Fix or part out?

[Bigguyinmo]

Anyone have a difficult time deciding what to do with a truck? I have this 2001 1/2 t OFF-ROAD. It is a 318 automatic. Tranny lost first gear, engine is strong and runs very well. Doors are rusty, needs cab corners and rockers. Interior is very nice, dash is near perfect with no cracks. Truck has 175k miles
I do my own sheet metal and mechanical work so no labor charges. But I do not do automatic transmission work.
Can’t decide weather to cut my losses and junk it or fix it.

 

[MADDOG]

Sell it. There's always someone looking for a cheap truck to fix up and drive.

Parting out is a PITA, takes too dang long and you have a lot of ads to track.

 

[Joe w.]

I'd fixed but that's just me. I redone my interior and had it repainted about 3 yrs ago. If you lived closer to Va I'd consider buying it for my son he will be driving in about a year.

 

[McBroom]

$5-600 for a new rebuilt tranny. Install is pretty simple to do.


The Blue Mule

 

[Okiespaniel]

5-600?

Hmmm Mine cost me about 1800 installed with new converter.

That aside, you have what is a pretty rare truck with the off road package. 4:10 gears, 8 inch rims, hd charging and cooling system, and underbody protection.
It was a sweet package for sure. Your dash isn't cracked. Unbelievable! Even the exhaust looks original!

If it doesn't go into 1st gear it may be a very simple problem. Usually it's a shift solenoid issue. Does it dhift into first when you do it manually?

But...if you decide to part it out, I call dibs on the gas tank skid plate (if it's in one piece) and the mounting straps.

 

[Bigguyinmo]

5-600?

Hmmm Mine cost me about 1800 installed with new converter.

That aside, you have what is a pretty rare truck with the off road package. 4:10 gears, 8 inch rims, hd charging and cooling system, and underbody protection.
It was a sweet package for sure. Your dash isn't cracked. Unbelievable! Even the exhaust looks original!

If it doesn't go into 1st gear it may be a very simple problem. Usually it's a shift solenoid issue. Does it dhift into first when you do it manually?

But...if you decide to part it out, I call dibs on the gas tank skid plate (if it's in one piece) and the mounting straps.

Yes all the skid plates are in place and in one piece.

 

[Dave2018]

Heck, why not just take it to aamco or a tranny place to diagnose the 1st gear problem. I've got 191k or so on mine and it's still working great. They are known for problems but like another poster suggested, It might just be a solenoid.

 

[SYKRAMMAN]

Like others have said, I’d fix it up, it’s in pretty good shape. If it’s not a rust bucket underneath then you have yourself a nice beater truck. Especially since you are mechanically inclined, that’ll save you a **** ton of money. I’m shocked the dash is intact also.

 

[Mop]

That truck is straight and clean. Me personally, I'd fix the heck out it. 2nd Gens are strong, tough, and IMO, the last of the solid Rams. You have a potential gem right there.

 

[Mop]

**Double Post

 

[Fast69Mopar]

Man, I would fix this truck in a heartbeat. Why not pull the transmission pan off and see how loose the forward band or kickdown band is? It could be so loose that that apply lever is laying in the bottom of the pan. It could also very well have a failed Governor Pressure Solenoid.

As clean as the interior is in this truck I would spend the dime to fix it.