Ive got a 1998 Ram with a 5.2 and an auto. There is something wrong Its power curve is flat and doggish from idle to 2500 ish and then starts to pull harder almost like a 2 stroke feels. Im thinking the timing chain is worn out basically retarding the camshaft timing enough so that it lacks low rpm power while enhancing it in the higher rpms. Anyone have any experience. It has 180,000 kms. Is this just how these motors feel? I had a5.2 grand cherokee and It felt way better now I know it was at least 1000 lbs lighter and had 3.73 on 235/75/15 compared to my Rams 3.55 on 265/75/16 but Its amazing what a dog this truck is. I don't think it makes a huge difference but the ram has a k+n in the stock airbox and a flowmaster muffler other wise stock.

I had a 2001 Ram with the 5.2 and auto with 4.10's (off road package). It was also a dog. I had to have the computer flashed (sometimes called the death flash:mad3: ) to correct a factory goof-up. Have you ever had the computer worked on? My understanding is that once this is done, it can not be reversed, unless you put a new chip in it. Just a thought.....

Had that problem with the timing chain. Stock, they use nylon coating on the teeth. my 30k miles the nylon is worn off.

Put a mopar performance dual roller chain on there and call it a day. You will feel ALOT more power, plus boost your MPG to boot.

is there a way to check a timing chain without tearing down the front of the motor? I was thinking that you could removethe distributor cap and try to turn the cam with the rotor and see how much you could move it , the more movement the worse the chain is am i right? Also any other little tricks or thiings to look for on a dodge It is a tow rig so i dont want to hot rod anything just keepit reliable and hopefully make a little more power and mpg

Blown belly pan gaskets, carbon build up in the motor, cracked heads, and timing chain are the 4 big issues IMO on these motors.

You have enough miles on that motor that I wouldnt even bother waisting my time checking the chain, just replace it.

i just had the motor rebuilt and punched out to a 343 with m-1, headers, and #3 mopar pcm, and it still feels like a dog. Im convinced that its always gonna be a turd.

Also, with the valve springs pressing down on the cam, there is not much hope of turning it easily. I second GRM, replace the timing chain with a double roller from Cloyes or Mopar Performance as they are the same thing.