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Scrambler
Dodge Dakota
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6/26/2003
12:10:29
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 Subject: 5.2 Towing Cam
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I am a little outside the loop here but I have a 99 Dodge Ram with the 318 engine. The engine is stock with the exception of a power tower and K&N filter. My problem is that it will not pull a trailer very well. Towing 3000 pounds is not uncommon and I want to be able to pull moderate hills on the interstate without shifting into 2nd gear on the 4 speed auto. Does anyone have any suggestions for a replacement cam. I have been looking at one by Crane Cams and one by Comp Cams.
Thanks Dave
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EBL
Dodge Dakota
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6/26/2003
17:42:02
|  RE: 5.2 Towing Cam
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Will you be installing the cam yourself?
If not, the labor is going to kill your wallet.
You may want to swap a 5.9 from a junkyard. The engine will only cost around $1000 and has the cubic inches and a better rod/stroke ratio for torque.
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Scrambler
Dodge Dakota
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6/27/2003
11:07:47
| RE: 5.2 Towing Cam
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I can install the cam my self. Time is really all that I do not have.
Does anyone know how long it should take to swap the cam and would I be better off to pull the whole motor and work on an engine stand or just leave it in the truck.
The truck is a 99 with about 34,000 miles and I really do not want to trade for a 5.9 with more miles.
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RobertG
Dodge Dakota
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6/27/2003
14:25:41
| RE: 5.2 Towing Cam
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What are the rest of the specs on your truck? What tranny, rear end gears, single or club cab, size tires, towing package, 2 or 4wd, etc?
I don't know if a cam will give you the performance you need. Most of the magnum engines came with decent cam profiles stock & the use of most aftermarket cams will kill more low-end torque in the stock engine with stock PCM. You may see better gains in modifying your exhaust system, changing your rear gear ratio or running smaller diameter tires.
My '96 dakota with 318 will pull anything & I haven't gone into the engine yet. I've towed 4800 lb station wagons, International Scouts, Chevy Blazers, mitsu Eclipse, etc. I just turn the OD off and use 93 octane gas.
So I'm wondering whats up, cuz a Ram truck can't be so much heavier that it kills all the towing capacity with the 318 unless you've got tall gears or 4wd or a ton of cement in the bed.
good luck
robertg
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Scrambler
Dodge Dakota
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6/27/2003
15:44:17
| RE: 5.2 Towing Cam
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Nope no Cement, just a 2wd Club Cab with the 4 Speed auto and 3.55 gears running 245/75-16 tires (Stock).
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