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This FAQ is aimed at readers new to "turning a wrench".
So you just got your first Dodge RamCharger or truck and are interested in learning the proper "care and feeding" for it. Here are some suggestions.
FORUM:
Since you are reading this FAQ, you have obviously already found www.RamChargerCentral.com. Register. One important feature of the forum to learn to use is the "Search". It can save you time while providing much information on what you are looking for.
REFERENCE MANUALS:
First thing to get would be a repair manual that covers the vehicle. Most experienced owners that do their own maintenance/modifications swear by the factory manual. These are generally fairly expensive and may be harder to locate, but go into great detail. Another less expensive option (usually $10-15) would be an aftermarket repair manual, two popular ones are Chiltons and Haynes. These don't go into as much detail as the factory manual, but do make a good starting place if cost/availability are an issue. Each of these two has its strong and weak points on what they cover. Both do a decent job of covering basic maintenance and troubleshooting problems.
Once you have the manual, read through it-this will help you get more familiar with the vehicle. If you are new to "turning a wrench", a good starting place would be a basic tune-up, just follow the procedures listed in the book. If you are unsure about something, it's better to seek out advice BEFORE you tear into it, either from someone you know that is experienced or ask the forum here. The advantage of asking someone you know is that they can actually show you on the vehicle-on the forum we can only describe it with words.
www.ebaymotors.com has the original factory manuals for sale. most are used but in good condition. the run from $10-$50. (much better than chiltons or haynes-but either will suffice for general repair)
TOOLS:
Best: Snap-On and Matco
Good: Craftsman
Worst: Cheap "flea-market" or swap-meet variety
BASIC WRENCHING:
1. Use the right tool for the job.
2. Use a socket or boxed end wrench (6-point is better than 12-point) when breaking nuts/bolts free. You are less likely to round the head off.
3. Use a good penetrating oil on rusted nuts/bolts. Give it plenty of time to work. Tapping it with a hammer sometimes helps, but be carful not to damage any exposed threads.
4. Tighter is not necessarily better. Use a torque wrench and specified torques, especially on torque sensitive parts such as intake/exhaust manifolds, heads etc...
SAFETY:
1. NEVER trust your life to a jack-Always use good quality jackstands.
GENERAL Stuff:
1. "Righty tighty, lefty loosy"
2. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
Added as suggested by mopars4ever (Thanks
):
*Always use a star pattern when tightening your lug Nuts
*Always check twice before you shut your hood(make sure there are no tools that can smash through your radiator, or cause damage)
So you just got your first Dodge RamCharger or truck and are interested in learning the proper "care and feeding" for it. Here are some suggestions.
FORUM:
Since you are reading this FAQ, you have obviously already found www.RamChargerCentral.com. Register. One important feature of the forum to learn to use is the "Search". It can save you time while providing much information on what you are looking for.
REFERENCE MANUALS:
First thing to get would be a repair manual that covers the vehicle. Most experienced owners that do their own maintenance/modifications swear by the factory manual. These are generally fairly expensive and may be harder to locate, but go into great detail. Another less expensive option (usually $10-15) would be an aftermarket repair manual, two popular ones are Chiltons and Haynes. These don't go into as much detail as the factory manual, but do make a good starting place if cost/availability are an issue. Each of these two has its strong and weak points on what they cover. Both do a decent job of covering basic maintenance and troubleshooting problems.
Once you have the manual, read through it-this will help you get more familiar with the vehicle. If you are new to "turning a wrench", a good starting place would be a basic tune-up, just follow the procedures listed in the book. If you are unsure about something, it's better to seek out advice BEFORE you tear into it, either from someone you know that is experienced or ask the forum here. The advantage of asking someone you know is that they can actually show you on the vehicle-on the forum we can only describe it with words.
www.ebaymotors.com has the original factory manuals for sale. most are used but in good condition. the run from $10-$50. (much better than chiltons or haynes-but either will suffice for general repair)
TOOLS:
Best: Snap-On and Matco
Good: Craftsman
Worst: Cheap "flea-market" or swap-meet variety
BASIC WRENCHING:
1. Use the right tool for the job.
2. Use a socket or boxed end wrench (6-point is better than 12-point) when breaking nuts/bolts free. You are less likely to round the head off.
3. Use a good penetrating oil on rusted nuts/bolts. Give it plenty of time to work. Tapping it with a hammer sometimes helps, but be carful not to damage any exposed threads.
4. Tighter is not necessarily better. Use a torque wrench and specified torques, especially on torque sensitive parts such as intake/exhaust manifolds, heads etc...
SAFETY:
1. NEVER trust your life to a jack-Always use good quality jackstands.
GENERAL Stuff:
1. "Righty tighty, lefty loosy"
2. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
Added as suggested by mopars4ever (Thanks
):*Always use a star pattern when tightening your lug Nuts
*Always check twice before you shut your hood(make sure there are no tools that can smash through your radiator, or cause damage)
