I finally got around to replacing the water pump on my '99 V6 ram 1500
van.. I have never seen a water pump eroded so badly... it even eroded
the timing cover a bit......  anyway, while i was there, I undid the
remaining bolts of the timing cover and replaced the timing chain as
well.    also, whilst I was under, I noticed the driver's engine mount
had separated.   Replaced that for $10.

Engine runs better than it ever has since I have owned it.    Still
puffs a little smoke on startup...

What I am worried about is a noise I hear that is reminiscent to a rod
knock.   However, unlike the normal rod knock, this noise quiets as
the engine gets to operating temperature.

Is the 3,9 litre V6 prone to piston slap?   Does it have hypereutectic
pistons or something?
This pig only has 120k on it and I really need it to last as long as
possible...     I paid $1000 and had to immediately replace the
driver's side stub axle carrier.   This last service, I installed a
new timing set, water pump, and radiator...

I like the van, but damn... it's a lot more maintenance than my '85 or
my '75 ever required...

Oh yeah, the fuel pump is singing also, so no telling when that thing
will strand me...