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Dodge Ram General Shopping Questions

16 messages,  Last post on Jan 22, 2008 at 6:47 PM

You are in the Dodge Ram Forum. Your Host is kcram

What is this discussion about? Dodge Ram Pickup 1500, Dodge Ram Pickup 2500, Truck


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#1 of 16
Help me decide what to purchase! by xeremeh
Sep 28, 2006 (10:55 am)
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After entering a lovely 4-car pileup with mine being the 3rd in line there, I've been looking around. I don't have any kids and drive mostly on the highways in-town and on a few 180 mile trips throughout the year, so most of my MPG is highway. I'm currently interested in the Dodge Ram 1500 series. I'm capping myself at $10,000, which has been putting me with mostly 00-03 models with around.. 80k-100k miles.
 
I've also been looking for mostly 2x4 regular cabs. I'm about to go take a gander at a n '01 1500 extended cab 5.2L V8 with 61.5k miles on it ( which I think is quite low, which leads me to believe the previous owners may've taken decent care of it). I'm wondering just a few simple things...
 
Will the difference between regular and extended cabs play a price in fuel economy? I read that it's about 19mpg cap on the highways, but can't find anything that'll compare regular to extended cabs.
 
Every young man enjoys knowing they have a V8 under the hood, but what is the difference between the 5.2 and 5.9 as it would matter to me (I don't tow that often, so it's not an issue).
 
I'm mainly looking at Dodges because I enjoy the body style, image, and they haven't let me down yet over the few that I've owned. What else might you suggest that is out there?
 
Dealership versus used car lots versus private sellers? Being at this area in Texas, I know that alot of cars are flooding the market from the.. well, flood in New Orleans, and one must be careful.
 
Thanks in advance!
#2 of 16
Re: Help me decide what to purchase! [xeremeh] by dustyk
Oct 15, 2006 (4:36 pm)
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Replying to: xeremeh (Sep 28, 2006 10:55 am)

Sorry for the tardy response.
 
The 5.9 (360 cid) is a the same block as the 5.2 (318 cid) but with a longer stroke and slightly larger bore. In truck applications they both have a reputation for making excellent low-end torque when compared to most Ford and GM engines of the day, with valve timing and cam profile the principal factor.
 
The 360 has noticeably more power when all other things are considered equal (weight, rear axle ratio, etc.), and those that seem to favor thrust and acceleration are generally prone to bemoan the 318 in the big Dodge.
 
However, over the years I've seen and known plenty of 318-equipped RAMs that get the job done. In fact, a good friend of mine had a '94 RAM that pulled a 3500 pound trailer and farm tractor for quite a few miles. Now the same truck with a 360 would have pulled better, but the 318 will do it, albeit with less tappable power but also using less fuel.
 
Of the two, the 318 is going to be more wallet friendly at the gas pump when you're not needing the available power.
 
Best regards,
Dusty
#3 of 16
buying a used dodge ram 1500 or 2500 by nwfootballa42
Apr 10, 2006 (3:59 am)
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#4 of 16
buying a used dodge ram 1500 or 2500 by nwfootballa42
Feb 02, 2006 (2:04 pm)
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hey im interested in trading in my 98 expedition for a mid to late 90s ram 1500 or 2500. any have any advice for finding a good one?
#5 of 16
Re: buying a used dodge ram 1500 or 2500 [nwfootballa42] by blkhemi
Feb 02, 2006 (3:41 pm)
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Replying to: nwfootballa42 (Feb 02, 2006 2:04 pm)

A late 90's (98-up) would be the more ideal model. These model years saw the most refinements in terms of interior and feature content. The 98 and later models featured the Quad Cab 4-door models.
 
As with any vehicle, look for all service records and ALWAYS,ALWAYS,ALWAYS get a CARFAX report. This has saved people from buying other people's junk.
 
These trucks were good vehicle's in terms of reliablity and quality. The early model years(94-96) were plagued with tranny models. Speaking of tranny's, if you're interested in a 4WD model, USE 4X4 BEFORE PURCHASING. The transfer cases on these trucks are known for breaking down if not used correctly. If not 4X4, then look for a low-mile Quad Cab 4X2 with 5.2L(318) or the 5.9L(360). I say Quad Cab because the of the longer-wheelbase over the standard cab models produce a better ride quality. If for towing purposes, definetely try to find a low-mile 5.9L-equipped SLT model. They have the better rear-end and towning capability.
 
I just gave my son my 2000 1500 Off-Road 5.9L. This was one of the most trouble free vehicles I've ever owned. BUT BE WARNED: Pre '02 Rams love gas. But, you coming from an Expedition, I'm pretty sure you're used to it.
#6 of 16
Re: buying a used dodge ram 1500 or 2500 [blkhemi] by nwfootballa42
Feb 08, 2006 (2:48 pm)
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Replying to: blkhemi (Feb 02, 2006 3:41 pm)

thanks i really appreciate the advice
#7 of 16
Blinking headlights by vulcan2
Feb 11, 2006 (5:35 pm)
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It only seems to happen when on highbeam that the headlights on my 96 Ram 1500 all of a sudden begin flashing for 5 or 6 times. I switch to low beam, and it doesn't happen. It may occur once or more during headlight operation.
#8 of 16
Pricing 4x4 RAM 1500 to sell by dmh1
Apr 09, 2006 (7:15 pm)
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Any advice on how to price my 1996 4X4 Dodge RAM 1500 to sell? I've tried Edmunds and Kelly Blue Book but they don't list features I know have value, specifically the HEAVY DUTY TRANNIE/COOLANT, HD REAR END, HD SHOCKS, HD TOWING PKG. It's a Laramie XLT (no extended cab) with a plow hookup, remote start, and is in perfect condition except for a quarter sized area of rust on one fender. Only 90,000 miles. I've taken such good care of it, but really don't need it and I can't afford the luxury of a lower mileage vehicle, so it's gotta go. Any ideas of what value to add for those extra features? The truck is in Southeastern Wisconsin. Hope someone can help - would also welcome buyer inquiries.
#9 of 16
Re: Pricing 4x4 RAM 1500 to sell [dmh1] by KarenS HOST
Apr 10, 2006 (3:59 am)
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Replying to: dmh1 (Apr 09, 2006 7:15 pm)

Try posting your question in Real World Trade In Values. Chances are you'll get some good advice there.
#10 of 16
Gas trucks value once 1500 Diesels Come Out by hemi_ky
Aug 13, 2007 (11:29 am)
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