Three questions about my "new" 94.

[jsimpson]

The clutch pedal feel is super heavy - much heavier than my big block Vette. Is this normal?

There doesn't seem to be any boost, power, or need for any until I shift to third gear unloaded. Should I be starting in second gear unloaded?

The seats are worn out and were made of VERY thin material. My seats in my 89 are still good as new. Can I expect similarly reduced quality regarding the rest of the truck?

 

[MikeR]

The 94-97 SLT seat material sucks! I had a '96 ST that had a strong heavy woven material that is just like the 98-01 SLT seats.

The seat fabric in my '95 is worn out too,and I'm either looking for 96-97 ST or 98-99 SLT seats from a junker. If I can find a junker,I'll order an aftermarket leather kit.



On the clutch issue... you really need to compare it to another Cummins 5spd Ram, NOT a corvette.



-Mike

 

[Extreme1]

A quality upholstry shop should be able to rebuild the seats better than new.

 

[HEMI®Dart]

My '94 seats are as good as the day I bought it. I have had then covered since day one too.



It sounds like your clutch peddle is a bid stiff. My '94 is light. Does it still have the stock clutch in it?



I wouldn't start out in 2nd gear. I would use first. Thats tough on the clutch.

 

[jsimpson]

I don't have a clue about the clutch, or about the fifth gear nut for that matter. I just bought it and spent today cleaning it up (it was a work truck). Now I've got to sell my beloved 89 to replenish the bank account!

 

[Missouri Mule]

jsimpson,

Down in the flat lands starting out in second will be OK. Now if you ever get around Mt. Dora you will need to start out in first.



Of course if you have any type of load, facing up hill or off road(sand, mud, muck, wet grass,... ) start out in first.



Starting out in first is easier on clutch but the first gears in the heavy duty manual trans are almost granny gears. 5- 8 mph tops.

 

[jsimpson]

Granny gear is right! On the knob it is stamped L, not 1. 2nd is marked 1, 3rd is marked 2, 4th is marked 3, and 5th is marked OD.