Im asking on the behest of my sister and mother, who are not computer people.

They love horses and want to take the ones they have to horse shows, they have a 3 horse goose neck trailer now, with a living area, got a great deal on it, but the only truck they have that can even have a chance of towing it is a 2001 ram 1500, it has the 5.9 engine, is a extended cab, automatic, and 4x4.

My dad mentioned that on a old jeep j20 we used to have that he did a upgrade to it, putting heavier duty springs, axle, gear box and the like (know i didn't mention several more things that were done to it, he cant remember what all was done at this point) and after that, it would tow pretty much anything without any issues at all.

We were wondering, is it possible to upgrade the Ram 1500 to be able to tow something like that, without messing anything on the truck up?

Presently the engine is very sound, the only issue related to it is a O2 sensor. The transmission however is going to need service, so if anything needs to be done to it, it can just be added to the to do list.

The other option they have is, they found a ram 2500 that also needs transmission work, and might need some engine work, not sure about that yet, and they can probably get it for $5000-5500, i think it is a 2002.

the 1500 has 200k miles, the 2500 has 100k miles by the way. and the 2500 is at a car lot that my dad is friends with the owner, he got it at a auction so he has no knowledge of it other then what the carfax reported.

 

While you *can* upgrade parts, to give yourself a better chance of hauling something safely, the truck will still be titled as a half-ton, and the various legal organizations will recognize it as such, regardless of what you do to it.... The trailer, and horses are going to be WELL over the tow rating for a half ton..... so, if you have an accident, there is a good chance you will be sued, and your insurance will NOT cover it....

5 grand for an 02 that needs engine and trans work is WAY too much. You should be able to find a 3/4 ton truck that you can DRIVE HOME for that kind of money. (and it should only need minimal work, if any at all.)

They should spend a bit more, and look for a 3rd gen with the hemi. (in a 3/4 ton flavor.) They are comfy.

If they really want a second gen, look for a 1 ton. They are out there...... and that will haul the trailer and horses without a problem. (diesel would be icing on the cake.)

 

Word. ^^

 

Or the V-10 2nd gen would do the job. The 02 2500 has maybe 1000lbs more payload than the 1500, wider leaf springs, you still have the same rear end, transmission and braking abilty as the 01-1500.

 

This is incorrect. A 2500 02. 8800 gvw extended cab short bed is rated just under 3000 pounds payload. has gigantic front dual piston calipers and rear disc brakes. Not too mention a full floating Dana 60 rear and a 60 up front. It does have the 3in leaf springs. It does have the same trans. But has a np241dld with six planetaries instead of three vs a np231. And bigger u joints on the rear ds

Assuming a 5.9 magnum V8 and automatic transmission.

 

My 96 2500 with 5.9 V-8, and auto trans, has the 241DHD t-case...... But, I have the heavy duty package as well.....

 

I thought np241dhd wasn't even an option till '97

 

I think it's part of one of the 'heavy duty', 'plow' or 'towing' packages. (hell, it may come with all three for all I know....) But, there is definitely one hangin' off the back of my trans.

 

My suspension and axles and t case i ripped off of a 02 2500 with 8800 gvw came with a np241dld. You have PTO port hey you?

 

I don't know...... Thought that was on the side of the manual trans? (not like I would have any use for a PTO...... or.... maybe..... I could put my 72" belly mower under my truck? )