Hey guys. Recently I've been debating selling my truck because it is at the point where it's in need of a complete body job (new fenders, doors, box), its been tipped on its side, needs mechanical and I'm starting to want a quad cab short box instead of a reg cab/long box. I've found a 2001 ram 1500 for $6500. It has 8 inches of lift, 37s and what appears to be a great body on it. I'm in love with this thing. Most of my mods are transferable too. It has 190,000 km (118k miles) and mine has 230,000km (143k miles) My only concern that may not even be a concern is it has a 5.9 magnum. I've owned two 2nd gen rams to date both with the 5.2. Are they as reliable as the 318? I'm going to look at it Friday.

 

They are just as reliable.

 

Basically a larger displacement version of the same engine.

 

Yeah? I wasn't sure if the 5.9 was just as reliable as the 5.2 of not. All I know is that the 5.2's I've had are bullet proof. Is the truck worth $6500? I assume mine is worth around $4500.

 

Remember that it is a 1500 on 37s, axle swap and regearing will most likely be needed. Just carefully inspect every part of it, especially the suspension and if all is good buy it.

 

Those are really big tires for the stock 1500 axles. I would hesitate to put 35s on the stock axles tbh. But thats just me. Has he regeared? If not that truck will be an absolute dog and the tranny will probably be on its last legs.

If you buy it expect to replace the suspension components a lot.

 

I agree with Hambone, The 37's are going to be too much for the stock axles. My 5.9 has 173Kmiles on it and is still running strong, I wouldn't worry about the engine. I had to rebuild my tranny @ 120Kmiles so that is something to look into. If everything else is good, the price is fair!

 

The 5.9 is basically the exact same engine as the 5.2...in fact, many of the parts are interchangeable. The 5.9 just has a couple more horses and a little better torque numbers. I love my 5.9, so much so that I went out and bought a chevy tracker to use as a daily driver so I can preserve/build my truck!

Anyways, I always say the same thing to someone looking at buying an already heavily modified vehicle...inspect the suspension components VERY carefully and make sure you know exactly what has been done to that thing. How many transmissions has it gone through? What shape are the ball joints/tie rods in? Are there any signs of obvious abuse from off roading? Something lifted that tall needs to be done right...if the previous owner cheaped out on anything or half assed some stuff, you're gonna be the one paying for it down the road

 

Man you get that thing anywhere close to a big city the law is going to be all over it. Any outstanding VI's on it? Cause it will not pass the way it sits and once its labeled as a VI truck it never ends. Any pix of the lift kit? You need to look around at the going prices for our trucks in BC, for that asking price you could be in a oil burner if that's your thing.

The 5.9 same stuff diff pile, and yes needs 60's for that size tire, look for a lifted 2500.

 

What's a VI truck?

I wish 6 grand would bring you an oil burner down here.