How do you time a 2001 5.2 dodge ram truck.I do not know what to disconect earlier than shifting the distributor to keep it as a substitute of moving back to the old timing? To time a 2001 Dodge Ram 5.2, first disconnect the adverse battery cable to stop any electrical points. To remove the radiator drain cock on a 1997 Ram 1500, first ensure the engine is cool and the radiator is not pressurized.