General 99 Ram thread

[kevm14]

40.5" min height from bed to hatch when open. Inside nearly 44". I wonder how tall my lawn tractor and snow blower are...

This is like 8" more height than the Ranger.

I was measuring on gravel so that could make or break this. That said, the height to the highest point of the steering wheel appears to be 40.5". Taking the steering wheel off is pretty easy and then I think it would fit just fine. The trick would be getting it up to the bed. And I was thinking that could be done under power walking along side it, which is quite sketchy. Then somehow disable the hydrostatic drive to roll it in the rest of the way. I think that switch is unfortunately under the seat battery compartment. In the end I think it would be quite a circus to load it. A winch or something like that would be a lot better. Of course without the cap I'd just drive it up...

The snow blower exceeds the 40.5" in the handle area but that's not necessarily a problem because I can tip the machine back to clear that. So the ~44" inside is the critical measurement. And for that, it is extremely close. I could almost take the speed selector handle off and clamp down the handles for the drive and auger and it would fit. Or loosen the entire upper half of the handles and fold it down partially. The chute will clear.

Overall...it could work for both with some sketchiness.

[kevm14]

First time doing a transfer station run with the new cap.

My overall thoughts are I am glad I bought it and all my bitching before was because when you add up all the little things, it makes this weekly activity better and faster because:
1) Just toss in the recycling bin. No shuffling stuff to shove the top on or try to take stuff in an additional bag. Saves time.
2) Just toss the trash cans in. No moving stuff around to make sure light bags do not blow out.
2.5) No bungee on the trash cans
3) No engaging 3rd gear and setting the cruise to limit my speed to ensure stuff doesn't blow out. I drove as fast as 60 mph with not a care in the world that my crap would blow anywhere. This definitely cut time round trip.

So yeah. Caps. I don't care if it is an old man thing. This truck is strictly for utilitarian purposes. It is not a status symbol or reflective of the level of my testosterone.

[kevm14]

Truck barely started again. I think the battery is toast. After driving to the transfer station and back, I parked it, shut it off, then turned the ignition on without starting it. I ran the fan at high speed and watched the voltage gauge. It seemed to hang on but after 2 or 3 minutes, the gauge just plummeted. I could hear the fan slow down rapidly and the check gauges light came on. It barely cranked and didn't even start. I have my battery tender on it now but I think it is probably junk now. It is a Bosch battery with a 2014 manufacture date. I wonder if there is any warranty left.

3 year free, 96 month pro rated. Presumably I'd have to produce the receipt. Not sure I have that.

[kevm14]

Charger was still going this morning. So I guess the battery is taking a charge. But maybe one cell is dead and that's why it drains. Probably.

[kevm14]

Added two cans of R134a. A/C works decent. It's not exceptional but it made the cab comfortable in today's 90 degree heat. That's what it is supposed to do.

[kevm14]

Cup holder let go.

Turns out China makes them brand new for $85. Or I could get a 20 year old one for $75....

http://www.ebay.com/itm/172783415053

Now if only B-bodies were supported like this...

[kevm14]

Took about 15 minutes with a screw driver in a hot interior. I had to partially remove the surround trim around the radio and vents and stuff to get at two upper screws. Finish is glossier than factory. It isn't that noticeable with it open which is how it always is. I put my phone on the left and often put my water bottle on the right.

But hopefully the brand new plastic will last the rest of the life of the truck which is more than I could say for a junkyard one for only $10 less.

[kevm14]

Here is the passenger door about a month before I got it.
viewtopic.php?f=16&t=2185&hilit=general ... =20#p10922

It had not yet rusted through apparently. Since I had the primer and paint out for the Simplicity, I decided to give this a quick wire wheel, and paint. Actually looks a lot better than rust, and this will slow the rust down, as well. I should have power washed inside the door on the bottom, and spent more time wire wheeling. I still can do that, but probably not for this season. Anything helps. Handy to have a black truck because this isn't that noticeable imo.

When the HVAC fan is on, you can feel air coming out of this hole. Hilarious. The good news is, I can always just replace the door if this gets out of control. The rocker seems fine.

[kevm14]

Truck is due for inspection this month. That snuck up on me. It's been 2 years apparently.'

I have a gutted cat but unless I drive on the highway for a distance, it does not seem to set a code. I think it'll pass emissions with no issue. Likely the catalyst system is Not Ready but being a 99, the truck is allowed 2 non-ready systems I believe. So again, should be no issue.

It would be interesting if they gave me crap about the small hole in the bottom of the driver's door. I guess that is technically a failure? I could literally put a piece of tape on it, paint it black and probably get a sticker if it actually comes down to that.

[kevm14]

Passed inspection. Even with a gutted cat. And other Dodge-Ness.