The Wrench Time

• Estimated Time: 45-60 Minutes
• Difficulty: 3/10 - Straightforward bolt-on, but 2nd Gen Ram under-hood plastics are notoriously brittle.

Tools You Will Need

• 10mm and 13mm deep sockets with a 3/8-inch drive ratchet
• 8mm nut driver or socket (for hose clamps)
• Flathead screwdriver and Panel popper tool
• Silicone spray lubricant (safe for rubber)

Phase 1: Removing the Factory Part

1. Disconnect the Battery: Always start by disconnecting the negative battery terminal using a 10mm wrench to prevent check engine lights on your 1994-2002 Dodge Ram Ram 1500 Ram Ram 2500 1500 2500 5.2L 5.9L.
2. Detach the Crankcase Breather: Carefully unplug the crankcase breather hose from the factory air hat sitting on top of the throttle body. Use a flathead screwdriver to gently pry the rubber fitting if it’s heat-cycled and stuck.
3. Loosen the Throttle Body Clamp: Using an 8mm nut driver, loosen the band clamp securing the plastic air hat to the throttle body. (Note: If your specific model year uses a center stud and wingnut, remove the wingnut by hand.)
4. Remove the Factory Airbox: Unclip the factory airbox lid, remove the old paper filter, and use a 10mm socket to remove the lower airbox housing bolts from the passenger side fender well. Lift the entire assembly out of the engine bay.

Phase 2: Installing the Cold Air Intake for Dodge RAM 1500 2500 RT (1994-2002) 5.2L 5.9L V8 Engines

1. Mount the Heat Shield: Assemble the new heat shield using the supplied hardware. Lower it into the factory mounting position on the fender well and secure it using your 10mm socket. Install the rubber edge trim around the top of the shield to seal it against the hood.
2. Install the Throttle Body Coupler: Slide the provided silicone coupler over the throttle body. Slide two hose clamps over the coupler, but only tighten the bottom clamp to the throttle body using your 8mm nut driver.
3. Seat the Intake Tube and Sensors: Guide the new intake tube through the heat shield and into the throttle body coupler. If your specific Magnum year has an IAT (Intake Air Temp) sensor located in the factory tube rather than the intake manifold, carefully transfer it now using a gentle twisting motion—do not pull by the brittle wires! Connect the supplied crankcase breather hose from the valve cover nipple to the welded port on the new intake tube.
4. Tighten and Adjust: Verify the tube is clear of the throttle linkage. Tighten the remaining upper clamp on the throttle body coupler with your 8mm nut driver to lock the tube in place.
5. Attach the Filter and Calibrate: Slide the high-flow air filter onto the end of the tube inside the heat shield and lock it down with an 8mm socket. Reconnect your negative battery terminal. On the first startup, do not touch the gas pedal for 20 seconds until the ECU adjusts to the new airflow volume.

Disclaimer: This is a general guide provided for the 1994-2002 Dodge Ram Ram 1500 Ram Ram 2500 1500 2500 5.2L 5.9L. Always refer to your factory service manual for exact torque specifications and safety procedures.