Hello everyone. I own a 1997 dodge Ram 1500> I love this truck. up until 1 year ago it ran great, no major issues at all. One day i started having problems with it starting. I would turn the key and ...nothing. eventually this turned into it NOT starting ever. I brought it to a mech (local) and he replaced starter, distributor cap and rotor, a couple of sensors (unkown), plugs, wires, and then gave up after $1000.00....lol. he suggested a new computer so I went to the junk yard and got one, installed it and to my surprise it started....but its timing was was off and it didnt stay running. I tried 3 more used computers and they all didnt make it run properly...finally i brought it to the dealer and explained this all to them. They installed a new computer, new distributor (ya i know, 2nd one), new battery and fixed my battery posts which were loose (another $1100.00). they said it was running. I picked it up and drove it home> on the way it ran very rough, so I changed gas and added fuel additive. Also on the drive the truck would not shift into 3rd gear (long ride). I brought it to a shop and had them flush the tranny and replace the fluid, another $170.00. That did NOT help. So here I am wth 2500 bucks into a truck that when it does start i drive down the road and it wont shift into 3rd. I took it out the other day and I was driving it around for 20 minutes the GEN light came on and when i stopped at the next sign the truck stalled and would not start (dead battery). I had a friend bring me a new one. we started the truck up and ran it back home. So I installed a new alternator ($190.00). Jump Started it and it didnt change anything at all, still stalls. I really want to keep this truck but i am so frustrated with the mechs and dealer that i dont know what to do. I am not a mechanic but at this time im thinking about going to college to learn just so i can fix this truck.....please help.....Thanks......