I have been away from the forum for a while but now I have come across a dilemma. The fiance and I are going to be coming across some money and want to get another truck that can pull a 5th wheel. I recently came across a 1997 Ram 3500 V-10 auto trans, no big rust, extended cab, 4x4, all around looks like a clean truck. Only 108k miles. They are asking under $7k. What are the key things to look for on these? I don't want diesel so this is my next best choice for me. I love these 2nd gens! My 1500 is nice but I need a 1 ton. Oh, and my fiance keeps yelling "yayy it's red!" Opinions?

 

Hhmmmm... nada says clean retail value is 5100.00..... (that assumes a pristine body)

KBB says around 6500 in pristine condition... everything works perfectly, doesn't need any work.....


that would pull anything you cared to put behind it...... without a problem. Gas mileage would suck... but, it's a v-10, it sucks even when unloaded.

 

I checked kbb. Dealership only gives mint value... $7.9k
In the "good" condition private seller it showed $6.1k
The price is something I know I can knock down a little, I'll most likely be trading in the 1500 since that's who I bought it from. I was more or less looking for mechanical issues. I know the gas will disappear... It's a Dodge. LOL. I am my own mechanic so labor for repairs is non-existent. I heard alot about the air pumps but sounds like those are easy cheap repairs. Also, anybody ever modestly lift one? (3" or so)

 

Lots of good aftermarket support suspension-wise, not much for engine mods though, beyond tuners, and headers. You can lift three inches without having to get strange with the front suspension. (control arms and such)

If you don't have emissions testing, can just bypass the air pump. It's just there to help heat up the cat at startup.

I think there may have been some issues with oil pumps on some years on the V-10?? Might wanna check into that some more..... don't recall where I read it.

Basically, treat it like any other used-car purchase. Inspect EVERYTHING. Of course, the dealer should do that before they even set it out on the lot as well. See if they have their inspection report.

 

Oh yeah, I plan on having it inspected by a local shop, but i was just wondering if I will be having any "plenum like" issues... Flawed cooling system, Trans issues, gears, CAD unit and so on. Which brings my question up of. Do these have the vacuum cad units? Can't leave the house for a few days so I'm getting prepped for some serious negotiating. Thanks

 

The V-10's have a heavier duty trans than the other gas trucks, so, trans issues aren't quite as common. They don't have the plenum issue at all. Different intake manifold design. They DO have the vacuum operated cad, and all the issues that come with it. (posi-lok is the answer) So far as I know..... they seem to be better trucks because of the selection of heavier duty parts..... I don't own one though..... we DO have a few members here that do. Hopefully some of them can chime in as well.

 

I hope so. This looks like one helluva truck. I might just have to deal with the vac cad. Maybe swap to cable op. Who knows. Let's hear it v-10 dually guys! What's good/bad here?

 

https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...has-a-v10.html

 

Saw that, just didn't want to highjack his thread. thanks

 

Point of the thread is now you know whom to PM....