Yes or NO(!)? Dodge Ram

[Viggen]

So, Im going to check out a '95 regular cab, short bed Ram. 4wd, V8 (318 replaced with a 360), auto (needs trans), good condition. I was originally looking at a Ranger but it would have the same entry price and then I would have to do a lot of work on it (like a SAS) costing me more in the end. Plus, the added payload of the Ram will be nice for the fence I need to build this summer.

Feedback? Ive already got one person telling me to run far away...

 

[my1stcummins]

My brother has a 2001 1500 CC 4x4 with the 360ci V8 and its been a good truck for him. I believe the only thing he has had to do is replace some tie rods, but that's nothing extraordinary on a 12 year old truck.

I think more than anything, all used trucks are about the same, it just comes down to how they were maintained by their previous owner.

 

[goodtimes]

The Dodge with a bad transmission and an engine swap costing as much as a running Ranger?

Unless it's a screaming deal, I'd keep looking. Too many unknowns with a vehicle that you can't take on a proper test drive.

 

[Viggen]

Forward gears work but reverse is a bit sketchy. He says its hard to get into so it could be anything from linkage to just needing a new trans. Stock was the 5.2 but a 5.9 was optional. He has put the 5.9 in (which is basically bolt in). Not really that much of a big deal. Im looking at offering somewhere around $1300 so yes, it strikes me as a pretty good deal.

 

[redthies]

I had a 1500 of that era for around 6 months. I needed a crew cab, so moved on. But, I do think they are a great truck. The only real issue you will likely encounter is tranny related, and sounds like you are there already. The 5.9 actually gets better fuel economy than the 5.2 in most situations due to not having to work as hard. Neither motor is "economical" to run, but they are stone reliable. The running gear is also very solid. I would take a test drive to a trans shop and see what they say. A rebuilt should be less than $2k, and then you would have a great truck.

 

[Threerun]

I had two Ram 1500's back in the day. Both with 360's and auto's. Good truck, but the tranny's simply sucked. I replaced them more than once. I would find a good reputable tranny rebuilder to work some magic on it.

I switched to a 2500 24V diesel with a 5spd (1998.5) and never looked back. Over 225,000 and replaced the clutch once.

 

[wirenut]

I had a '96 1500 ext. cab 4 x 4 with the 5.9 and auto. I loved that truck. It was comfortable, reliable, good looking, and went in the snow like no other vehicle I've ever owned. The only problem I had with it was the transmission. It went out (like pretty much all of the Dodge autos.) at around 93,000 miles. I had it rebuilt for about $2,000 and put over 60,000 more miles on it until I sold it. Even before the trans went out and after it was rebuilt I never liked the way it shifted. When towing my 4,500 pound boat I always drove it lie a 3 speed. I would buy another of those trucks in a second if I needed one but I would get the manual.

 

[LoRoad]

While it is difficult for me to speak specifically to 'that' Dodge you are looking at, what I can tell you is that I am currently driving my fifth Dodge Ram (2008 3500 Diesel) and LOVE THEM! not sure if that helps, and no I don't work for them.

 

[C5dad]

Without knowing the particulars, my inclination would be to pass. Way too much replacement and the gassers from that time were less than optimal. If it were a diesel (12 valve) that would be a differ story!

 

[98dango]

A swap from a 318 to 360 is no big deal. Dodges eat transmissions but so do many rigs from the ear. I would lean dodge over the ranger. It is a stronger platform to build from and not many custom parts. A ranger is an awesome truck but if sas is in your mind. I like the larger trucks and they fit 90% of the places.

 

[Mighty Dodge Ram]

Just about to hit 1/4-million miles with the original 5.9l and auto. Like anything, proper maintenance is the key. And as mentioned before, they're the bomb in snow. :sombrero:

 

[Expedition_Matt]

I'm on my 3rd Dodge. I'm no fanboy but I do like them. Compared to a Ranger, a 360 will have poor mileage - I NEVER got more than 11.75 with a 2wd extended cab. 4wd will be even worse. The truck sounds like a good price but you can gauge the seller for his work - how clean is his garage? How clean is his work? Is it cobbled together or does it look like it was built lovingly by a master craftsman? A tranny is almost easier than a water pump to replace but it's the whole package. The big problem is making sure that the tranny is the only thing wrong - unlikely.