Hey guys,

You helped me fix my dad's Dakota a while ago, thanks for the help.

Anyway I am thinking of buying a 1997 Dodge Ram 2500xlt 4x4 Automatic with the V8 Magnum engine.

It runs and drives good, I did however notice that the valve covers and front main seal are leaking along with the transmission cooler lines. All the fluids seemed clean and normal, no milky colors or mixtures. What should I check when I go back to take a look at it? I have heard bad things about the steering systems on the ram 2500, what are the problems.


Thanks
Justin M.

 

Drive it and see how it steers. How many miles are on it ? Leaks are very common on older vehicles.

 

its got 159,000 miles seems to steer alright

 

List everthing you can about the truck, and you'll get lots of replies. Is the truck stock, ext.cab, long bed, has it been used for towing, and of course the $price$

 

whats the asking price? rust? hows the paint?

 

Its a 1997 Dodge Ram 2500xlt, extended cab, 8ft bed, 4x4 automatic. Its got the 5.9L magnum V8. 159,000 miles on it
The previous owner installed headers, Flowmaster muffler and replaced the cat with a pipe. Other then that it is stock. The truck has a contractors cap and sliding bed rail installed.

The frame underneath is clean, undercoated and has no major rust, the oil pan is solid with no rust along with the transmission pan. The body has scratches and a couple surface rust spots but nothing major.

The guy is asking $3800 for it.

 

If you like it, it's worth that. Just think of what this truck was built for. It's a whole lotta truck. If your not going to tow or haul much, you probably don't need that much truck. A snow plow would be good on that truck though. You'll also need plenty of $$ for fuel.

 

yeah im aware of horrible gas millage, but i need the truck for my repair shop, I service, repair and sell used power equipment and atvs. I need the crew cap to hold my fire gear, and I need the 4x4 for the winters plus the offroading :P

 

I'd pay special attention to how it shifts, operation of the 4x4, and also any clunks in extreme left or right turns.
No rebuild history ?
Price doesn't sound bad, but you're probably looking at some major repairs not too far down the road, as with any 10+ year old vehicle.
I'd try to chisel the price down a bit.

 

No clunks in exteme turns, tranny shifts good uphill and on the straight away. No odd noises, steering isn't perfect but its better then my chevy. Im going to offer him $2800 and if he doesn't take it then ill look elseware, because its not worth the whole $3800.