I am looking to buy a used 98-01 ram 1500 or 2500. I have my search narrowed down to about 6 trucks all are equipped with or have 4x4, extended cab, automatic trans, tow package, 5.2 or 5.9 gas engine, 42-76k miles, $8.5k-11.7k. The truck will be used 90% of the time as a DD and 10% hunting/tow rig. I have my jeeps to play with for now.
What I would like to know is:

Is there anything I should look for in these trucks that may not be obvious?

Is there much of a difference between the 5.2 and the 5.9 in performance, fuel consumption, or longevity?

Are there any common wear and tear items I should check?

Any input or ideas of things to look for.

I am a longtime jeep enthusiast stepping into a bit of new turf so any info or help will be much appreciated.

 

the 5.2 and 5.9 are both great engines. rarely is it the engine that goes bad with these trucks. and they arent that far off as far as mpg but go with the 5.9 its a little stronger, just take care of it whatever it is and it will take care of you.

obvisously the newer probably the better, but either way get as much history of repairs. most likely with mileage you are looking at there wont be any big problems, but future problems will most likely be the transmission, i know alot of guys have theirs go out around 150k i just had mine rebuilt this summer, as well as my transfer case(it has been rebuilt twice, once by the previous owner)

most everything is pretty straightforward and no major problems that i have ehard about consistently, hopefully other will chime in to let you know, this is a great place to search for info and stick around to get to know the guys! welecome and enjoy

 

yea the engines are great unless they were rebuilt half assed before like mine was, common issues, are the steering box get loose and needs adjusting/replacement and typical front end components liek tie rod ends, trackbar bushings, and your 4 wheel drive vacuum module issues as well but other than them usual issues these trucks are great and good looking

 

my dodge with 318 has 400k miles on it and still running strong except for a clogged injector wich has been clogged since 100k miles my dad had it then and gave it to me and i cant afford the injector lol

 

I read a thread about reverse lights going out. I just bought a 98 150 5.2l with 108k on it. Itsfrom canada but it does pretty well, really clean.What should i watch for as in front end componets going out?And vacum issues?

 

good choice on the 2500.
it should have dana 60 on front and rear, which is considerably stronger than dana 44 and chrylser 9.25 that are on the 1500.
it will probably have the RE47 trans, which is stonger than RE46 on 1500.
if everything else is equal, opt for the 5.9 you'll need it pull the extra weight.
your mpg will suck either way, probably 11-12 city and 13-16 hwy.

common problems are these...
plenum gasket on 5.2 and 5.9, you'll probably have to fix it.
clogged cat is common, many were covered by recall.
TPS and IAC sensors are common problems with idle and driving. not expensive.
vac check valves to heat/defrost controls are little problems. not expensive.
steering is an expensive wear out item. track bar, ball joints, axle ujoints, axle brg. you can drop some big $ here pretty quick because of the non-servicable unitized bearings.
4wd CAD can be troublesome, but is usually minor repair of vac lines, cleaning.
transmission failure is common, but seems more common on 1500/46RE.
CRACKED DASH IS A POS ! expensive.
heater core rust out shows up here on the forum a lot.
headlights suck. silverstar bulbs and buffing lenses helps.
3.55 stock gears suck. offroad package 4.10 helps your torque/power feel.

good luck, and show us what you buy when you get it.