Things to look at and consider when buying a 2nd gen ram(94-01)
#11
01-17-2011 | 07:06 PM
Thread Starter
|
Record Breaker
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 2,072
Likes: 1
From: Montana
Thanks for the help guys! Maybe this will cut down on this question. (probably not haha).
few other things
cracked dashes are common
paint issues are common
wacky vents
You will get 10mpg on a good day, if your lucky.
the cup holders on the 94-97's suck and will spill large drinks.
I'm hoping people will also read this before buying a 2nd gen ram. Instead of buying one, coming here and going oh **** what did i just do!!! (which is what i did hahaha, but i love my ram)
few other things
cracked dashes are common
paint issues are common
wacky vents
You will get 10mpg on a good day, if your lucky.
the cup holders on the 94-97's suck and will spill large drinks.
I'm hoping people will also read this before buying a 2nd gen ram. Instead of buying one, coming here and going oh **** what did i just do!!! (which is what i did hahaha, but i love my ram)
#13
01-17-2011 | 07:13 PM
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 357
Likes: 0
From: newfoundland
Thanks for the help guys! Maybe this will cut down on this question. (probably not haha).
few other things
cracked dashes are common
paint issues are common
wacky vents
You will get 10mpg on a good day, if your lucky.
the cup holders on the 94-97's suck and will spill large drinks.
I'm hoping people will also read this before buying a 2nd gen ram. Instead of buying one, coming here and going oh **** what did i just do!!! (which is what i did hahaha, but i love my ram)
few other things
cracked dashes are common
paint issues are common
wacky vents
You will get 10mpg on a good day, if your lucky.
the cup holders on the 94-97's suck and will spill large drinks.
I'm hoping people will also read this before buying a 2nd gen ram. Instead of buying one, coming here and going oh **** what did i just do!!! (which is what i did hahaha, but i love my ram)
#19
01-18-2011 | 05:42 AM
Grand Champion
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,011
Likes: 6
From: Meeker, CO
Or might need spanking if he doesn't.
#20
01-18-2011 | 03:15 PM
There are a lot of things to look at, but my thread (the first attempt) was how to get into the weeds.
Everyone knows to look at the tranny and transfer case. But for trucks as old as these you need to :
1. Get the truck on a lift
2. Check suspension components with wheels off the ground.
3. Check driveshaft U-joints with wheels off the ground
4. Check for any oil leaks in the tranny and TC. if they have a skid plate, it will HIDE LEAKS.
5. Drive the truck to operating temp. See how the tranny shifts. Drive it for a good 20 minutes.
6. THe tranny should be smooth. When cruising at around 65 MPH, there should not be any RPM surging (within a few hundred). But finding a truck with a perfect trranny is hard since they are 10 years old or older!
I think people know TO CHECK for the tranny, but they do not know EXACTLY what to look for.
That knowledge is the best. It will not let the seller get away with "All Dodges do that." All dodges have wild vents after a while, that one got me on my first truck.
Make sure that they have a service history. Even receipts of oil and a filter. Heck, I would crack a valvecover to see what is in there (with what i know now).
ask if he ever used engine restore. I would walk away right there.
Finding a really good 2ndgen is like finding a needle in a haystack. They are old trucks, and you need someone that maintains them well. Also, someone who does NOT do off roading would help. Getting a 2ndgen from Grandpa is the best.
Everyone knows to look at the tranny and transfer case. But for trucks as old as these you need to :
1. Get the truck on a lift
2. Check suspension components with wheels off the ground.
3. Check driveshaft U-joints with wheels off the ground
4. Check for any oil leaks in the tranny and TC. if they have a skid plate, it will HIDE LEAKS.
5. Drive the truck to operating temp. See how the tranny shifts. Drive it for a good 20 minutes.
6. THe tranny should be smooth. When cruising at around 65 MPH, there should not be any RPM surging (within a few hundred). But finding a truck with a perfect trranny is hard since they are 10 years old or older!
I think people know TO CHECK for the tranny, but they do not know EXACTLY what to look for.
That knowledge is the best. It will not let the seller get away with "All Dodges do that." All dodges have wild vents after a while, that one got me on my first truck.
Make sure that they have a service history. Even receipts of oil and a filter. Heck, I would crack a valvecover to see what is in there (with what i know now).
ask if he ever used engine restore. I would walk away right there.
Finding a really good 2ndgen is like finding a needle in a haystack. They are old trucks, and you need someone that maintains them well. Also, someone who does NOT do off roading would help. Getting a 2ndgen from Grandpa is the best.
It has been off roaded. It has towed mega loads cross country. But that means it has done things you may never do and been places you will probably never go. BTW, you might be amazed what this vehicle will do if you become one with it. It continues to impress me.
Still, it has been maintained at "fleet" levels of service. You won't find any tranny issues because I spent money the first time around. Sure it has wear. I have wear. I think scars are the basis of great stories. Feel free to add your own, once you've paid me.
I change my own oil regularly. I have nearly every reciept. Fluids are always checked. I don't buy brakes based on price.
Skid plates don't hide leaks. Reach under it and swipe. They tell me I could start leaking any day. Some of those leaks might kill me in a metter of minutes or quicker. A damp spot on my driveway has never stranded me. So I'm glad it's just my truck.
Yeah the drivers seat foam is flattened out and it's torn. My **** has been on it for over 9 years. If I fix it, you won't buy the truck. Might as well wear it out again.
Yeah the dash is cracked. It wasn't until I replaced the heater core. The dash mat has kept things covered.
Gas mileage? WTH kinda question is that?! Get outta here! This is a truck, not a Prius! Oh you think you can buy one cheaper including buying the mods?
Go for it...and don't come back when you can't. Cause I think I'm gonna keep it.
Last edited by dsertdog56; 01-18-2011 at 04:27 PM.