Dodge tips/gotchas

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/dev/ram

Ralph Graw
Joined
May 19, 2005
Location
Meandering
Looking to pick up a ’96 Dodge Ram 4x4 2500 extended cab, rebuilt top end, new (not rebuilt) trans, 4” lift (not sure what brand), gas 360ci/5.9L (so assuming d44/d60), from my brother next month. It’s sitting unused in his yard, and I need a reliable daily driver / bbq pit tow vehicle / possible YJ tow (for the longer trips maybe) / redneck stylin’ / well, you know…

You guys who are into tow rigs or just Dodge's in general got any opinions on what to look out for, avoid, figure I’m going to fix (already know about the split axle on the front)? Some defect that didn't quite make the recall list? Something you always hated and wish you'd fixed before driving it into the swamp? Etc. :-)

Any thoughts appreciated!

-ralph
 
About the exact truck I have. Should have D60 front and rear axles. Auto or Manual trans? Never had any problems from my manual, I have heard horror stories about the autos. Was running 33" tires, got 13-14 mpg unloaded and 9-10 towing. Just went back to stock tires, upped the mpg to 16-17 unloaded and 11-12 towing. Mine has 95k miles and the only real problem I had was severe oil usage. There is a problem with the stock plenum gasket sealing properly, once I put on an aftermarket all aluminum gasket the problem went away. Other than that I like the truck, would like to have more power for the long grades/hills but it does OK for me.
 
The usual problems include the plenum gasket, trac bar, hubs, and auto transmissions. CYJKrawler is correct it should have 60's front and rear
 
My 99' 1500 had a :poop: transmission. Loved to jump out of gear when in 4WD on hill. Smoked like a b*tch when 1st started and knock on Hwy runs.... 38,000 miles on it. The Auto tranny is the worst part on these.
 
I've got a '99 Ram 1500 SLT Laramie with a 5.2 and the auto tranny. Every 20K miles I changed the tranny fluid and filter. I've got 148,900 on the clock and its still running great. Most of the horror stories with the autos are from those that never serviced the transmission. Although Green Ford does have a reson to b#tch with all those issues and only 38,000 miles.
 
i've got a 2001 quad cab 4x4 with the 5.2 in it. about 90,000 on it right now. no problems with the tranny (automatic). the only thing i can bitch about is: my dash has fell apart, gas mileage sucks, and not a whole lot of power. that is why i just bought a 92 toyota 4x4 with the 22re to drive around (for the gas mileage). i am keeping the dodge though, i do like it. :driver:
 
My first Dodge was a 1500 2WD (97') 318ci. That motor had great power and no transmission problems at all. It was the 99' 4WD that gave me all the problems and I didn't think the motor was as strong as the 318.
 
My '99 with the 5.2l engine and auto transmission is a 4X4 as well, and I haven't had any trans problems. Glad I haven't had the problems you had Green Ford. Highcj5 - I'll agree with you and the dashboard. I've got a couple of big cracks in my dash, it rattles, and the drop down cup holder fell completely out of the dash. The plastic hinge pins broke. I've got it rigged up in the down position but I don't trust it with a full drink in there.
 
Thanks for all the input!

This one has the auto trans, but again new, not rebuilt. Sounds like I'd need to keep an eye on it. Not sure what size tires he's running, but larger than stock - and has changed the diffs to 4.10 gears. Maybe that will help with the gas mileage and/or power. I'll have to check out the hubs once I get down there next month.

I'm thinking of putting the perm-lok into the front axle, but not sure what type of diff it has (open or limited slip?) and whether that will help or hurt on the gas mileage issue. Sometimes I long for the good ol days and locking hubs...
 
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