Hello from the gulf coast,

I’ve posted a couple of time before finding this area. Anyway we’ve recently retired and want to do some traveling on a budget. After looking at a lot of junk and over priced trucks and campers we bought a 2001 Ram 1500 2WD 5.2L club cab and a 6x12 enclosed cargo trailer. We are going to convert the trailer into a solar powered mini camper.

I’ve never owned a Dodge truck before but this one was is such good shape that we could pass it up for $3500. It’s got 221,000 miles on it but was a one owner and been very well taken care of and has all of the service records. Super clean inside and out with no rust. The are a few dings and scratches but nothing major. The transmission was rebuilt less than a year ago, new u-joints, the front end was rebuilt and the brakes are new.

We had our mechanic go through it and the only thing he found was a leak in the radiator so we replaced it as well and the water pump, fan clutch, and all belts and hoses because I’m **** that way. We put a set of Michelin Defenders on it, some running boards, fender flares, front and rear lights and bulbs, new grill, did a fresh oil change with mobile 1 high mileage and a quart of Lucas oil for good messure. Also added a steering stabilizer bearing kit to fix my minor bump steer issue. We’ve now spent an additional $2600 and have $6100 in the truck but feel that she’s ready to go anywhere.

Anyway I’m glad I found the forum and look forward to contributing where I can.

 

Congrats!

 

Welcome! But that Sport grille doesn't fit the non-sport trucks. I would implore you to put the stocker back on.

 

I bought the sport bracket and hardware, had to reshape the hood release rod and trim the plastic bumper cover but it now fits and looks great.

 

nice find for sure

 

Thanks

 

Very nice truck. It would've been a good time to replace the timing chain when the water pump was off. Sounds like you have it in really good shape now. Enjoy!

 

Damn I wish I had thought of that.

 

How often should the timing chain and gears be changed?

 

Go with a good double roller set, and you should be fine for another 200K.