I currently own a 1999 Dodge Ram 1500, Quad Cab, 4x4, 5.2. The truck has so many problems, that, at this point, it isn't worth fixing. So, I am now in the market for a new 2nd Gen. I have no issue with the power my 5.2 made, it's not like I raced the truck or anything. But, I don't want to turn down a otherwise perfect-for-me truck simply because it doesn't have a 5.2. I'm more interested in longetivity than performance. I know that if I'm happy with a 318, I will be happy with a 360. I'm always reading stories about how long paople's 318's lasted, but not so many about the 360. Can I count on a 5.9 lasting to 200,000 miles with proper maintenance? As far as I know, they are in many aspects the same motor, just the 5.9 is bored a little larger. Any help would be appreciated.

 

The 318 and the 360 are basically the same motor , both are hard to kill.

 

all vehicles have issues.
check out the DIY section, it basically lists all the most common issues.
my main concern with my 98 5.9 isn't the motor, but rather the tranny and the slop in the steering (trackbar and powersteering pump adjustment).
You need a v8?
I want to get a dakota 4.7 next, 4dr.
If any dodge engineer is reading, start working on a diesel dakota... now!

 

I want a Ram 1500 with a I-4 cylinder cummins turbo diesel, the motor is the same design as its big brother the I-6. Also i would like to use a standard truck bell housing and a Eaton Fuller Road Ranger tranny 10 speed. and a divorced NP205 transfer case. NOw that would be an awesome truck with awesome fuel economy

 

I think you can get 200k out of one. I have a little over 177k and am just now starting to have some issues (clatter at startup, a little smoke burning at startup, clatter at certain RPM on highway). I'm switching to a heavier oil to see if I can keep her going a little while longer. I keep up with all regular maintenance but, I certainly do not baby her. I wheel her and occassionally have the pedal to the floor.
On the flip side, I've had the tranny completely rebuilt about 60k ago.

 

clatter might be the timing chain, or maybe the catalytic converter?

Oh, I know the motor will go forever, its that dang blasted tranny I will hate to replace.

 

The converter seems to be solid.
It could be the timing chaing but, that wouldn't also cause the oil light to flicker at a stop light after highway driving. I'm told she's old and the bearings are worn.

 

i have a 99 witht the 5.9 and i have 180000 miles on her and still runs strong, have never had to change the plenium gasket (knock on wood) haha and all i have fixed on it was the coil, distributor cap, and the catalytic converter

 

I have a 1998 with almost 120k on it and it still runs fine and has plenty of power. I love the truck but the gas milage sucks. I pulled our camper and got between 7-8MPG. Ouch. Other then a water pump all other things are still good.

 

Do yourself a favor and replace your oil pump with a Melling High Volume pump.It probably won't raise the pressure much, but it will continue to feed your engine all of the oil it needs. You can re-use the oil pan gasket, and oil pump screen (after a good cleaning), so the only cost is the oil pump for less than $50.