One problem related to manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe has been reported for the 1996 Dodge Ram 1500. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
While driving from cold start engine performed roughly, and smoke came out of the exhaust tail pipe. Consumer changed fuel, but there was no improvement in performance. Consumer was told by a dealer that the intake plenum gasket was the cause. Consumer was aware of others with same problem.