Average Life Expectancy of 5.9, 5.2 Liter V8
 

Greetings all, I have had need for a truck for a long time and I am considering getting a 2nd generation RAM 1500 4x4. My issue is that the ones I can readily afford have upwards of 138,000 miles. So I'm curious as to the life expectancy, miles wise, of the 5.9 & 5.2 liter V8's. I know that there are several factors to consider like maintenance and what not but lets just consider the engine generally well kept. So how many miles can the average 5.9 & 5.2 accumulate before it'll just not be a decent purchase. I don't feel like purchasing a Truck with 170,000+ miles on it and it only lasts another 10,000 before it's shot. Thanks for your' time.

The level of maintenance and abuse has alot to do with it of course, but, check out this thread. https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...our-truck.html

The motors are decent. They seem to last for quite a while unless you have one that cracks the heads which seems to be fairly common. However, the transmissions do not last, the rear ends don't seem to last if it has the LSD in it. Well, the LSD's don't last, the interior seems to fall apart. Specifically the dash. The front end parts seem to go bad. These trucks just have a ton of issues that it seems like everyone with one of these trucks has to deal with with the exception of a few. Now most of this stuff you can upgrade to be decent but chances are that if buying a used truck it's not going to have this stuff upgraded.

To be honest if I needed a truck to last knowing what I know now I would not buy a Dodge. Seeing the experiences my friends have had I wouldn't buy a Chevy either. The ones I know with Fords have had good luck. The only two with a ton of problems are one friend who has literally beat the **** out of his truck. He will tell you that. It's still running but the transmission doesn't shift right. Like I said he has beat the **** out of it and it's had less problems than my truck. His is also a 97 so 4 years older than mine. To me that's sad.

Another guy has one that a rod went in the motor with like 80k miles or something. He said he had just had Jiffy Lube change the oil that morning before going on a trip so he wondered if something happened there but couldn't prove it.

Other than those two most of the people I know with them have had great luck. I'd say the one that's been beat on has been decent as while stuff has broken it's not honestly had that much break and it's been treated like crap.

I honestly would look for a Toyota or Nissan if I wanted it to last. If I needed a heavier duty truck the Fords are the only ones I'd look at.

So....so far I've seen engines with anything from 130k up to 400k. Everything else is just usual BS that needs to be done. Apparently, plenum leaks are a factor, from what I've read. Otherwise, u-joints go, and front ends do too, that's just expected. I've owned nothing but Dodge/Chrysler cars since 1989 so the issues with these vehicles is nothing new. I've just been curious as to how many miles you can possibly put on a 1500 since my friend will be selling his and it's got 175,000 miles on it, but I've been with him and the truck since it was new. Only it's a 2002 with a 4.7 liter V8, which is a 3rd gen, I think? It's never had a single issue with anything however it does throw a P0455 code now and the passenger window goes up and down only some of the time, but otherwise it's a solid truck. However, I'm a fan of the 5.2/5.9 and would prefer a truck with either of these engines, so I've been curious to the longevity of these engines....

I've owned nothing but Dodge and Jeep trucks for the last 30 years and a few Mopar musclecars before that. Reliability has never been an issue with any of them. The stuff that broke was mainly my fault. Yeah, they have some idiosyncracies, but that can be said of almost any brand. My brother currently has a '96 Ford F150 sitting in front of his house waiting to be fixed for the 3rd time in 2 years. This is a truck that has never been off-road, abused and only rarely even used as a truck. I wouldn't judge all Fords by this one (although I have not and will never own a Ford). I just bought my RAM with 101k on it. It has had a new transmission in it and a few other things fixed, but overall it is a great running truck. People warned me about the V10, but for every horror story you read on the internet there are probably about 100 happy owners who never post. That's true of any brand. The internet is a great information resource, but as far as representing reality...forget it.

Find a reputable dealer/seller, do your due diligence in getting any prospect checked out completely and enjoy your new ride.;)

Thanks Miami_Son... I could not agree with you more. My Father has owned nothing but Fords and currently owns a 2008 F-150 Crew Cab 4x4 King Ranch. Don't get me wrong it's a very nice truck, but He's already having issues with the front end on it and it barely has 10k miles on it. He always has issues with fuel system delivery issues and electronic issues with all his Fords, but continues to purchase them. My friends 2002 SLT RAM Crew Cab with 170K on it has never had a single issue. It runs and drives like it's brand new. Same transmission, all original parts, I think he's replaced belts and maybe an alternator, brakes, and the usual maintenance goodies. I refuse to believe these trucks are pieces of crap, other than the transmissions which I am all to well aware of the short comings of them. So let me hijack my own thread and ask a different question. When I am out there looking for a Dodge RAM 1500 quad Cab 4x4 of any year from 1996-2002, what should I look for as far as worn out pieces underneith and under the hood. What really is going to stand out that will make or break the sale?

My 5.2 has just reached 210k. The engine itself has not had any problems. The transmission was rebuilt some time ago, I don't know when, my father was the owner at that time. I have had to replace u-joints, ball joints, track bar, and other things, but I was expecting this as I received the truck from my father 2 years ago with 198k miles, and these parts have never been replaced before.

I bought my truck a 1997 ram 4x4 with a 5.2l as my first vehicle. I bought it with 155,000 miles about 2 years ago. Ive rodded on it, took it ofrroading in snow and mud. I drive it like I stole it about 70% of the time(like any other teenager). Ive hauled hay, boats and campers and never had a problem. I guess what im trying to say is i never regreted buying it and would buy another one tommorow if I could. I think they have the best 4x4 system with the straight axle and are very reliable. You can find second gens for pretty cheap now days and I think 130-160k miles is just broke in for these magnum engines.

If maintained, it seems that 200,000 to 300,000 seems about right. It all depends on how well it has been taken care of. And there were two main issues with the magnum motors. The aluminum on steel belly pan caused the gasket to blow out.
2. Heads are known to crack (not all of them will, seems hit or miss)

The thing you have to worry about is other components on these trucks. There is the infamous tranny issues, various steering components, and a few other "hit or miss" issues.

I actually laugh at who ever mentioned looking at a Nissan or Toyota. They do have a little more umph from the factory, but you might as well throw a motor in an tin can. There have been many many complaints about the bodys rusting out at less than 20,000 miles. Just my opinion.

My truck has 210000miles on it and its still the original engine. Only problems ive had was the front suspension being replaced at 204000miles, transmission replaced at like 205k miles, the rear end is going bad, clear coat sucks, dash is in pieces. but besides that its a solid truck that runs good and yes i am actually very hard on the truck and it hasnt broke to bad yet.

I bought my '97 1500 4x4 c/c brand new and have have had only minor issues to deal with. However, while the truck was on warranty it was in the shop literally every month for various things, but ever since it has been nearly trouble free. Currently have 177,000 miles on the original tranny, engine, tc, diffs, etc. Minor things like axle seals, track bar, heater core, etc have been replaced. I still trust it to haul my ass across the country wherever my job takes me. My only concern is my oil pressure is not where it used to be when idling.

As we all know that was a huge problem back in the 80's. However, I've never heard any complaints about a new Nissan or Toyota rusting. I have however heard the complaints about how the doors on the Dodges seem to rust. Maybe that's what you were thinking of. Of the paint that is known to peel off on 2nd gen Rams?

Mentioning the heater core reminded me the evap core has serious issues on these trucks. The owner of the repair shop I used to work for when I was younger told me that he has never seen a 2nd gen Ram where the evap core hasn't been leaking on. This was when I was having A/C issues and couldn't figure out where it was leaking.

Funny you should mention that. When I got my RAM I was impressed with how clean and well cared for, especially under the hood, it was. Here's a pic:
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y67...1/Dodge011.jpg
The only thing that bugged me is the A/C drier. Both input/ouput tubes are covered in rust. You can just see it on the left where the quick-disconnect is. I'm sure I'll have to replace it soon enough, but what could cause a part on a well-cared for truck to deteriorate like that?

BTW, this is what it looks like now since I put on a K&N CAI.
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y67/RADRick1/KN011.jpg

Well they were bad for that then, and now. Mainly the body is suffering from surface rust from the factory; only because of the super thin metal they are using. Also the New titan Frame is literally rusting out at 20,000-30,000 miles. The frame issue is what I was speaking about.

dude, that is one of the cleanest engine compartments ive ever seen, next to Silver's
how do ya keep it clean, mines all dusty and dirty

Aside from the previous owner having taken excellent care of it, I always Gunk and pressure wash my engines regularly to keep any buildup off. Since I motocross every weekend I have to keep it clean or the dirt will just accumulate on anything with even a trace of oil on it. I also don't go muddin' in it like I used to in my other trucks.

Thanks guys, for all your help!! I feel much better about purchasing a higher mileage RAM 1500. I know that Dodge vehicles are not without their fair share of issues, here and there. But I like the look and feel of the Dodge Trucks, more so than Fords and Chevys. I rarely put 4-5000 miles a year on a vehicle, since I live in the heart of Denver, so everything is right within a couple of blocks from each other, but I need a truck for hauling out old appliances from our building. Ever try shoving an oven in a PT Cruiser? Does not work! Plus I like to get up into the mountains and go camping, ever drive a PT Cruiser off road.....does not work. So like I said I need a truck and have wanted a RAM 1500 4x4 for a minute or so now, but was worried about the reliability aspects of a sub 200k mile engine. Everything else can be fixed or replaced easily, but the engine is a pain in the butt to have to replace from the get go. I feel fine now purchasing a 150k+ vehicle. Anything else I should know?

Just to let you know. You won't find junk yard parts in Denver. Also, I don't have the rust issues like some of the others and mine is almost devoid of paint and has its fair share of scratches. Just check the usual stuff when buying a used vehicle. They will all have their issues.

Actually, Toyota offered to by back all Tacoma's affected by rust on the frame on years 95-00. My brother bought a 97 used for like $5K and they bought it back last year for $12K. They were offering even more money if you bought a new Toyota truck. The program is still in affect, but because of the economy they are now going to repair or replace the frame on all affected. I know of people who scowered the trading sites looking for rusted tacoma's so they could make money on this.

I think it all boils down to what you expect going in. Call me crazy, but if you expect that the engine will last 150K, chances are it will work out that way. But I understand your concern and why you are interested. I try not to expect any certain mileage out of mine...just drivin' it and maintaining it.:D

Well brother you aren't looking to hard because I just went to the U-Pull & Pay here in Denver and they have a '95 & a 2000 at Broadway and 66th you can check it out online too : http://denver.upullandpay.com/search.aspx
so check it out! Parts is parts.....

My 2000 Dodge ram 1500 4x4 slt has 223000 miles and I just rebuilt the tranny and transfer case replaced t-joints. Engine has had 1 water pump and 1 starter. The fan clutch went bad and I replaced it with a electric fan. I wish I had dont that when it was new. my gas mileage went up 1.6 miles per gallon. I know that dont sound like much but it cut the fuel bill by 10%. Dodge truck are good you just have to keep them well maintained. I change my oil and filter at 3000 miles, tranny and differentials, fuel and air filters changed at 25000.

I have a 1998 dodge durango never had no problems untill 200,000. Just ball joints no big deal. Now at 228,000 she's gotta transmission problem but gonna put a rebuild in it cause i think it'll go another 100,000.

Here is the thing about Mopar:

Engines are #1 priority....everything else is bad. Ever hear the saying "Mopars are fun to drive unless you need to turn of stop..."

The engine will outlive 4 stock transmissions. You have to take into account that the youngest 2ndgen was made in 2001. That is over a decade old. Rust and rubber rot are more of a concern than anything else (And the tranny of course).

Truck buying question.
 

I am very interested in this 5.9 360CI. But it has 202k. But also has aftermarket parts replaced like,
. New Cooper tires, brakes, shocks front/rear, radiator, front end rebuilt late 2013, timing chain replaced 2013, heater core and all damper motors in dash replaced 2013. Killer JL Audio stereo system, AutoPage security system with Remote Start and 2-way paging system. Kenwood receiver with Bluetooth hands free cell capabilities. Fully loaded all leather interior. A few things in the interior have failed like the driver side heated seat, and driver side multifunction seat adjustment. Driver seat will still slide front/back but not up down, tilt etc. Last time this happened it was a cable out of adjustment, and was an easy fix. 22" SRT10 OEM wheels, not the aftermarket cheap knockoffs. Volant cold air intake, and Hypertech tuner. JBA ceramic shorty headers, with Magnaflow stainless header back exhaust.*

And how much do they want for it? Where ya at? Does it look like it was well cared for?

If you want a good tough truck find a 1990-1995 f150 with the 300 straight 6 engines, I had one that was so ugly I wanted to blow the motor up on so I could get a newer truck, i ran that stupid old 300 on a half a quart of oil for a 1600 mile round trip truck acted like nothing was wrong. She now has 640,000 miles and is our farm/hunting truck.

I'll put my 2 cents in for the heck of it, My 98 dakota with the 3.9 (pretty much a 5.2 with 2 cylinders missing) has 260k and still runs, it will actually start right up and ive beaten that truck pretty bad. believe it or not the transmission has never been rebuilt but has had the fluid changed a couples times before i got it and ive done it a couple times since ive owned it. My 99 ram 2500 with the 5.9 v8 has 202k+ and runs so smooth, transmission was rebuilt at 140k, the guy kept up on the maintenance like it was nobodies business(i have every single paper to prove it) and had the transmission serviced every 10 to 15k miles, it was also garage kept. the interior is still intact and the dash isnt cracked. He did tow a huge boat with it, probably close to 8500 lbs, cause the trailer had 2 5k axles under it. But it goes to show, maintenance is the key.

Mine's a 96 1500 4x4 with about 206,000 miles. After almost 20 years and over 200,000 miles something's bound to have needed replacing. I've done the plenum thing, replaced the radiator/water pump, timing chain, repainted it, and had the tranny rebuilt. Recently I had the oil pump replaced (and the grit coating the inside of the oil pan cleaned out) replaced all the injectors with rebuilt units just because I thought it was time, and the rear main seal replaced while they had the oil pan off for the oil pump. It's lifted 2" and probably on its third or fourth set of shocks and battery.

But it's still on the original unit bearing hubs and front steering components (track bar has been replaced once though), starter, AC unit, and heater core (hope I didn't just jinx myself). The dash has no cracks, the upholstery is intact, all the gauges, electric door locks and windows work, and I still enjoy driving it. It's towed my little flatfender across the country I don't know how many times (Army moves), driven through snow and mud without a wimper. I love my Dodge Truck!

They just don't make half-ton solid axle front & rear 4WD trucks anymore. It is the last of their breed.

http://i430.photobucket.com/albums/q...ps5de533af.jpg

1989 dodge 5.2
 

I drive a dodge with the 5.2 318 and have 235k on it have had no engine or transmission problems just a little rust and wear on the paint do to parking outside in Oklahoma weather.

The small block had a 38 year run! First the LA style then the magnum. It has a proven track record and will last with normal maintenance and replacement of common wear items.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrysler_LA_engine

I love my 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 bought it with 93000 miles on it in 2004. 11 years and many normal wear parts later still going strong on original motor no work done to it 278000 15 mpg highway and until it literally falls apart I'll keep it going just routine oil changes with high mileage pen soil and I am no mechanic by any stretch of the imagination. I would buy another dodge but not till this one dies

i have a 2000 5.2 v8 and i have over 400,000 on my did have a cracked head but nothing to mayjor

i they they made those up till 97... i was looking for one when i came across my ram. you cant kill that straight 6. your huntin rig will probably rust into the ground someday and that engine will still fire up. it will take you anywhere hauling anything eventually... not fast, but immortal.:icon_banana:

99 Ram 1500 5.9 v8
 

Besides regular maintenance my Ram is still running strong at 316k miles. Take care of it and it will take care of you

I'm currently on my semiannual road trip across the country and she's purring along at 254k getting 16 mpg. These engines are tanks, slow but solid and durable.

They won't be winning any speed races, but pulling races they will win

They honestly last for ever I have a 01 5.2 and it’s currently at 199,000 and still runs like s champ im currently in college and typically drive 4and a half hours home regularly through out the year and been doing it for 2 years so far and its never left me stranded long as u use good oil on oil changes it will last for years and I originally purchased mines with 174,000

I have 280,000+ on my 1998 5.9L (all put on by me). Have done very little to the engine itself, new water pump, new radiator (courtesy of a friendly deer), etc. I am on my 3rd transmission...but I have strong suspicion that the first transmission failure had something to do with the transmission service done at the dealer shortly before failure...and the second failure was because the dealer rebuilt that transmission. For the 3rd transmission I bought an aftermarket rebuild, installed by a reputable independent mechanic and haven't had any issues since. I just perform regular maintenance myself. It's been a good truck.