Hi there I'm looking to up grade my current tow rig it's a 1994 1/2 ram 318 4x4 169000 miles on it.
It has a few gremlins turn signals quit working. The radio never worked. Zero to 60 with pulling my 24' car trailer with a 1988 jeep Cherokee XJ on it lmao. I have learn to take the back roads were I go wheelin is 1.5 hours with the truck and trailer. Same trip in my 96 olds 50 min.
And now I have another dilemma my daughter wants her jeep up there also. I need a bigger tow rig/ trailer soon here. A 1ton diesel with gooseneck trailer is out of my price range right now.
I know of a 98 v10 dodge 3/4 ton quad cab . $2100And a 96 Chevy 6.5 L diesel 3/4 ton standard cab 5 speed needs a slave cylinder. 1000.00
Or build up my 318?

 

Not a fan of the Chevy 6.5 so if it were me I'd go for the v10. Either way upgrading to a 3/4 or 1 ton would be better for towing than your 1/2 ton

 

In my opinion don't go any smaller than a 360 in a 4X4 towing vehicle. A diesel with a Allison transmission conversion would be the way to go but since your budget doesn't allow i would pick the V10. I don't drive chebys or furds. Or you could put 360 in yours. Whatever you decide make sure you have a decent trans cooler on it.

 

You are not going to be able to safely tow two vehicles and a trailer behind ANY half ton truck. That is way beyond unsafe.

The V-10 2500 would pull it without issue, and, more importantly, SAFELY.

 

That 6.5 will struggle with that kind of a load on it. I also vote v10.

 

Yep I also vote for the v10. I really like how mine pulls, loaded 16800# combined.
And - it stops great ( new brake system on the front)
Stopping is the issue.
But pulling torque cannot be compared to most stock v8 gassers.

As long as that 98 v10 is not really trashed at that price its a good deal. Expect to do some repairs... Brakes /shocks /cooling/ sparkplugs / plug wires/ etc. Maybe lots of repairs