Ram general questions

[caseycourtney80]

I have always been a Chevy guy and I'm looking to buy a 4x4 extra cab and spend no more then about 7k. I'm not finding any nice chevy trucks with decent miles on them in that price range. I started looking at dodge and I am seeing some. I figure I will be buying one in the 97-03 range. What do I need to look out for? Tranny problems? Engine problems etc. Thank you.

 

[Johnn123]

I have always been a Chevy guy and I'm looking to buy a 4x4 extra cab and spend no more then about 7k. I'm not finding any nice chevy trucks with decent miles on them in that price range. I started looking at dodge and I am seeing some. I figure I will be buying one in the 97-03 range. What do I need to look out for? Tranny problems? Engine problems etc. Thank you.

Depends what year you want. 94-01 is the second gen, the body styles you see in this part of the forum. 2002-2008 is the 3rd gen, theyre the newer but not newest body styles. They each have theyre own problems.

Second gens are known for bad plenums (which lead to a host of problems when left unattended), weak auto tran's and cracked dash's. Motors are tough as nails and will take quite a beating. Front ends only become problems when lifted incorrectly with a huge tire size. Stock half ton front end, the Dana 44 does not like tires over 33" , starts to eat hubs and ball joints any bigger. Having said that lots run 35's on them, just hubs and ball joints become a once a year job.

For the 3rd gen problems, head over to the 3rd gen section. Hope that helps some!

 

[dodge dude94]

^Good job, Johnny.

He got most everything covered. Only thing that's not covered is the limited slip clips and clutches that like to grenade the rear ends if left unchecked.

 

[caseycourtney80]

Great thank you. Is the limited slip clips an easy check or is it something that you have to take apart to check?

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[leadrofthepak]

My 98 Ram has been one of my lowest cost of ownership vehicles I have ever owned (going on 4 years and have just a tick over 4K into it, including purchase price). When maintained properly you can run these things hard and they take it.

 

[caseycourtney80]

Thanks, that is what I want to hear. I think if I go with a 2nd gen I would want a manual so the tranny would be no issue. I know the 5.2 and 5.9 are pretty much bullet proof so that should just leave regular maintenance.

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[caseycourtney80]

If I go with a second gen would you be afraid to buy one that has not had the transmission replaced with 130-150k miles?

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[dodge dude94]

It's possible, but most transmissions have gone out on trucks under 100k, so by 130-150k it's just as likely it's been replaced as it is to be original.

 

[caseycourtney80]

Ok, I'm seeing quite a few in that mileage range that don't say in their ads that they have been replaced. Do you know what it cost to rebuild or replace one?

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[dodge dude94]

Depends on the shop.
Shop here runs $2200 for a factory rebuild with OEM updates. I've found a couple sites online that sell turn-key modified transmissions for the same price that have upgraded torque converters and shift kits for the same price.


If you're worried about the transmission, ask the owner about it, bring a towel and inspect the fluid, and most importantly, drive the truck thoroughly and even beat on it a tad to see if it slips or shifts weird.

 

[caseycourtney80]

Ok great, thanks for the info

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[caseycourtney80]

From 1998 on did all 4x4 rams, 1500 and 2500 come with some kind of limited slip rear diff or was that an option? Living where I live and using it for what I will use it for a limited slip rear end is a must.

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[Johnn123]

No , it was an option. Build sheet will tell what it has, whether it be open or LSD.

 

[caseycourtney80]

Thanks, what about in the globe box? Is there a code? On chevy in the glove box there is a bunch of codes. G80 is a limited slip.

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[Johnn123]

Hmm possibly. Mine doesnt have one, but most of my stickers like that were ripped off for some reason. Im sure theres a digit in the VIN to identify.

 

[caseycourtney80]

Ok thanks

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[Johnn123]

Im not 100% sure there is, but id imagine so. Theres also a way you can determine via jacking the rear end up and spinning the tires by hand but I dont remember it. Youtube maybe.

 

[Merc225hp]

Open the hood and look up, you might find a sticker there.

 

[caseycourtney80]

Perfect, thank you

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[rammin-it]

not to step on anyones toes here, but did forget the ground wire issue if that has not already been takin care of. but other than that jus about covered it