Hey all,
I have been searching for another ram to replace the one I used to have before some guy blew a stop sign while crossing a major highway.
Anyways, the one I am looking at has 104,000 miles on it, and it's a 2001 (he's asking $10,5). My 99 was low milage, with only 75,5 on it when totalled.
What is the reliability of the 5.2L motors? Can I expect a long life out of this thing? it will be a daily driver, mostly highway miles as job #1 is about 30 miles from me, and job #2 required me to drive all over 3 different counties. I will use it occasionally to haul motorcycles (2-3x/yr across the state) as well as other misc stuff once in awhile.

What are the major quirks with this motor? Anyting I should look out for? What's generally the first thing to go, and at what milage?

P.S. I always take good care of my vehicles. They always get synthetic motor oil, regular oil changes, tune up, etc. I do most of the work myself.

My Old Truck

Accident Pics

 

I've got a 5.2L (ala 318) in my 2000 Ram 1500 Quad cab. I bought the truck new in June 00 and have not had a problem from it. I use mine as a daily driver and would recommend the 318. The only thing that comes to mind is the bolts from the valve covers get loose, but I've only had the tighten a few of these down in the 5 years of ownership.

 

Well my old one had a 318 in it, so I know how they are up to 75,000 miles. i never had a single problem. I bought it at 49,900 and added the rest in about a year in a half. If that tells you how much i drive....

 

I love my truck! Its got the 5.2 and it is a very strong truck! I don't want to sound mean or anything, but that price seems a little high for that year and mileage. But, good luck and sorry about that accident. Ouch! Did you get hurt? By the way is that in Smithfield, VA?

 

Saying the price seems steep isn't being mean to me! It's not my truck! Part of the reason I am asking is to see if this is a good price. Kelly Blue Book puts it's value at about $12,000.

No, that accident was in Northwest Indiana.

 

My little Dakota has the 5.2, 152,000mi and rolling strong. All I've done over the years is change the oil between 3K and 6K with regular old dino oil, kept up with all the other maintenance. These things are pretty famous for sucking in the belly pan gasket, pretty easy job.

 

Yeah I have a 95 ram with 5.2L (318) and 135,000 miles on her. Still runs strong no problems. I'll i have done is oil changes, new plugs and wires, and a coolant flush and the coolant wasn't rusty or anything. The 318 has been around for along time and it's been pretty realiable.

 

My 98 Dodge Ram is at 122,000 and still has plenty of power. I have replaced the valve cover gaskets but it has no leaks and burns no oil between oil changes. Great Motor.

 

This thread is 14 years old.........

 

Sometimes someone is looking for an answer and old stuff has it. I have a couple of books printed in the 1930's that I still use when I come across an issue that is perplexing. Granted, electric hand shifters are no longer used, but the basics on engine functions are the same whether the vehicle is 5 or 50 years old.