Hey all - first post here.


I'm looking for a truck that I can use as a "fun" vehicle (I already have a daily driver) to use for off-roading around my area.

I have recently come across a 1999 2500 with the v10 for sale near my area. Single cab, long bed, 82k miles, automatic.

It has 4x4 and supposedly runs great (I haven't gotten out to see it yet), but it is rusty.

I dont care about the rust, as long as the frame isn't rusted out or something - as I will be mudding/off-roading with this "toy".

Some of the questions I have (after reading through the forums) are...

1. How reliable is the V10? Any big issues I need to be aware of with this engine? What should I look for when I go to look at the truck?

2. Is there a section which shows which options came with which trucks (in this case, can I look up the 2500 V10 engine and see that it came with so-and-so axles, etc.)?

3. It is a 2500 so what is the easiest way to get a lift and add some larger tires? I've seen some of you use leveling blocks (body lift) and some use suspension, and for now I'd probably keep it on the cheap and just go body.

4. Along with number 3.... what things do I need to look out for as far as what type of axles, transmission, transfer case, etc?




Sorry for the very long first post, but I just want to find a decent truck that runs well and that I can throw a few things (body lift and tires) to get a decent off-road truck.


Thanks

 

the frames on these hold up real good, its just the bodys that get rusty...

I think the V10's have had issues with heads cracking...but other than that they are pretty reliable....but like all RAMS, you're going to have to put some money into it.

as for gears you have either 3.92's or 4.10's in that thing....and the tranny i believe is a 48RE

 

I dunno about pre-purchase, but a lot of us Ram owners have contacted Dodge with our VIN number and requested a 'build sheet'. It will list all of the options for that truck, gearing, axle types, paint colour, etc. Basically everything you want to know about the truck

 

And unless it was paited, it might be on the underside of the hood. Mine listed the axle ratio's, etc

 

on the rear diff, the bolts hold a little metal tag that will say 35 (as in 3.55 gears) or 39 (as in 3.92) and 41 (for 4.10's)

 

oh ya forgot about that.... mine does have that under the hood, some are in the glovebox apparently too....

 

you may not find the sticker under the hood...i have the origina hood on mine, original paint, and when i bougt it, thesticker had been worn down so much its just a white square, cant see any of the words etc.

So you may not be able to check that, but 85% chance it will be there, and yes it does tell you all the info you need.

The build sheet however could take a while...i requested mine 3 weeks ago, been calling the dealer and still no build sheet yet.

 

what axles would be best for a off road setup?

Not strictly off roading, will need to drive it sometimes but not often.

I want to get some decent tires probably 35" or so.



Specifically - can anyone speak on the v10?

 

if you get 35's then the 4.56 gears will be perfect for the truck, that will bring the ratios close to stock again. but remember you have to do front and rear if you change the gears

 

The V10 is thirtsy but overall is a good engine. Don't worry about cracked heads that was only really an issue with the early ones 94-96?. The truck will have a 47RE transmission which is stronger than the 46RE in the 1/2 tons but is still not the best. With 82K on the truck you could install a shift kit and maybe get the tranny to last a little longer. It will have a version of the NP241 transfercase which is a capable case. The truck will also have a Dana 60 in the front and a Dana 70 in the rear. Both axles are plenty strong for what it sounds like you are doing. With enough lift you could probably run 40's with out to many issues. The axles will either be geared with 3.55's or 4.10's as I don't think 3.93's where offered in the HD trucks and I think 3.73 was a cummins only option, I could be wrong on both of these. For running 35's even if you have 3.55's you won't need to regear if you don't want to as the torque of the V10 will handle the tires. If it is priced right I would say buy it as the truck will easily handle most of what you want to do.