any problems common to a 97 ram?
Legend
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 8,663
Likes: 8
From: Central Oklahoma
I don't want to start an argument about Chevy VS Dodge, but everyone will have different opinions based upon what you expect from the vehicle. Each one of these trucks will and has performed differently for each of it's owners. My 97 has been a great truck. The only problem I had was a water pump that fell apart and lead to some heating issues. I don't know if that was the fault of the truck or my lack of using it. Ever since I fixed it, the truck has been great.
I never bought this truck expecting to race it, or to get great mileage. It's a truck, for hauling, pulling, and working, that's it. If I had wanted better mileage I would have gotten the V6. I have had a Pontiac 455 CID with a 4 barrel carburetor, now you want to talk about bad mileage, try that engine. I also had a Chevy 305 with a 2 barrel carb that got about the same mileage and had the same power as my 318. I think it comes down to luck and how you treat things. I'll tell you I don't think the Chevys are that much better in power. One time I was getting on the freeway on ramp and had a little argument with a quad cab chevy truck next to me. He tried to get in front of me from a dead stop (the stupid stop lights we have at the start of the freeway on ramps). I didn't floor mine, and I got a late start since I didn't realize he was gonna pull that crap. We were neck and neck to the end of the on ramp, but eventually I won. He may have had a 305 in that I dunno, but the end results were even. That's not too bad for a fully stock vehicle that I got off to a late start on.
I picked my truck back in 97 after comparing to Chevys and Fords, and don't regret my choice at all. I picked my truck because I liked the interior better, the engine bay was way easier to work on, it had the best ride of the three, and the exterior was way cooler looking. Every truck will have issues, but it's just like everything, you grin and bear it. I wouldn't sell mine for a Ford, Chevy or a New Ram 1500. BTW Your issues may have to do with Mercedes Benz taking over the company and making cost cutting changes. Mine was ALL Dodge, since Benz didn't take over till late 97, or early 98 IIRC.
I never bought this truck expecting to race it, or to get great mileage. It's a truck, for hauling, pulling, and working, that's it. If I had wanted better mileage I would have gotten the V6. I have had a Pontiac 455 CID with a 4 barrel carburetor, now you want to talk about bad mileage, try that engine. I also had a Chevy 305 with a 2 barrel carb that got about the same mileage and had the same power as my 318. I think it comes down to luck and how you treat things. I'll tell you I don't think the Chevys are that much better in power. One time I was getting on the freeway on ramp and had a little argument with a quad cab chevy truck next to me. He tried to get in front of me from a dead stop (the stupid stop lights we have at the start of the freeway on ramps). I didn't floor mine, and I got a late start since I didn't realize he was gonna pull that crap. We were neck and neck to the end of the on ramp, but eventually I won. He may have had a 305 in that I dunno, but the end results were even. That's not too bad for a fully stock vehicle that I got off to a late start on.
I picked my truck back in 97 after comparing to Chevys and Fords, and don't regret my choice at all. I picked my truck because I liked the interior better, the engine bay was way easier to work on, it had the best ride of the three, and the exterior was way cooler looking. Every truck will have issues, but it's just like everything, you grin and bear it. I wouldn't sell mine for a Ford, Chevy or a New Ram 1500. BTW Your issues may have to do with Mercedes Benz taking over the company and making cost cutting changes. Mine was ALL Dodge, since Benz didn't take over till late 97, or early 98 IIRC.