Looking at first dodge

[Oldtown59]

Hello Dodge forum members, just joined this site a few days ago. Names Angelo, and I'am looking for my first Dodge Ram 1500. Coming here to this forum to get some expert advice from you all on these trucks. Pros/cons, common problems etc. I finally found 2 trucks I'am interested in, both are different gens through. The first Dodge Ram is a 2008 with a 3.6L V6 with 102K miles on her it's only a RWD (2-door). I like the truck and it already test drove it seems to ideal on the transmission prefect shirts at different rmps, I drove it like I stole it oh and also have 28 service records. (put a small depsoit to hold truck) When I go back what are others details I should look for one this truck? And the second truck which I'am a little more interested in is a 1997 Dodge Ram with a 5.9L V8 pushing 165K miles on her 4x4 lifted with high country suspension. I have not yet look or test drove it. Call the dealers on phone they told me have they no service records or car fax records of maintance. I know it's a big jump in years.

Either one I choose will be for hunting fishing back road driving to lakes ponds camping etc...No towing, only a little small payload nearly 1k pounds or so. Local driving.

Looking forward for hearing your thoughts, Thank you in Advance

Angelo.

 

[SilverStreak88]

#1 Make sure it runs and drives good - no funny sounds and looks are good for you. #2 Get under and check all your "booted" joints - tie rod ends, ball joints, sway bar links (this will give a better idea of what to expect should you buy it on what will need replacing) #3 Make sure price is right, check around like on KBB and other sites to see what they're saying is a good price for the trucks condition.

I would be hesitant with the 2nd gen (especially if its been lifted with that kind of miles on it. You might have more issues than you would like to deal with, if you really like the truck and you can work on it and the issues it may have then go for it over the 08, but I would look it over very good.

 

[Joe w.]

my dad has an 08 4.7 4x4 with 90k miles on it no problems yet. I have a 99 with 151k no major problems so far but I have heard of a lot of people having trans problems with the 2nd gen and plenum gasket issues. Like stated in the above post if u don't mind working on it and may need the 4wd then the 2nd gen maybe best fit for you. If you get to test drive the 97 listen for front end noise

 

[KyleW2]

My first truck was a 2001 ram with the 5.9L, 4x4. loved the truck. I sold it because my engine went in it and being 17 I couldn't afford to put a new one in let alone pay for the gas in it at a 8.5 average I was getting (city only).
165k miles is not crazy for these trucks if they were taken care of. plenum gasket is a problem all of them had and it's not a hard repair just takes time.

I now drive an 08 with 70k miles. 4.7L 2wd. the ONLY thing I like about this truck vs my old one is it's faster.
If I had to chose between them, second gen all day. My original trans had 153k on it never had repairs on it while I had it and it still shifted good. never had problems. I would recommend at least going to look at the second gen


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[Skrap]

Of the two I would go for the newer truck. However, you mentioned what you wanted to do with it and it would be low on the list of a hunting, camping and fishing rig. Not everyone's the same but if you told me it was a commuter for work or school, I'd say perfect.

The older Dodge. No way in hell.

May let us know your budget and can advise better as far year and model.

 

[Rustycowl69]

I would consider the older truck, only if it were solid, no rust, clean inside & out, straight, and a smoking good deal. I mean so cheap, that if you had to put a new Trans or engine, you'd still come out way ahead. One more thing, you have to be mechanically inclined, too.
Otherwise take the newer truck.

 

[Oldtown59]

Thanks for your advice all, actually i check the 97 out today. the inside is spotless the lift and off road tires makes it look great but other than that the truck isnt worth it . Test drove first, tranny is slipping , no reverse , hesitates , sounds like it wants to stall while idling, hearing a slight miss. it seems that the person put all money into suspension and tires only. Topping at 7k I just passed on the truck. Next week I'am picking up the 08 (small deposit to hold truck). I did forget to add this is a early B-day gift for my 28 yr old son since his 94' F-250 engine blown at 265k.