First truck
Record Breaker
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,530
Likes: 1
From: Lakefield, Ontario
I'm looking at possibly getting my first truck and a lot of the cheaper ones I'm seeing are mid 90's Ram 1500's. Must haves would be extended or crew cab, 4x4, no 8 ft bed, less than 150,000 miles (lower the better obviously). Now a lot of people say that for this time period Ford had better bodies and GM had better drivetrains, and Dodge was decent but not great and had more frequent problems.
I'm looking to get input on that statement, from people that actually have owned them.
Another issue I'm having with these years is the power output. To me it seems like the power is lacking quite a bit. I mean 5.9L V8 only 230hp and 340 ft lbs? Just seems low.
School me on this
PS: Wrong section, please move
I'm looking to get input on that statement, from people that actually have owned them.
Another issue I'm having with these years is the power output. To me it seems like the power is lacking quite a bit. I mean 5.9L V8 only 230hp and 340 ft lbs? Just seems low.
School me on this
PS: Wrong section, please move
Captain
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 728
Likes: 1
From: New Port Richey, Florida
As mentioned above, Plenum and Tranny are the weak points of the 2nd gens. Plenum can be corrected no problem, tranny is another story. As far as I know, this is the 2nd one in my truck, the first being replaced at 197K, but I don't know. I've always loved 90's Fords especially Broncos. You can't go wrong with either Ford or Dodge, both are strong and completely reliable. Dodge does have a bit more power and sounds better in my opinion. 
Champion
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,096
Likes: 2
From: Iowa
First off 360 has 245hp not 230. A 350 only puts out the same hp and 270 tq i believe it was... Plus that junk ifs? Why would you want a truck with that? Each one of them will have there problems you can't expect a vehicle not too... Trans issues and plenums are the main with these trucks. Can't keep gas in em either but what truck can ya? Couldn't tell ya on the others because I hate both and will have nothing to do with them. Maybe cruise pther forums and look there?
Rookie
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
From: Columbia, South Carolina.
I found this informative, but i dont know if its entirely accurate.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dodge_R..._.28BR.2FBE.29
I personally being a new 2nd gen owner, love my truck.. its fun, and its functional.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dodge_R..._.28BR.2FBE.29
I personally being a new 2nd gen owner, love my truck.. its fun, and its functional.
Champion
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 3,103
Likes: 109
From:
One of those facts is incorrect and the other one needs some explaining.
First one about the axle, Ford had solid front 4wd and 2wd axles, although they did offer IFS as well until the late 90s. So Dodge wasn't the only one with a solid front axle.
Secondly, as far as four door cab goes, it wasn't a full four door cab, and the four door, AKA quad cab was only available starting in 1998. However, for extended cabs Dodge had the roomiest extended cab of anyone. But both Ford and Chevy had genuine full four door crew cabs/super cabs even back in the late 70s.
But it's hard to beat these dodges, they'll run forever.
First one about the axle, Ford had solid front 4wd and 2wd axles, although they did offer IFS as well until the late 90s. So Dodge wasn't the only one with a solid front axle.
Secondly, as far as four door cab goes, it wasn't a full four door cab, and the four door, AKA quad cab was only available starting in 1998. However, for extended cabs Dodge had the roomiest extended cab of anyone. But both Ford and Chevy had genuine full four door crew cabs/super cabs even back in the late 70s.
But it's hard to beat these dodges, they'll run forever.
These engines have also been around a looooooong time and have a lot of torque down low. The hemi is much higher peak rpm range and needs to live up there. I will never win a race, but I will be running a lot longer than newer gassers. Love this magnum!