if you turn one end of the shaft on a 2001 dodge Ram automatic transmission should the other end turn

 

No. There is a fluid coupling in there, along with clutches, and all sorts of other black magic. You are taking a chance with a used trans.

 

Pull the pan and check the condition of fluid, filter, and magical poo on the magnet. Ask how many miles on it. If it looks pretty good, make a low offer......

I would like to have one for nearly free just to play with...

 

I can find 2wd trannies here for 20 bucks all day.......

 

Send me one or two! I wanna play.....