Known issues with 99 Dodge Ram 5.3 liter?

[Steve Foss]

Hey all:

Just picked up a minty 1999 Doge Ram Lariat SLT, with automatic, 4x4, 5.3 liter V8. Loaded, and everything works great. Smooth motor, no fluid usage/leaking, etc. About 124,000 miles.

I'm interested if anyone else has experience with this make/model of truck, and if there are issues unique to this truck class I need to watch out for.

Also, after consultation with the owner's manual, I still can't find a fuse for the auxiliary power outlet in the cab. It's the one thing that doesn't work. The cigarette lighter didn't work, but that was a simple fuse issue quickly taken care of. Is there a fuse for the extra power plug-in? If so, which one?

Thanks!

[TravP]

I believe that motor is a 5.2. My dad has the same motor. Actually quite a few issues from valves to the tranny and the transfer case.

[Jeremy airjer W]

i think that one also has the belly pan gasket issue.

charcoal canisters falling apart and letting charcoal into everything.

front axle seals. not a cheap fix.

wheel bearings.

fuel pumps

[Steve Foss]

Thanks, guys. I'll keep an eye on those things. Jer, what are the charcoal canisters for?

[Jeremy airjer W]

the Evaporative Emissions Systems. Basically the charcoal canister stores the fuel vapors that come out of the fuel tank until they can be burned in the engine.

[Tyler23]

the Evaporative Emissions Systems. Basically the charcoal canister stores the fuel vapors that come out of the fuel tank until they can be burned in the engine.

this can be fixed by taking it off and disgaurding

[Jeremy airjer W]

Quote:

this can be fixed by taking it off and disgaurding

and then you can drive around with your check engine light on and not know your engine is running to lean and then pay for a valve job after you burn up an exhaust valve. Sounds like the way to go to me.

[Tyler23]

and then you can drive around with your check engine light on and not know your engine is running to lean and then pay for a valve job after you burn up an exhaust valve. Sounds like the way to go to me.

[Jeremy airjer W]

I saw the wink, just thought I would run with it.