Cold Air Intake for RAM Lamarie Non-Classic 1500 2500 3500 (2009-2021) 5.7L Hemi

The Wrench Time

• Estimated Time: 45-60 Minutes
• Difficulty: 2/10 - Basic bolt-on, a perfect entry-level driveway mod to wake up your 5.7L Hemi.

Tools You Will Need

• 8mm and 10mm sockets with a 3/8-inch ratchet and a 6-inch extension.
• Flathead screwdriver or 5/16-inch nut driver for worm gear clamps.
• Panel popper or trim tool (for safely removing wire harness retaining clips).
• Silicone spray or a drop of clean motor oil (critical for seating the IAT sensor).
• 4mm Allen wrench (for the aftermarket heat shield hardware).

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 and clear the ECU’s memory.
2. Unplug the IAT Sensor: Locate the IAT sensor on the 2009-2021 Ram 1500-3500 5.7L factory intake tube. Slide the red locking tab back, press the release button, and unplug the harness. Use a panel popper to carefully pry the harness retaining clip out of the plastic tube. Gently twist the sensor a quarter-turn counter-clockwise and pull straight out to remove it. Set it aside in a safe place.
3. Disconnect the Breather Hose: Trace the crankcase breather line from the oil filler neck area to the factory airbox. Carefully unplug it. If your truck has high mileage, this plastic is extremely brittle—do not force or bend it sharply.
4. Loosen the Throttle Body Clamp: Grab your 8mm socket or flathead screwdriver and loosen the worm gear clamp securing the factory intake resonator (the infamous "Hemi Hat") to the throttle body.
5. Yank the Factory Airbox: Remove the single factory bolt securing the airbox to the passenger-side fender using a 10mm socket. Grab the entire factory airbox assembly and pull straight up with steady force to pop it out of the lower rubber mounting grommets. Remove the entire unit from the engine bay.

Phase 2: Installing the Cold Air Intake for RAM Laramie Non-Classic 1500 2500 3500 (2009-2021) 5.7L Hemi

1. Assemble the Heat Shield: Put together your new aftermarket heat shield using the supplied hardware and a 4mm Allen wrench. Drop it into the factory grommet locations on the fender and secure it using the OEM bolt you removed earlier with a 10mm socket.
2. Install the Throttle Body Coupler: Slide the provided silicone coupler over the throttle body. Slip on the new worm gear clamps and tighten the throttle body side securely using an 8mm socket. Leave the intake tube side loose for now so you have room to adjust.
3. Transfer the IAT Sensor (CRITICAL STEP): Spray a tiny burst of silicone spray (or use a dab of clean engine oil) on the rubber O-ring of the factory IAT sensor. Gently push and twist it into the provided rubber grommet on your new intake tube. Do not force it in dry, or you will tear the O-ring and cause a massive vacuum leak and rough idle.
4. Drop in the Intake Tube: Slide the new intake tube into the aftermarket air filter inside the heat shield, and then seat the other end into the throttle body coupler. Align everything for proper hood clearance, then tighten down all remaining clamps with your 8mm socket.
5. Final Connections and First Startup: Reconnect the PCV breather hose to the fitting on your new tube. Plug the IAT sensor harness back in, making sure you push down the red locking tab. Finally, reconnect your negative battery terminal. When you start the truck for the first time, do not touch the gas pedal for 20 seconds. Let the engine idle entirely on its own so the ECU can properly adjust its air-fuel mixtures to the new, higher-flowing intake.

Disclaimer: This is a general guide provided for the 2009-2021 Ram 1500-3500 5.7L. Always refer to your factory service manual for exact torque specifications and safety procedures.