Hello,

I am looking to get either a 1997 or 1999 Dodge Ram Quad Cab 4x4. Both are autos.

What I like to know is the good and the bads about them.

Are there any issues w/ tranny, motor, electrical or drive train (4x4)?

I own a 5400 lbs ski boat that my new 2wd SUV is having problems pulling at our local slick boat ramp.

Since I really do like the looks of the Black Rams 1500's I really like to maybe grab one or the others.

So if anyone can share your thoughts or comments please do so. I plan to buy either or... by this coming up Saturday. Thanks a mucho!

 

Auto trans are a know problem area with those year rams. In fact, Consumer Reports in May had the break down of all vehicles over the last 10 years (97-04 Used Car Review), and the percentage that problems were reported for various areas. The automatic trans on the years you listed showed that it had problems reported as much as 15% of the time. That was higher then problems in any other area.

I myself bought my pickup with about 30,000 on it, and had my trans go out at only 34,000, then lost the trans pump at 44,000. If you are looking to tow a lot, you might just have more piece of mind if you went with a manual rather then automatic. That isn't to say that you might not be able to get an automatic that will never have a problem. If it was maintained right, it probably would be fine. I persoanly, would not buy another automatic Dodge Ram.

Also, if you have the choice between a 5.2 and a 5,9, take the 5.9 since you plan to tow alot. 5.2's are great (that's what I have), but it takes a fair amount of upgrades to get it to equal a stock 5.9 for low end torque (almost 35 ft/lbs different from the factory). Same upgrades on a 5.9 give you quite a bit of power.

Hope this helps. It's just my opinion. For every person who tells you the same side that I did, there is probably one who will tell you their automatic has 300,000 miles on it, and they tow a 10,000lb boat everyday up hill, both ways, through 3ft of snow, etc....

 

Yup if your going to tow dont go with an auto trans. They have enough problems just moving the truck much less a trailer.

Now its too bad they couldnt have put a turbo 400 trans in there. I have one on a 74 caddy thats restored and the trans is original.

If I recall right the turbo 400 was used in tanks in one of our wars. They mated one to each track. Thus is got a nick name of being built like a tank.

 

Thanks all 4 the feedback. It looks so that these trannys in to auto are pretty bad for the 2 year Rams I am looking at.
I will have to take this into consideration since both rigs are close to the 100K mile mark. I really want a dependable rig and has to be a auto. As much as I like driving small imports in manual, full size trucks I really do not dig it. I used to own a 97 F150 supercab 5-spd manual and hated it. Had to sell it. Also my wife might have to drive the truck sometime and she is not good w/ the manual transmissions. Darn-it.

Which year did dodge ram improve on there transmissions (auto)? Thanks all

 

I think the trans in all the 2nd gen are the same.

If you tow a lot, you should get a manual. It is better for towing in my opinion. You have more control.

 

Yep get a 5 speed thats what i have. Helps in the low end grunt. I've got a ski boat I pull all the time, Here at the lake all the ramps are steep and slick. I never spin a tire, but you can watch everyone else with the autos, slipping and spinning and having hell. Ofcourse aggresive tires help, versus street tires. My buddy has a 97 auto treated rough and has never had a problem, so you nver know.

 

I have a 97 2x4, pull a ski boat all summer, auto, no probs ever, well over 100k mark.

 

Thanks guys. I plan to tow about maybe twice a week. And for only about 20-50 miles each way. I do live in the Texas Hill Counrty. If I do get the RAM, I will always tow w/ "OD" off and use only 4x4 at the ramp. Do you guys still think I am at risk to loose a tranny quick with how I will be towing at the weight I pack behind there? Thanks all

 

You shouldn't have any problems, just make sure the OD is off.

 

Thanks. I was going to look now at a 2001 Ram Quadcab 4x4. I was checking the specs and it says it can only tow 4300lbs, is this true??? No way... really??