Thinking about buying a 98 Dodge Ram 1500 short box base. Truck is a 2wd v8 (318 probably) 5speed and has 119k miles. This would not be a daily driver but a work horse when we need to haul drywall or car parts. Not very familiar with this generation truck so are these things reliable? Previous owner said the blower motor does not work at all so that kinda rules out the resistors right? Any comon issues with these things? Anyone know the towing capacity on this thing?

thanks

 

check the transmission fluid. the trannys are known to go on these trucks. mines a 95 1500SLT 5.9 4x4 short box and the trannywent at 182,XXX i ot 192,XXX on it now and going great

Fuel pumps are also a common issue with them. just mke sure it kicks on every time you turn key on.

Check out the front end. make sure everythings tight.

and Plenum issue. take a look on these forums and you'll find out what im talkin about.


Other than that they are great reliable trucks, i know what i listed doesnt make them sound to good, but they are worth it, and im 90% sure you'll be satisfied, and the motors (318) are strong motors, and can last a long time if you keep up with it.

 

he wouldn't have to worry too much about tranny fluid. he said it has a manual trans. regardless, i'd still just ALL the fluids just to be safe, and just to be safer, if you do decide to purchase it, change them ALL anyway.