if i were you i would look for a 2001 offroad edition

 

Personally, after selling one of these trucks and owning/buying three, I wouldn't buy either. If you are set between these two, have a certified (good) garage check out the first one and see what is obvious, and go from there. However $3500 is probably way more than its worth, and like others have said, they can go either way as far as reliability.

 

Yeah, on re-reading the OP, 3500 is WAY too much for a truck with a salvage title.

 

most insurance companies won't offer full coverage on salvage titles, so if you buy one, you need to buy it dirt cheap.

if you want the best 2nd gen ever made, get the 01 offroad with the 4 O2 california emissions. the offroad provides a small lift, 4.10 gears (that'll cost you 1500-2000 to install), tow hooks, and skid plates. the cali emission provides 4 O2's which is a perfect setup for true duals.

another good option is the 2002 2500. it'll have disc brakes and dana 60 axles which gives you a lot of locking diff options.

 

what is the difference between the "Offroad" and the "Sport"? how do i tell the difference if the seller doesnt know. thanks for all the help

 

sport is simply a painted bumper and something different about the headlights. maybe quad lights? its an appearance package only and offers nothing special.

offroad was an option in 01, maybe also late 00, that's the holy grail. it has a 2 inch factory lift, gusset reinforcing on the front axle tubes, 4.10 gears front and rear. it will be an option listed on the build sheet in the glove box. the 4.10 gear sticker will be on the rear axle tube. factory sticker said offroad on the tailgate. the front axle gussets are the tell-tale signs. i'll find a pic. (edit - i can't find a pic. someone with one is going to have to take one and post it).

it also had 17 inch wheels, but don't go by those alone, many people have changed rims.

craigslist ad from atlanta. expect to pay a premium price for an offroad.
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/ctd/2003958933.html



https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...d-package.html

from internet land...
The Ram Off-Road 4×4 packages a recalibrated suspension and LT275/70R17 all-terrain tires mounted to 17-by-8-inch cast aluminum wheels, a unique steering gear for low-speed agility, and a limited-slip differential; the package includes an upsized battery and alternator, auxiliary transmission oil cooler, a larger radiator, front tow hooks, skid plates, fog lamps, heavy-duty service equipment and unique Off-Road decals. This package is available in regular cab and Quad Cab 1500 short-bed four-wheel-drive models.

 

they started the off-road edition in 2000

 

nevermind.

 

I would love to see a pic of the axle housing too, and yes they did make some off-roads in 2000, seems to be a small amount of them with a 318 too

 

here's some pics. the correct term is "trussed" front axle, and the gussets are on the bottom of the pumpkin.

photo hijacked from hometheaterman