As some of you may know I am a current owner of a 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 SLT Laramie Crew Cab Sport with the 5.9 Magnum, 4sp auto, and 4x4. I was cruising through the local auto lots when I rolled upon what could possibly be my next gem. I'm in the process of selling a car (which is what would fund a new to me truck purchase) so I could have the money soon. Anyways, I dont really know much about the truck at this point as the dealer was closed, before I could get too many details and it is not yet listed online. What I do know is that it is a 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 Sport Off Road Standard Cab Short Box. It has a matching fiberglass topper and seems to be in good shape body wise (especially for Minnesota) but does have a bit of fading on the hood and roof and a small dent in the box near the rear bumper. Little to no rust, not even on the drivers door. From what I understand the Off Road trucks come with a 2" lift, different wheels, front tow hooks, limited slip rear end, larger transmission cooler, and 4.10 gears. Am I missing anything? Also since I would end up Daily Driving this beast if I bought it what kind of MPG should I be expecting? Engine size is unknown at this point. Truck has been un-modified. I figure it should get better than my existing truck because it is newer and lighter right? Wrong? Please fill me in on info guys. Lastly is the asking price of $4,995 seem fair?

 

for what your gettin 5k aint bad man... but of course 4k would be better :P yes your have all the correct info they came with an additional lift and 4.10s in it. as for the gas mileage thing, i mean witha good tune up id still think you would only get 10-12ish mpg. the thing about the 2000s-2001s they have a death flash on the computer from the factory to cover up the pinging probs of the leaking plenum, so make sure you fix that if it hasnt been done, and get a tuner from Hemifever, to override that death flash and open that beast back up and you will really be rocking then :P i used to have an 01 ram with a 318 with the hughes FI Airgap and had a tuner, with headers and a 14x3, with 3.93 gears and i didnt have any probs at all burning off a set of 33s tires if you wanted to. would climb anything you wanted also. i got about 12-14mpg. it sucks cuz you gotta deal with the death flash BS but other than that, its a good deal

 

yes on all the equipment you listed, plus trussing on the d44 front axle.
mpg depends a lot on tires. mud grips will kill mpg, but an all-terrain will do better, maybe 14-16 if you keep your foot out of it.

price is not bad for the off-road. 4500 would be better, but if you want a 2nd gen, this is the holy grail.

 

I think this is a good price for the truck. I own an 01 1500 5.2L(318) 5 speed, ORE, Sport and its been a Fantastic truck for me. of course the plenum problem is there and as mentioned, death flash is a concern.

I have been running 35x12.50 tires on the truck since i bought it almost 4 years ago and the mileage has been in the 8 to 12 MPG range. mostly MTRs. Dvaugh is right these are the holy grail trucks of the 2nd generation.

Just check into the mileage and see IF there is any documentation on t-case And diff service. these trucks have a tendency to blow t-cases and the LSD clutches in the rears wear out along with the pinion bearing and seal. Check play in the rear drive shaft at the diff housing. if there is ANY play there that is not clearly a U-joint issue that rear diff needs to be rebuilt.

Best of luck with the new truck, And Posts pics when you do get her!!!
Regards

 

buy it.
anything that's worn out can be replaced.

 

If in good condition then BUY IT!!! Ive had mine since i pulled it out the dealer, and had 37" m/ts but i then moved to the city and put the 315 70 17 back on. I also polished the wheels and had them ever since. I never had a problem with the death flash and plenum, i guess because I slapped on a Hughs F1, ebay headers, Hyper Tech programmer and a home made intake + the flow master.

I guess the only problem was the front end death wobble and rear end, but thats because i beat the truck to Hell by going 60+ on the beach and launching sandbars, and hill climb racing..

the truck does very good with 35 & 37 on the freeway and gas too, i guess the 37 with the 4.10 gears makes the perfect combo. I would travel from Phoenix AZ to Mexico border with a 1/4 tank left.

 

Be further ahead if you found a 2500 sport, 5spd with 4.10's in it.

 

Buy it.
Fix the plenum, be happy.

 

So I went and test drove it today and was very pleased. I have two more to look at but i just might have to come back to this one.

 

I wouldn't wait too long. Sometimes I wonder what would have happened if I hadn't bought my Ram the day I went to look at it.

Do you know how long it's been on the lot?