I was trying to think what the heck was going on and what to do, well since I had drove the truck home the engine was warm. The electric fans kicked on and I saw the pressure drop where it should.

:violent1: I forgot to connect the wire that turns the fans on when the compressor is engaged. Well shit, don't I feel stupid.

I need to finish topping it off, but its working now. I figured everyone would appreciate a good laugh.
Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger
Post by: SixGun on May 05, 2016, 06:00:44 PM
Bahahaha....I laughed more at the first line.

"So the AC has been out in the Ramcharger for about a year now."

OMG....Say it isn't so!!

Title: Re: 2000 Mexico RamCharger
Post by: rjtx667 on May 05, 2016, 09:23:47 PM
well when you don't drive it every day, or even often... it is not as important.

It did not get drove at all last summer... I wonder why?  :icon_scratch:

but its been fun driving it this week.

Durango is going back together. hopefully its running late tomorrow or wed.