Maybe you guys can help me with this. I'm interesed in buying a 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 w/ a 3.9L engine & 5-speed. Lately I've been hearing all these horror stories about chrysler transmissions being "not so great". However, I've only been hearing complaints about the automatic transmissions, but hear nothing about the standard transmissions. Has anyone been having any transmission problems that I keep hearing about?

 

Nothing wrong with the standard transmissions, but mostly its the 46RE autos that are sub-par in stock form. However, I would stay clear of the 3.9. You will regret it later. If you are buying it for fuel mileage, dont waste your time because the 3.9 does not get any better mileage than the 5.2 or 5.9.

 

+1 on that, the 3.9v6 is so little that it really has to struggle to move these huge trucks. Not only does the motor not get good gas milage, by struggling they won't last very long(in my opinion). I've seen a 318 go 300,000 miles. I've only seen the v6 go to 180,000

 

Well, I'm not really concerned about fuel mileage, but more reliability. The truck has only 52,000 miles, which I think is great for a '97. I'm a college student now with a low budget (if any) and just need something that won't break down on me.

 

Personally I think that a 5.2v8 is the best motor that dodge ever made. They made it for so long that they worked out all the kinks back in the 80's and they were able to focus on power and reliability in the 90s, they never should have done away with it. Your right 52,000 miles doesn't seem like much for a 97, but that could be bad.

Either the person had another car that they usually drove, or they worked veryclose to home and the truck was driven for very short trips in town, its this type of driving that is bad on a motor. Ask a few more questions about the truck, and also look if any oil spots are anywhere on the truck(motor, tranny, transfercase if 4wd, rearend, radiator). Just do some investigating to make sure that this truck is a good deal.

As stated before, the standard tranny nv4500 is a great tranny most people on here would swap to one of those if it wasn't such a PITA to do

 

Well, of course I'm gonna look at it. I've already been through 2 lemons and don't need a third. I'm interested in the truck becuase I need a vehicle that won't get stuck in snow and need to put some stuff in the back that I can't fit in a car. But I do appriciate the advice.

 

no offense meant, good luck with the truck

 

I don't hear of many issues with the manuals. I however like said wouldn't get a V6 one.

 

I purchased my Ram new in 1995. I have since rolled it 195,000 miles. No engine or tranny troubles. Just replaced the exhaust from the manifolds back to the tailpipe, which was still good, so they clamped and welded the Super 44 to it. My oxygen sensor was good and they were able to reuse it. The truck is a winner and I love it. I just don't understand why these young guys get a Ram and take it to the drag strip. Makes absolutely no sense, but I am older, and not full of **** and vinegar anymore. When I was younger I used to jump off cliffs with ropes. We literally jumped off then rappelled on down. As I was writing this I had to go plunge a toilet that my kid filled full of poop and paper. My life is different.

 

you dont want that v6. if there is no difference in the gas mileage, why not go with the v8? just find a strong tranny in a v8 and your good to go. these trucks are reliable, and when something breaks its not that hard to do it yourself.