Hello all,
I am new here and I was really hoping to get some help. I found a 1998 Ram 1500 Club cab 4x4 with the Sport Package that is about 200 miles away from me that I am considering going and checking into this weekend. I was hoping that you all could give me some pointers on what I should look for in giving it a once over before I decide to buy it. It has the 5.9 V8 and only has around 69000 miles on it. The carfax is clean and it started out as a Corporate Fleet vehicle. If anyone has any insight as to what I should really look for I would really appreciate it as this is my first Dodge. Thanks a whole lot in advance.

 

Well..... i am just gonna say look at the basics climb underneath make sure theres no leaks coming from anything same with under the hood ask them if they have maintance reports even about the basics like oil changes and just take it out make sure she drives smooth and then u will find yourself in love and driven it home.... at least thats what happened with me

 

Check on the bottom of the doors for rust. Make sure 4 wheel drive engages and disengages fine.

 

Welcome to D.Forum.

 

At 69,000 miles and no plenum fix I would take it on the highway and see if it pings. Unless your handy, it's about an $800 job. Jack the front and check the ball joints, another pricey fix. While there, have a buddy turn the steering wheel while you rotate the tires to check the front axle universals. If it's been a fleet truck and the four wheel drive has not been used,as someone said, check the engagement/disengagement a couple of times. The diaphram might be ripped.BTW engagement is not a four wheel drive panel light. On dry pavement, engage and while driving turn the truck, you'll feel if the four wheel drive is truly engaged. Check the brake pads and rotors. Ask where the maintenance is done and ask for a log otherwise check the shop. Check the headliner for droops, the driver's seat door side for tears in the seam. Rust in the bed by the tailgate. Muffler and exhaust pipes for heavy rust. Look at the brake lines for heavy rust. The rear brakes for leaks and ask if they have been changed. Check the steering box for leaks. If there is any oil on the box, wipe it clean before the test drive and recheck. On the test drive, watch for pings while doing a normal acceleration. At sometime floor it and check for rapid acceleration with no ping, chugs or farts. Ask if it has been in any accidents and have them specify in the bill of sale there have been none.

Otherwise, Good Luck and enjoy the truck if it passes you evaluation.

 

Thanks a whole lot everyone. This definitely gives me a better idea on what to be looking for. I still haven't quite decided if I want to take the 200 mile trip out of state to check it out or wait until I find one a little closer to home, but the pictures sure look nice. Thanks again everyone.