Looking into 2nd Gen

[catbones]

Hi guys,

Looking into the 2nd gens of dodge rams 1500 or 2500... I like their look better and options vs 3rd or 4th gen. I know they are old... I'm also thinking of pulling a TT with it around. The TT is about 3500 lbs loaded I would say, 3000 empty.

Now since I've noticed on here a lot of you have 2nd gens, I'm wondering what do you guys prefer in terms of best year? what should I look for when buying one?? what are the major things that go on these 2nd gens??

Thanks in advance!

 

[BBartow]

Plenum gasket in the v8s tend to leak causing fouled spark plugs, clogged catalytic converters, and overall lack of performance. Common problem and can be fixed for around $120. Can be read further here: http://www.ramforum.com/f61/plenum_gasket_what_where_what_should_i_do_about_*info*-37635/

Auto trannies certainly ain't the strongest. If you can, try to stay away from them, but there are plenty of aftermarket to fix the issues.

Those are the big two, but you also have the LSD unit in the 1500 rearends grenading, snap ring failure, and cracked dashes. Not to mention these trucks love gas.

I'd HIGHLY recommend a 2500 over a 1500. You'll get stronger axles, better brakes, better steering, and many other things. The v8 5.9L, v10 8.0, and 5.9L diesel are all good engines. The v10 is real heavy on gas so the v8 might be better for you if you're looking for a gasser. These are good trucks and will treat you well if you take care of 'em. Year wise, they are pretty much the same. Notable differences are 94-95 are OBD1, 96 are OBD1&OBD2, and 96-01(02 2500) are OBD2. Also 99-01(02) Sport models had quad headlights that are much better than non-sports or pre-99 sports.

All I can think of atm.

 

[dapepper9]

Couple other little minor things regarding years. If any future questions regarding mods should arise (they very often do lol) OBD1 trucks needed a new computer to do any kind of "software tuning" and death flash can be found on 98+ trucks. 98-99 as a dealer service thing done on em but 2000-2001 it was predone at the dealer before purchase. Not 100% sure on the exact years for that last one but any tuner will fix it and if the truck your looking at has it you can tell by looking at the label on the pcm

Edit: BBartow pretty much covered it for what I can think of, what I mentioned is just little things regarding tuning