1996 Dodge Ram Pickup SLT 318/5.2L

Summary:

Possibly an isolated experience, but my 4x2 truck has been GREAT

Faults:

Headlights went out at 90k (all others still good).

Starter went out after 150k miles (constant starting at construction sites contributed to this - I'm not upset).

Fuel pump went out at 180k miles (on interstate next-to-nowhere, still not too upset - whistling should have given me a clue).

Water Pump went out at 190k (replaced myself, not upset).

Transmission started slipping or churning in reverse at about 199k, just recently went into "limp-home" mode. (not upset after 237k miles, but I'm hoping to get a good fix as the engine is running well).

Passenger seat adjustment springs failed after 150k (weren't used much).

Cat Converter went out just after 100k (I was upset about that, because I could have gotten Dodge to repair that when I first started hearing the rattle of the cover... per a mechanic who noticed the problem after I had more than 100k miles).

General Comments:

The truck has been a pleasure to own. Unfortunately, many friends bought the same color scheme, but in a 4x4. Every single one of them had transmission problems within a year of owning their trucks. I have not met anyone who has owned a Dodge 4x4, '94 up to 2k gas burner who hasn't had a major problem with their tranny.

The 318 engine has been great. I use bosch platinum plugs instead of the champions that are OEM (I can tell the difference in vehicle response... oops, I could tell the difference before my tranny problems). I am hoping to repair this tranny soon (with an out-op-pocket cost of less than $1500...doing a lot of web searching).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th October, 2004

1996 Dodge Ram Pickup SLT Lariot 5.9L turbo diesel

Summary:

This is a powerful and reliable truck with all the comfort a truck should have

Faults:

The fuel control Solenoid relay went bad before I baught the truck, which evidently caused a lot of grief to the former owner and dealer. The relay would not trip when cold so the the truck would not start when cold, causing many dead batteries and jump starts to the former owner and destroying the battery cable ends.

Tie rods and Track bar worn out at 114,000.

Steering wheel has worn at the top through the leather.

Drivers seat started to wear along the left edge.

Drivers door is starting to rust on under side.

The window seals tore and started rusting as soon as I bought the truck and require disassembling the door to replace.

Fuel sending unit replaced at 70,000 miles. Had to drop tank to accomplish this and it is a known problem with these trucks.

Ball joints replaced about 80,000 miles.

Rear spring mounts loosened by 43,000. Retightening them cured it as they have not loosened again.

Rear window leaked around outer gasket- tube of silicone sealant fixed it.

General Comments:

Largest and most comfortable truck I have ever ridden in. I love the table height seating! Very reliable engine with plenty of power.

I get about 16MPG except when I am plowing snow- and I have the low rear end gears with the limited slip diff.

The "idiot lights" are poorly placed on the dash and are hidden by the auto transmission lever when in gears, the tilt wheel lever and steering wheel in general.

Overdrive is on by default and should be off by default to save the overdrive unit.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd July, 2004

1996 Dodge Ram Pickup Indy Special 360

Summary:

I never plan to sell my Indy Special edition Ram!

Faults:

Brakes & Rotors at app. 88000.

Battery at app. 105000.

Cigarette lighter is slightly loose.

Occasionally pings under load at highway speeds. I use regular gas.

There was a clunk in the suspension when turning sharply, but it seems to have gone away.

Factory am/fm cassette seems to go in & out of stereo.

Electric door switch on passenger side does not operate.

Door switch on drivers side that controls passenger lock needs to be pushed a few times in order to unlock door.

General Comments:

I do not have the previous owners records.

I have been very happy with the performance & lack of problems.

It starts instantly & runs smoothly.

I change oil & lube the front suspension at around 3000-5000 miles.

It gets 15-17 mpg.

The 1994-2001 Rams are the prettiest trucks built since the 1950's. The new Rams are ugly.

My 1987 S-10 and 1994 Ranger 4 cylinder/ 4 & 5 speed trucks ran very also.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th December, 2003