A few newb questions

[JRihani]

I'm working my way through my new-to-me 1996 2500 and have a few questions, in no particular order:

1. My underhood insulation blanket is in bad shape from some rodents in the past. Is there a trick to taking the retaining push pins out? Do I absolutely have to replace the blanket, or is it okay leaving it off? I have a stock engine and don't seem to see high temps.

2. The last two times I've filled up, I've noticed the tank venting a fair bit when I loosen the fill cap. I'm not used to that on my other vehicles and wondered if it was normal for this truck. I'm using a new filler cap I bought from Geno's, but it did it with both the old cap and the new cap.

3. The trailer hitch is pretty rusted and I planned to remove it to deal with the rust and repaint it (the rest of the truck has remarkably little rust). My OCD kicked in and I wondered if that hitch plays any structural role in the rigidity of the rear of the frame? I'm just thinking about the time I'm driving the truck without the hitch.

4. I had Mopar rear wheel well liners in my 2002 but can't seem to find rear well liners from ANYONE for a 1996. Do they exist?

5. I'm thinking about doing Bilstein shocks next spring and it got me thinking about the springs (front and rear) on this truck. I'm not towing - this truck is really just a daily driver. Are there sources for "comfort" oriented springs for this truck - coil up front and leaf in the back?

I appreciate any help you can give me - TDR is an amazing resource!

 

[dieselshadow]

1. The blanket is kinda optional, not really needed if you so desire.

2. This is very normal and won’t cause any issues.

3. The hitch is also not required, but does add some structural rigidity to the frame. Don’t hesitate to remove and reinstall at will. You can operate the truck normally without the hitch with zero worries.

4. They do exist, but I’m not sure where you could find a set of the top of my head. Have you checked with a dealer?

5. I also searched for better springs. You want to find progressive wound front coils, but at the time I searched they weren’t available. I almost bought 3rd gen springs to try out because they looked like they would fit, but I never confirmed that. I’ll bet someone here will confirm that for you though.

Congrats on the new truck! I loved my 95 and miss it to this day.

 

[BSeyler]

LMC Truck:

http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/de/full.aspx?Page=12

 

[Timd32]

Same on the under hood, mine is gone but looks better without it present. You can pick up the plastic grommet tools pretty cheap.

IMO Most likely easier to replace the hitch.

https://www.etrailer.com/hitch-1996...Pickup+-+8+Foot+Bed+-+Standard+or+Step+Bumper

CURT has some nice options.

 

[MLee]

Check out your local wrecking yard for the liners. 94-02 will fit. How ever the penny pinchers decided to remove them on the later models

 

[Joe Mc]

I went with the Blue/Yellow Bilsteins well over 100k miles ago.... Still perform like when I first put them on. Oh, still have the original front and rear springs. I wouldn't worry about replacing unless they were a problem. Check rear spring pack hanger for rust, catches everything.

 

[JRihani]

Thanks guys, this is GREAT information! I'll start tackling one item at a time. While I've driven plenty of vehicles with high mileage, I've never owned one this old. I'm trying to navigate what's worth doing and what is better left alone. Thanks again!

 

[GAmes]

Where are you located? I have a receiver that is heavier duty that the stock one, free for the asking in central TX.
https://www.turbodieselregister.com/threads/2nd-gen-hitch-reciver.264596/

 

[JRihani]

GAmes - thanks for the offer! I'm about 1,000 miles NE of you, so I think I should pass. I've gone that far to pick up a truck...but it's a bit far for a hitch.