Ok so I sold my '03 Dakota in order to move up to a fullsize Ram. I've been looking around on craigslist and have found a couple I like and I'm going to go check them out. My question is, what are some specific things to look for on these year Rams? I have a moderate knowledge of vehicles so I know the basic stuff to look for...but what are some of the SPECIFIC problems 2nd gen Ram's have? Any help is appreciated. Thank you.

 

Leaking plenum and fragile transmissions and even more fragile dash board.

 

look for an 00-01 offroad edition. 2 inch factory lift, 4.10 gears, tow hooks.
expect to pay an extra $1000 for it.

 

Try to get a, I believe, 99 and up. Those have the third door and also the dash has a few more storage compartments or at least bigger storage compartments. Check for repaired intake plenum (read the plenum sticky) and be prepared for trans troubles if not already addressed.

 

3rd door? Mine gas 4, hence quad cab

 

Rust along door bottoms and rear under small doors.

 

Look for a manual transmission and youll be set. Everything else is regular used car stuff.

 

99 thru 01 supposedly have beefier front end suspension, for improved braking....handling etc...according to Edmunds review, and I read it somewhere else too. I know my 99 has a bigger a/c compressor than my ex 94. 98 is when they changed dash design and added passenger side air bag. Check how much slop in steering wheel...worn out gearbox. If oil pressure gauge never goes over the 40 mark, I would be thinking sludged up from lack of oil changes. Good luck!