To Buy or Not to Buy

[straightaxle]

Hello all this is my first post as I don't own a Ram yet i just wanted some opinions from owners. I am going to look at a 2003 4x4 with the 5.7 today. It is lifted I would say 6" with 35" MTs. The guy told me he had a straight axle installed on the front because he was afraid of breaking the stock axles, the truck has 95,000 miles and he is asking around $9000 for it. Is there anything I should look for or be afraid of with the axle swap, low miles and price? Any input will help and be appreciated BTW it's 4 door not the mega cab just standard 4 door. thanks

 

[straightaxle]

I know someone has an opinion...everyone does so let's have it. What do you guys think deal or no deal? 03 Dodge 2500

 

[Bourne2Shoot]

IMO, I would get it but it would come down to the body and the interior and if it was running good

Have 95,97,98,05 1500's and 03 2500 and 03 3500 in my family and I wouldn't give them up for anything else.

 

[Bourne2Shoot]

Just seen the pics, i would buy it if i was in the market for a new truck looks nice

 

[Knotts89]

I would be a little worried about buying it. I bought a Toyota with a straight axle conversion one time and it was a little bit of a headache. Trying to figure out what parts the guy used and making sure everything is right is just a little to much trouble just my opinion.

 

[HemiBabe]

I would just crawl under it and check it out, but other than that it looks nice

 

[ms8091]

I agree it could be a headache, but if its what you will e doing to it anyway, could save a lot of time and effort if it is done right. Best thing to do is check it out and see if the conversion was quality and it runs right. If so, why not.


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[moparman]

The 2500's come with a solid axle from the factory. That listing shows a 2500.... 1500's were IFS.

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[Sparkyy]

That is a great looking truck that you found.

Take it to a mechanic, one you trust, if possible and have them give it a look over. Can't tell everything but might be a good start if nervous about the condition. Overall just from the pictures, looks like a beast with a lot more mileage in it.

 

[MegaMouseGW]

Test drive it and take it to a mechanic you trust before buying. Your mechanic may find problems you may not see. Check the oil to see if it has been recently changed. Clean oil means the truck recently had an oil change, dark or black oil and it hasn't ben changed within the proper maintenance schedule. Check before starting up the truck for oil on the block and under the truck where it is parked. Then run the engine for at least 10 minutes, and do another check for oil leaks. There are a lot of other things to look for that a mechanic will spot right off the bat.

 

[Knotts89]

Sorry didn't see that it was a 2500. Definitely worth checking out

 

[straightaxle]

So if the 2500 came with a straight axle why would he be telling me he had the swap done? That makes me a little skiddish but you take a chance when buying any previously owned vehicle so it may be one I take. I didn't get a chance to go check it out last night due to a death, my wife had to attend a friends house and I had the kids but I am will be going today. Thanks for the input and I may be the next one in the Ram family...only time and oil leaks will tell.