I drive a dodge with the 5.2 318 and have 235k on it have had no engine or transmission problems just a little rust and wear on the paint do to parking outside in Oklahoma weather.

 

The small block had a 38 year run! First the LA style then the magnum. It has a proven track record and will last with normal maintenance and replacement of common wear items.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrysler_LA_engine

 

I love my 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 bought it with 93000 miles on it in 2004. 11 years and many normal wear parts later still going strong on original motor no work done to it 278000 15 mpg highway and until it literally falls apart I'll keep it going just routine oil changes with high mileage pen soil and I am no mechanic by any stretch of the imagination. I would buy another dodge but not till this one dies

 

i have a 2000 5.2 v8 and i have over 400,000 on my did have a cracked head but nothing to mayjor

 

i they they made those up till 97... i was looking for one when i came across my ram. you cant kill that straight 6. your huntin rig will probably rust into the ground someday and that engine will still fire up. it will take you anywhere hauling anything eventually... not fast, but immortal.

 

Besides regular maintenance my Ram is still running strong at 316k miles. Take care of it and it will take care of you

 

I'm currently on my semiannual road trip across the country and she's purring along at 254k getting 16 mpg. These engines are tanks, slow but solid and durable.

 

They won't be winning any speed races, but pulling races they will win

 

They honestly last for ever I have a 01 5.2 and it’s currently at 199,000 and still runs like s champ im currently in college and typically drive 4and a half hours home regularly through out the year and been doing it for 2 years so far and its never left me stranded long as u use good oil on oil changes it will last for years and I originally purchased mines with 174,000

 

I have 280,000+ on my 1998 5.9L (all put on by me). Have done very little to the engine itself, new water pump, new radiator (courtesy of a friendly deer), etc. I am on my 3rd transmission...but I have strong suspicion that the first transmission failure had something to do with the transmission service done at the dealer shortly before failure...and the second failure was because the dealer rebuilt that transmission. For the 3rd transmission I bought an aftermarket rebuild, installed by a reputable independent mechanic and haven't had any issues since. I just perform regular maintenance myself. It's been a good truck.