My 97 dodge ram 1500 has 421000 miles on it still running like a champ

I just got a 97 Ram 2500 gasser with 88k on it!!! Looking at all these high mileage ones makes my heart happy! Lol

I know this is an old video. But still I am gonna comment on it. I have known a dude for about 20 years now that has a 1995 3.9L V6 / 5-speed / 2WD reg cab longbed 1500. I moved away from that area about 3 years ago, but not too long before that I asked him about his truck. I knew it had a LOT of miles on it, but was unsure just how many till that day. At that time it had 325,XXX miles on it. He owned the truck since 1997. Every 3k oil change, every 6k oil change & rotated tires, every 25k he changed the gear oil in the rear axle and transmission. Was told since he bought it with just over 40k miles on it in 1997, the ONLY oil he ever used in it was Shell Rotella 10w30 in winter and Shell Rotella 15w40 in the summer. Manual trans & rear axle got Amsoil. In all those miles and years, he put on 3 water pumps, 2 alternators, replaced the valve cover gaskets 3 times, one clutch and when they did the clutch he also had front & rear trans seals put in, and then just your basic mantenence stuff like plugs, belts, hoses, brakes etc. "whenever it needed it". In 325,XXX miles the engine had NEVER been taken apart beyond the water pump and valve covers. YES, the 3.9L (and the 5.2 V8) are underpowered by todays standards! But in all honesty, I just dont see these new high tech engines lasting as long as the old ones did. SIMPLE good old iron block, iron head, 2 vale per cylinder pushrod engines with massive main bearings. Like old tractor engines they were. lol

I drive a 96 Indy Ram, mother bought it brand new. Only major issues we've ever had was. It killed batteries almost every year. Heater core got plugged. Truck stalls out when switching from Reverse to Drive. (Automatic) Front rotors are prone to warping. Alot of these points can be put on the owner, and because of that I ended up taking it upon myself to keep this amazing truck on the road. Awesome truck, tons of stories I could share, always been reliable. The truck is part of the family.

I'm in texas! Dash messed up ! My truck 2001! Its legit best truck I've ever brought!! Still got it!

I love 2nd gen rams. I would buy an automatic any day. But I bought my 1995 single cab long bed. 5.2 V8 4x4 with a 5 speed manual. These trucks go forever. Never underestimate a magnum engine. Even the 3.9 V6. Best truck I've ever owned.

I used to have a 98 Dodge Ram 1500 That truck stayed in the family for 18 years until It was wrecked It ran like a champ to the end of its days

Hi I have a 99" dodge ram 1500. With 258,612 on it. No problems. I have a 5 speed, the rear end is still rock solid. I just changed my cluch 3 year's ago. Never had any trouble. Aloha from the 808 state.

The 3.9, 5.2, and 5.9 magnums are all great engines. The auto transmissions of that era in both the Rams and Dakotas are weak and failure prone, but the good news is the 42RE, 44RE, 46RE, and 47RE transmissions that come in these trucks is based on the same 727 Torquflite design that has been around since the 60s, there are tons of aftermarket parts available to make these transmissions bulletproof. Most competent transmission shops around here charge around $1500-2000 to rebuild them depending on what upgrades you want. If you want to avoid those issues all together then get one with a 5 speed manual.

old(ish) american v8s are such a pleasure to listen

I wish I saw this before I bought my "Mint" 95 1500. I still love it though

80000 new transmission vacuum leak evaporator canister weak front end 95000 miles changed spark plugs.replaced dash after 7years. Torned seat after 5 years. Brakes after 60000 miles Headlights turn yellow . Tail gate latch broke after be 18 years. ,360 auto 4x4 Brought new. Zero rust Great Truck!

Thanks for the video. You have confirmed yet again what to look for in these trucks. Thanks for giving a guy the heads up on how to test for it. Not many options where I am so it's buy what's available or wait a couple months and spend a whole bunch more money in town (300+ miles away) for what I want.

I've been tempted lately by an '01 318 4x4. This has been very helpful, and I'll have to think about it a little more carefully.

Lol when I My 2001 1500 single cab Laramie short bed I looked at the frame and undercarriage and it was all original with no rust at all and checked the engine bay it was clean meaning no oil leak or signs of someone recently cleaning it . It needed brakes, an had a small minor dent on the rear of the bed. Bought it for 1200, so far ive done oil and filter change, spark plugs and wires, rotor cap and rotor, new brakes ,pass wheel hub, water pump and hoses, thermostat, idler pulley and belt and now the transmission is leaking very little in the main front seal. Truck has 223,000 original miles and transmission still works good and the 5.9 runs very strong and healthy( did a compression test its really good). Its my little project truck eventually ill swap it with a 392 or hellcat engine and transmission.

A month ago I bought a 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 2wd for $500. Only problem with it was the dash board cover missing. But it does run and drive with no problems. I plan on using it for my desert work truck, I do plan on putting a 3' leveled lift kit, upgrade breaks, bumpers, winch, rollbars, KC lights. New paint job. I know it sounds like a lot but it is a truck I have sought after for many years so it's going to be my work truck and a keeper.

Thanks for all the info brother🙏 God bless!

I love these thrucks! Also I've had 2 98s with good dashes, also my wife has an 01 with a good dash. However they were fairly low mileage each one when we got them and I put a dash mat soon after to help keep off the sun, and it stays under a carport so that's probably why.

Adopting my grandpa’s as my first vehicle, love it

I remember when these came out in late 1993 as I was about to turn 21. The 1st gen. RAM was cool too, but MOPAR had an immediate hit that blew away Checy & Ford back then. Now, am a steward of a 1998 RAM 1500 QuadCab 4x4 5.9L Magnum v8 in _Walker: Texas Ranger silver_ and I dig the simplicity of it, over newer vehicles, as it just modern enough+has a timeless style to it. 2G RAM's flaws can be fixed over time=a reliable daily-driver!

I've got an 01 Laramie Off Road Package. Bought it 6 years ago from original owner with 27k on it. Rear end went out at 80k.($1500 rebuild). Transmission went at 125k($2500 rebuild). Front end completely replaced at 100k($1500). Dash gone. Driver's seat ripped although I keep it covered. Averaging 12 mpg with 33s. Suspect heater core leak now at 200k but pressure test says it's fine. Engine runs great. I change oil every 5k with Castrol full synthetic. Light body rust. Just fwiw.

Bought my '98 in 2014, had to replace the water pump, fuel pump, radiator, front brakes and I'll say I got lucky 'cuz it runs like it was new, no tranny problems, no plenum leaks, no rear end trouble. I am quite happy but I have to get around to replacing the dash and it needs a front seat resto. It has over 150K on it and the 360 will pull a house if asked. All for $2200. BTW there is a vid that shows step by step instructions for any shade tree mechanic.

Thank you was going to purchase and 01 quad now I know what to look for when checking it out.

Spot on bro ! Still cant let my 98 go though .

Best video on Dodges by far. Thanks, buddy.

Don’t bother with a Tran rebuild. Just get a new Jasper unit transmission. 3 year/100,000 mile parts and full labor warranty that’s transferable to a new buyer.

I just bought a 99 Ram 1500 v8 with a 318 and I drive it home from the junk yard barley and rust and the transmission went so I let is coast slowly down the hill got in my dive way I pushed it into my yard and I did some work to it and instead of rebiuldling the trans I swapped it for the 6 speed manual and replaced the exhaust system and fuel system

Thank you for making this man it’s hard to find videos for the 1500 dodge everyone wants the diesel but I just need a hafe ton and it’s a lot cheaper haha I use to have a 2000 Dodge Ram 2500 v8 and loved it it did have the bad trans problem but had to sell it but now I’m looking at getting another dodge between 98-02 with the 360

Same as mine,,, running smooth since 1999,

Thank you for this!!!!! Some people are here for the gassers!!!

I always thought it was just me with the heater. Whenever I get passengers they would feel heat even if it’s off. And everything you said is right. I have a 2001 1500

I have own early 00s Silverado’s and fords been good to me last week I bought my first ram a 98 ram 5.2 with 144 k am just here for the reviews so far I heard is pretty good truck

Fyi the voltage regulator is in the pcm ive seen 3 different people throw hundreds of$ trying to fix the altenator/charging issues. Great vid man!

Ay man do you know the specs on the 318 got a 1994 dodge ram 1500 Dana 44 front and rear Laramie slt be cool to know what my truck can do

I drive a 2014 Nissan Pathfinder hybrid daily. Love the comfort and fuel economy. Just picked up a 1500 club 4x4 with 220,000 on it. Few minor issues, but the big stuff seems to work pretty well. Me and the oldest boy will be in the driveway for a few Saturdays. Hope this works out. Plan on towing all my stuff out of California with it.

I love the gas ones!

I watched you when I was building my xj not I’m watching you when I’m working with a second gen . Much love

Now i have a question. I have the single cab, 8ft bed. I wanted to put a 2001 cab on it with the small door. I was wondering if i get a smaller bed and put that cab on it will it work?

If I can find one similar to my old mans truck I’d definitely tune in and look for any problems before buying

I have an 01 ram 1500 with the 318 the thing is a hoss. It was my great grandfather’s and when I got a year ago at 16 I had to do minor work on it. ( rear transmission seal replacement , tension pulley replacement , thermostat replacement, and plug wires. It’s at 201,000 miles rn and it runs like a peach. Been upkeeping it with schedule maintenance and its been reliable and is on its original unbroken dash, original trans, and no rust (located in NC) so the environment is not terrible on cars. This truck and my work truck (ram 2500 HD with the 5.7 hemi) have been amazing. The only problem with the 2500 is the dang transmission just Grenades itself like when you least expect it.

Ronnie, I just bought a dodge ram pickup truck,1998, quad cab, 2-wheel drive. Initially it had an idle problem between high and low. I solved that by replacing the injectors. This is my concern. While idle, I hear a knocking noise which seems to be in the area of the rear of the engine and transmission. When I put it in drive or reverse the noise go away. Can you shed some light as to what may be causing the noise? I have not yet pulled the transmission.

Thank you !! 99 dodge 1500 magnum

Don't worry about the auto trans too much but if it has more than 100,000 miles I would set aside enough cash to rebuild it.mine was rebuilt at 200,000 miles for $1800 with some modern upgrades

Thx, I might buy one tomorrow...

Just replaced transmission in my wife's 2000 dodge ram 1500 with the 318 ..160,000 miles..I have the 1998 ..1500 4x4 with the 360 5.9L. Timing cover leak repair coming

Like the wheels on your truck. What are they ?

Actually going to look at a 98 1500 4x4 club cab this weekend

What about the 2500 v8 magnums? Same issues?

and it doesn't have catalytic converters I heard u mention them in this video let me know what that can mean for me I live In Colorado

Pretty much same thing to check on any vehicle you are going to buy lol but all the Dodge's I've had are tough and had over 200k miles and no transmission issues but thermostat and bypass hose is the only problem and the price of atf+4 transmission fluid lol but my ram and dakota and Durango's have been reliable and good to me

I got a 97 I had to get my transmission rebuilt I got stuck in some water and the transmission soaked up a lot of water but also it’s been leaking trans fluid before that to turns out the pump seal house was all warped

This video was pretty damn helpful bro I have a 98 ram 1500 5.2 its a bad ass truck all stock has 191000 and runs like its new awesome truck a lot of people underestimate how long these engines last I also have I 98 ram 1500 5.9 short bed had a bad vacuum leak just don't know how to fix it that truck has 211000 and runs good

Loved it!

Yeah I had a 2001 Dodge ram 1500 with a v6 and all the little stuff you said was right on the money along with the transmission haha, it was my favorite truck I've ever had, my dad has a 1997 ram that one is doing great, been great only issue with that was the Cadillac converter and now I'm looking into a 1998 one and the only issue from the looks of it is that's heater core haha.

Crap.. I bought a mint looking 1500 sport 5.9 and it’s been nothing but a money pit!!! Kidding.. simple and reliable.

Oh oh Just bought a 95 1500 with the 5.9.. Fell for the looks and sound 🤕😁

I got a 01' ram sport 4x4 196k miles. Shes rusty but I love her

You know what? I have ALWAYS LOVED all the second generation Dodge Ram pickups since I was a kid, despite hearing of their many flaws, but It wasn’t until I actually started looking at purchasing one (1999 1500 5.9 SLT Laramie 4x4) that I just couldn’t give in. I was worried about the repairs. That being said, I’ve never owned one, but I’ll always want one. There’s just so much mystique (personally) and they look and sound incredible. Great video.

These trucks are bulletproof if you get the manual transmission. Learn to drive one and never worry about your truck. Dodge automatics have been weak for years. You can find manuals in the Ram 1500 class on all years of this Gen. They made manual up to 08 in the 1500 series. The 99 I had before I had to sell it for other reasons was up to 320,000 miles and still strong. Sure the body was rusted in the usual places, sure the clear coat was almost gone (they used bad paint in colors), and the cat did go bad in it. I never had the dash issue and the seat was in almost perfect shape cept for one hole from a burn. I would buy it back in a heartbeat if I could. Yes, it was the 318 v8.

I'm looking at a dodge ram 1500 2001 manual transmission v6 will I have transfer case issues ?

I had a 97 for a long time and now I have a 01 for a long time and I have put over 3000 miles on both the only issue is the driver seat shredding to peace's

you say the transmission is the weak point. But that mainly goes for the automatics i would think. You know anything about the manuall transmission for them?

mine is 99 with 5.9 has 248000 miles only probllem ive ever had was the catalytic converter stoppped up tans was rebuilt before i got it now all i do is upgrade and maintenance couldnt ory this truck away from me with a crowbar

My dashboard is a 9 out of 10 , great carpet .

Are manual transmission any better on this truck?

million dollar intro

2nd gen Ram 1500 4x4, 360 v8....best, most durable 1/2 ton pick up made in the last 50 yrs with out a doubt!

The first truck I bought was an 88 Dodge Dakota that I had to put a motor in because the old one was toast yet it still had the original tranny training never gave me a problem corn to some people the tranny was like a Mazda tranny in the old 88 Dodge Dakota but the newest truck I bought was a 2000 Dodge Ram with a 360 engine 4x4 8-ft bed extended cab my only problem with its tranny is if you let it sit for like 2 weeks it doesn't want to go it's like it has no fluid but if you give it enough gas it eventually starts to go I don't know if there's a check valve going in the tranny or what cuz it seems like once it gets a fluid pressure up it goes but it sucks cuz it's probably one day the tranny is going to have to come out but it does have a 177,000 miles so it ain't like it's not getting up to higher mileage but but I don't really like any Dodgers anymore above 2003 just cuz they have The Good Old Reliable five twos five nines the engines that have been around forever they were kept simple and just kept on running I don't like these newer Dodge Rams that seem like they have all these electronics and all these problems cuz my mom and my sister all own newer ones and they just have seen to have so many problems while mine just keeps on going like an Energizer Bunny with no engine light or anything

Proud owner of a 98 dodge ram manual transmission.

Thanks for a heads up. Probably going to be buying a 96 1500

Damn. Y’all got some problems with y’all’s Ram 1500’s. I’ve got a 01’ 1500 with the 318 and the only problem I’ve ever had with it was the dash and the Evap system. It’s got 147,000, bought it new off the lot. Basically in perfect condition

I recently got a 1997 dodge ram2500 5.9 gas. Wit only 73,818 miles on it. Im gomna do a full rebuild on it.

I don't think the transmissions in Dodges are any worse than any modern vehicle transmission I think it's the driver's lead foot and passed owners lack of maintenance that usually kills them I mean how many Dodge truck owners do you know that drive them gently

I have an opportunity to buy a 99 ram 1500 for 1400 with 220,000 miles is it worth it or nah

I might be getting ready to get a 99 with 277k miles

I guess I got lucky mine has none of the problems you mentioned Damn be just a couple minutes and now I have a vacuum leak.. or at least I think

What about a manual transmission for these trucks.

Does this apply both to automatic and manuals alike?

My driver seats ripped i changed my leafs exhaust head light transfer case transmission word spark plugs wires new wiring tons of body work new radiator. Water pump. Fan belt. Alternator... u joints.. 2 sets of tires at 400k kms

What if it's the 5 speed?

Driver seat usually. In out. Simple to fix yes sir. All trucks have issues bro. So do I. No winters

I bought a 98 and i didnt check it from the bottom and i bought it and whn i checked it there was oil under it 🤦

Do 5 speeds have trans issues too?

Intake plenum gaskets are also a huge failure. Will cause rough running, insane oil consumption, and will clog the cat. Luckily they're an easy fix. Also u-joints, brake line rust, interior falling apart (overhead console lights, headliners, cup holders, etc). Door pins going bad and causing the door to sag which busts the latch is also common. I've had to replace the 4x4 actuator in the front axle in most of mine. Lots of issues with brittle vacuum lines too causing everything from rough running, no 4x4, no cruise, and the vents switching to defrost when you're accelerating. Idle air control valves seem to fail in most as well. Lots of front end parts that are usually worn out like ball joins, tie rod ends, steering boxes, etc. Fuel pumps are good for about 150k. Still damn good looking trucks and worth fixing most times though.

Tough trucks

make a video of 5.9 magnum.

Minor things......the head gasket???

Mine runs I just need to keep adding oil to it

The 4x4 air would need new air diaframe

Before people make videos like this they really need to get the real facts and not what they hear from other people. I work on transmissions and chevy by far has the worse transmissions

Wear and tear!

I have the 97 Larimie 1500 club cab with the 5.2, 200,000 and still runnin strong but it has the Zumbrota 3500 trans. I couldn't knock it if I tried. Rust free as well.

You mean 94-01 93 was last yr of square body

2001 with a V6 $2500???

My 98 has ,121.000km

Btw 2nd gens are 1994-2001

Plug it in. All winters.

It's the trans cooling system is crap buy I big actual trans cooler and wont have a problem

Anyone else his bread?

U got the year wrong it’s 94-01