Good Morning
I recently found a 1996 Ram 1500 3.9v6- 2 dr long bed all vinyl interior (holy dash cracks batman) with 180k original that i could literally eat lunch off the rocker panels. Lets just say Im crushing hard on this truck. I would like to slowly bring her back to stock or a working mans version thereof.
Im mechanical enough to keep her going down the road yet the scope of this is a little daunting. I have kids and they are my priority but i would love to get an idea of some things i can do at 180k that i can triage in a list of mechanical/financial importance. She runs very quiet i found maintenace papers from '14 and i suspect she was parked or driven minimally since. I turn the key and she goes as well as a 30yr old base model fleet vehicle can. I want to restore her to her former mechanical glory is all. If you are still awake I appreciate your dilligence. Have a good day.

Shes a beaut clark

 

The 3.9 really wasn't enough motor for a truck.... That said, a swap to a 5.2 or 5.9 is pretty easy. Just need the harness, and correct PCM. Need to check which trans is in it as well.

At 180K, EVERYTHING is going to be getting worn out. But, if the body is good, anything else can be fixed.

Kids vs. truck though? Being a regular cab, that's a three passenger vehicle, max. Won't tow much either, if that is a concern.....

You found that truck in Adrian????? I take it it lived most of it's life in some other state. I live in Clayton, 'bout 6 miles west of Adrian.

 

Yes sir i found her in Arkansas ... actually i enjoy the undersized 6 kinda gas isnt getting any cheaper and i use it as transportation not hauling really my main question other than just following the standard mopar "replace at x milage " what would you do suspension related or what would have the most bang for my buck? Should i just put it up and wiggle stuff around or is there like a standard neoprene bushing kit i can order? Also being a se mich guy are there any decent mopar junyards locally? Thanks again for your time.

 

Not a lot of aftermarket support for the 2nd gens any more. The newest one is more than 20 years old at this point. You *might* be able to find poly bushings for the suspension..... you can bet the stock rubber fellers are a bit worn. But, if it drives nice, I subscribe to the adage "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." If the steering is sloppy, grab another warm body, and have them GENTLY rock the steering wheel back and forth, while you watch and see what move that shouldn't, and what doesn't move, that should.... These trucks are notorious for sloppy steering boxes.