Well I am 17 and looking to buy my first vehicle. I have pretty much decided on a 98-2001 Ram 4x4. My first choice would be the 5.9 but i would settle for the 5.2. I definitly want a short bed but cant decide between a regular cab or quad cab.

I think what i have decided to do is get one through a forest servic surplus auction. The details for the next auction will come out in the paper soon but does anyone know where i can find information about them online?

Other than that, can anyone give me some advice or suggestions about these trucks? Anything i should know?

 

first of all. [sm=welcomesign.gif]. just my opion but i would get the quad cab or club cab. theres alot more room to hold your stuff and your friends. ( or girls ). the only major thing you need to watch out for is the auto trans. there total crap. if you can and you dont mind having one, i would get a stick. they dont have any problems. The motors are fine as long as there not neglected. they should last to 300,000 miles if you take care of it. I would also stay away from an auction, unless they will let you test drive it and see if you like it first. 5.9 is good for power but the 5.2 is just as good. ( with upgrades ) plus its better gas mileage. hope that helps you.

 

There's nothing wrong with an auto trans, if it's been taken care of And if you plan on getting one from a government auction, they've probably been very well taken care of. I've looked at several low mileage '77 Power Wagons that a local guy has from government auctions, and they look immaculate. They drive great, and even have the original paint on the engine (after almost 30 years!). If the ones at the auction you go to are in as good of condition, you'll be fine.

As far as the cab, if you haul a lot of people around...go with a quad cab. If you don't, just get a regular cab. Less weight...a little better gas mileage. In my opinion, trucks are meant to tow and haul stuff...not people. As far as motors, go with a 318. You can do just as much with a 318 as you can with a 360. I have a 318 in my 79 Ramcharger, and that thing refuses to quit. [8D]

 

peronally i went with the extended cab and i got the 360 just so my motor was bigger then my dads when he had a chevy (since went to a dodge with a 318). its not to bad on gas milage if you keep your foot out of the floor.

 

If you're tall go with the quad cab. Those extra couple of inches can make all the difference. The auction deal isnt bad if you can really check out the vehicle before hand. Ask a mechanically inclined freind or relative to go with you if you're not sure. After that, go have fun!!