New forum member here, just bought a 97 1500 5.2L automatic 4x4 with only 59,850 miles! Looking for some advice on what to do/check/maintain first. Truck is from Utah, no rust. The previous owner was an old man who bought the truck new to pull his 20' boat to and from the lake several times a year, drive up to the cabin a few times a year, and make runs to the dump. In recent years it did sit for long periods without being used much. Owner said he never had any problems with it. During my test drive, everything worked as it should. Since buying it a couple days ago I've driven it 80 miles, 40 miles on the freeway @ 70mph and it drove great. Had bald tires and bad alignment, just took care of that today with some 265/70/16 Wilkpeak AT3W's.

Some known issues/concerns:
- Transmission pan leak. The fluid level was normal and is clean. Going to replace the gasket/fluid.
- Oil was 2 quarts low. Not sure how long it was like that. Added oil
- This probably the only real ISSUE I notice: Engine idles a little rough sometimes when in drive and not moving. Funny thing is the Engine doesn't sputter or misfire, so I'm not sure what would be causing that. I'm planning on changing out the plugs/wires and all of the fluids to see if that helps. Temp gauge runs just below 200 (seems high?), oil pressure gauge sits @ 40, coolant level normal.

This is my first ram and now my daily driver. I'm going to keep the suspension stock for now. Just put a newish set of Wildpeak AT3W's on today and did an alignment. What else should I check, be concerned about, or should look out for on these trucks? Thanks for your help!

 

Temp is normal. Thermostat is 195 degrees, and the gauge simply is NOT know for it's accuracy.

Low Oil: Pull the air filter housing off, crack the throttle wide open, and look down the bores, (flashlight is likely necessary here) See if you see oil pooling on the bottom of the intake, if you do, need to do the plenum fix. (standard failure on these trucks.) There is a thread in the tech section dedicated to this particular problem. Stickied at the top of the forum.

Adjust the bands in the trans while you are doing the fluid/filter change. TIghten the adjusters to 72 INCH pounds, then back them off two turns, and tighten the jam nuts. (pay no attention to the specs in the manual.....)

Speaking of manuals, you can download the factory service manual for your truck from here. Always good to have.

Nice truck. Welcome to DF!

 

Thanks @HeyYou ! Found this video, is this what you're talking about for the trans . I'm noticing that when I'm in reverse and the truck is cold, take my foot off the brake I get some studder/"jerkiness". When the engine is at operating temp and in drive, I get the same shudder/"jerkiness" as I take my foot off the brake pedal. Is this possibly all related?

 

Yep, pretty much. I think the front band is a bit more fun to get to than shown there, (was that a 46RE? If so, it looks too easy. ) There is one inside the pan, and the other is on the outside of the trans.

Don't know if it will solve all of your problems, but, it is most certainly worth doing. Then see what ya get.