What years would you recommend for a 2nd gen?

[dodge dude94]

May I ask why a 2nd gen?

Because there are a lot of us that like that body style.....



V10, yeah, basically a big block, gets 10 mpg loaded or unloaded. Manual trucks can get to 14 mpg when driven right

 

[auskip07]

Thats cause most think the v10's are junk..

But the or OP, Gas or Diesel
If gas then later year models have better interiors and fitment.
If diesel the earlier 12valves are great easy and cheap to modify
later 2nd gen diesels with the vp44 pumped 24valves aren't bad either but run computers.

May I ask why a 2nd gen?

Sure, Prices are in the 1500-5000 range Body style is pretty nice. The magnum engines are a proven design (although not efficient) Easier to work on. Ford's in the same year and price range tend to shoot spark plugs out the head, Chevy owners seem to think very highly of them when selling $$$
almost as much as toyota owners although i think toyota owners are justified.

 

[R/T_Fire]

Just curious, knowing your taste and reason why a 2nd gen helps give advice.

But with all that I'd go with the later years especially the OBD2 equipped trucks. Fit and finish is a little better and options were a little better imo in the 99-02's I'm not to familiar with the 5.9L gas motors as all the rams I have owned or worked on were all diesels.

But LMC truck parts has a tone of inexpensive parts for these years so they make a good base for a project play truck

 

[BBartow]

Just curious, knowing your taste and reason why a 2nd gen helps give advice.

But with all that I'd go with the later years especially the OBD2 equipped trucks. Fit and finish is a little better and options were a little better imo in the 99-02's I'm not to familiar with the 5.9L gas motors as all the rams I have owned or worked on were all diesels.

But LMC truck parts has a tone of inexpensive parts for these years so they make a good base for a project play truck

Said no one ever

 

[R/T_Fire]

Said no one ever

hey they're cheap compared to others part suppliers

 

[dodge dude94]

hey they're cheap compared to others part suppliers

I wouldn't go that far. lol

LMC just has everything all in one place. If you're willing to do the legwork, you can get the same parts much cheaper.

 

[mitchbowers]

I wouldn't go that far. lol

LMC just has everything all in one place. If you're willing to do the legwork, you can get the same parts much cheaper.

agreed. Its a pain to find some things/iffy websites that you might not want to give your number out to lol

Sent from my A0001 using Tapatalk

 

[auskip07]

Thanks guys, i am curious why dodge stuck with a trans that you still had to adjust the bands in compared to the other manufacturers?

 

[1SilverBullet2]

It was a good move by Dodge

 

[auskip07]

It was a good move by Dodge

Could you elaborate? Of course i hear of horror stories about people being on their 3rd transmission and the service interveral being 20-30k for flush and adjust bands

 

[dodge dude94]

All OEMs in the 90s had a 30k interval. Just something you do when you change the spark plugs. lol

 

[1SilverBullet2]

I was being kinda sarcastic haha I've heard it's good for a maintenance so the transmission is operating good, also heard tho adjusting bands can destroy a trans too. Gotta have a professional do it or know what you're doing.

 

[R/T_Fire]

I wa seeing kinda sarcastic haha I've heard it's good for a maintenance so the transmission is operating good, also heard tho adjusting bands can destroy a trans too. Gotta have a professional do it or know what you're doing.

Anytime a trans is involved a pro is always the right choice...

but I think there are alot of aftermarket support that can build up them trans to be bullet proof.

 

[auskip07]

Anytime a trans is involved a pro is always the right choice...

but I think there are alot of aftermarket support that can build up them trans to be bullet proof.

Yeah but adjustments should be able to be made by your common owner. I wouldnt buy an older truck if i didnt think i was capable of doing an equal or better job at anything not requiring major machining.

 

[R/T_Fire]

Most guys, and I don't mean this in a **** way, but most do not have the knowledge needed to adjust things like the tranny right and cause more damage than they help it. is why I give that advice.. If you know how to adjust it then your a step ahead.

Ive built a few older ford trans, but adjusting them bands still scares me cause I'm not sure of my adjustment if its too much or too little etc. I still take it to my buddy who runs a transmission shop. mostly cause I'm not confident in my trans adjusting ability. I'll stick to engine building and fabrication.

 

[jsmith]

I wa seeing kinda sarcastic haha I've heard it's good for a maintenance so the transmission is operating good, also heard tho adjusting bands can destroy a trans too. Gotta have a professional do it or know what you're doing.

These trans are actually really easy to adjust the bands on, I wouldn't recommend it without a quality torque wrench though.
94+ Ram AT band adjustment

 

[dodge dude94]

R/T Fire is spot on, most people don't know wtf they're doing or have the right tools or resources.
If you're willing to do the reading, buy the tools and take your time, it's not THAT hard.

 

[ADudeOnSkis]

Post 98 for sure. If I were looking for another 2nd gen (and lets be honest arent we all at some point? lol), I would look for:
1500 with 318/5.2 and a 5spd (dont feel like there is any point to a 1500 with the 360, why not just get a 2500 for the stronger axles)
2500 with v10 and 5spd or a builetproofed auto (forget which one they used)
1998-98.5 2500 with Cummins and 5spd (12valve mechanical engine, not computer controlled, typically easier to work on and typically more reliable)

 

[BBartow]

Ever since I joined forums 2 months after I bought my truck (over 2 1/2yrs ago) I've been saving money to buy a 97+ V8 2500. I still haven't found one in decent shape or for a fair price. At this point I can afford something in a 3g hemi 2500 range, still can't find one of those! Pushing me more and more towards a new new truck. Why does all the good stuff have to be nfs or way overpriced.

 

[Merc225hp]

I'll take my 96 over any other year thanks but that's me.