Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) how to tell if its an H.O.

[xpetecx]

Im currently looking at upgrading to a newer truck. I was wondering if someone could tell me how to tell if a truck is the H. O. or not.



Im looking at a 2001 club cab long box with a 5 speed. its a striped down model so im kinda assuming its not an H. O.



Also I was wondering what all I should look for with this truck. Im a 12v guy so not to up todate on the 24v. I know the lift pump problems and thats about it.



Im not new to second gens so im not to worried about things like the track bar and all the front end problems that can accure. Just looking for a little more knowledge on the motor its self.



2001 should be late enough not to have a 53 block but i will check anyway. What else should I look for? If I can get a fuel pressure gage on this thing what kind of pressure should it have at idle and at say 2k?



Any help would be great. thanks in advance.

 

[MFranz]

I thought the HO's were all manual transmissions.

 

[SSolderitch]

ho will have 245 hp on the pump name plate, all ho were 6 speeds. The difference is only 10 hp, a non-ho can make good power with mods, get good mpg & last. you still might have kdp issue. generally I herd 5 speeds are smoother than a 6 speed - i never drove one. You get the bigger dana 80 with a manual. Does it have the camper option?

 

[Bob V]

has to be a 2000-2002 6sp to be a (pre CR) HO.

 

[SNiebaum]

Im looking at a 2001 club cab long box with a 5 speed.

not a high output model...

 

[WestTN]

All 2001 and later H. O's are 6 speed manual.

 

[SBall]

2001 should be late enough not to have a 53 block but i will check anyway.

My 2001 HO 6-sp has the 53 block. No cracks or leaks yet ...

 

[Wyomingcowboy]

My 2001 HO has 4-wheel disc brakes as well. I have heard you need no less than 5 psi at wide open throttle. I have an airdog and get no less than 11-12 at WOT. Ditto the KDP issue. I have heard of 02's with them.

 

[dclassens]

only one way to tell..... VIN



How to read the vehicle identification number VIN on your Ram truck

 

[Grizzly]

Also consider a 3rd gen.

 

[Scrappy]

I thought the HO's were all manual transmissions.

all 2001-2002 HO's were 6 sped manuals only.

has to be a 2000-2002 6sp to be a (pre CR) HO.

there are no 2000 HO trucks but there are some 2000 SOs with the 6 spd.

 

[xpetecx]

alright guys thanks. Im not to worried about it being an H. O. I was more wondering than anyting.



Im planning on doing the kdp. Ive already done one on my 96. not that hard.



Just wonering what else to look for. What is the sigificants of the camper option?



My 96 was also a 5 speed so i know about the 5 gear nut.

 

[Scrappy]

the camper package on a 3/4 ton adds the 2 stage leaf pack and a swaybar in the rear.

I don't know on a 1 ton though.

 

[Ncostello]

Get a 5spd truck and install an Edge EZ. Then you got an HO!! I think I'd rather have a non-HO as they can use any VP44 whereas an HO requires a very slightly unique HO version of the VP. If I recall. And I wouldn't get too hung up on a 6 speed manual. I think all it does is split the 2-3 range. No more OD or lower 1st. The 5speed can be made into a tough trans. Not bad stock except for the 5th gear nut sometimes. The 6 speed is bulkier for removal later and heavier. Plus who'd wanna shift 6 times anyway.

 

[Grizzly]

Get a 5spd truck and install an Edge EZ. Then you got an HO!! I think I'd rather have a non-HO as they can use any VP44 whereas an HO requires a very slightly unique HO version of the VP. If I recall. And I wouldn't get too hung up on a 6 speed manual. I think all it does is split the 2-3 range. No more OD or lower 1st. The 5speed can be made into a tough trans. Not bad stock except for the 5th gear nut sometimes. The 6 speed is bulkier for removal later and heavier. Plus who'd wanna shift 6 times anyway.

I believe a 6 speed manual does more then split 2 & 3 range.



A 6 speed may be heavier, but you're not going to remove it by hand. You must use a transmission jack, same as you'd use for a 5 speed.



I love going through the gears and shifting 6 times.

 

[Ncostello]

I wasn't being totally specific... but I was meaning to say the 6th gear is put there in the middle somewhere. Its not an additional lower 1st or a taller 5th OD. Aren't 1st gear ratios the same... as are the 5th and 6th the same ratio?