Ya, I forgot to mention the oil leaking from the valve covers...should I go ahead and change them?

 

UM yea.

 

Aside from the rust, I don't see anything that warrants your fears. Try just tightening the valve cover bolts down. They are notorious for loosening up. The underside looks pretty clean, I doubt you have a rear main seal leak. I would replace that shackle, but other than that I think the truck looks good.

 

No wonder its leaking!!!!!

 

lol that explains a lot!

 

that thing looks like it sat for a good while without being run judging by the oxidization on the alt and the rust on the ac lines. i say get an air grinder with a wire wheel and some black paint and go to town on the rust. you could use an angle grinder or a drill if you don't have air tools.

i just replaced my valve cover gaskets because i had 5 loose bolts on each cover. they do tend to get loose over time. i also have the same oil leak that you have and i'm assuming its the rear main but its not leaking really bad yet so i haven't changed it.

 

LOL! Give him a break, he's been doing a lot of "clubbing lately)

As far as the shackle goes, I had one break a month or so ago, and except for the big bang that scared the SOOM, it was no big deal driving it. Didn't know that's what it was until I saw the truck leaning.

 

When I get healthy I'm going to club you like a Harp seal. And don't think NH is too far from CA. I've been there and I can go again. Oh yeah, and I know people.

 

Too funny, can't wait to go "clubbin" with you after my MRI next Monday. And btw, CA to NH is only like a 15 minute trip if you have a silver bullet! LOL

 

You did way better then me! I bought my RAM for $500. Since spent $3k on parts. I think I have every problem listed in the common problems section. Good part is I paid 500 for a truck w/ extended cab, 4x4, long box, everything more or less works. Bad part is everything needs work, interior is shot bad, paint is peeling, and rust in spots. But hey, the truck has 300,000 miles and still starts everyday (other then 3 weeks ago when it needed an ignition coil), can haul anything i need too (without caring if i stratch it), and gives me seomthing to work on (sorta like a hobby). Just fix what you want and drive it till it falls apart. Trust me, if you want to see bad, I'll send you some pics of under my truck. The only parts that aren't rusted are covered in grease. Can honestly say I wouldn't sell it for twice what I have in it. Personally i think every vehicle under 10k is a crap shoot anyway, this way you are ahead $8400. (probably what it will take to fix my POS) I plan on keeping it a long time.