I am shopping for an older, but servicable 3/4 ton pickup. We expect to move some 300 miles from NW Washington state to NE WA state, so I would like to be able to tow for moving purposes, then have something for rural living and general work duties. Am satisfied Cherokee owner now and intend to keep that. I would like a fancy pickup, but am willing to live with standard cab (less $$) and no 4WD (dang). I would prefer something between 1994 and 1998. I think these points should keep me somewhat down the list of, "most desired," trucks as quad-cabs, 4WD, seem to be hot items. I'm trying to leverage money in my favor and stay in the 6 to $8,000 dollar range.

Any tips for what to look out for would be appreciated. I am new to forum, but if I succeed in buying a Ram pickup, I might be around here for a long time. I hear the older 12-valve Cummins are more economical than later multi-valve, hopped up versions. I don't at all mind a stick shift, but I hear they need to have the 5'th gear, "missing pin," problem fixed. With a stick I might avoid PO's who might have lugged heavy loads in overdrive and cooked torque converters, etc.

Generall, I'm dumb on Dodge Rams. (Better on Cherokees - grin)

Perhaps someone knows of a sticky or thread for first-time used Dodge Ram buyers.

Thanks,
Dennis

 

May I ask why you are looking for a diesel instead of a gas? With the economy the way it is, you are better off with a gas, I know that the cummins is a good engine and lasts a long time, but overall, you spend darn near enough money on a new dodge. But I do see your point, hualing and towing are definately needed. Look for a good body, and test drive one you find, check for engine problems i.e rattles, leaks, fire marks. You probably would also want a manual, make it easier and better for towing. Check the trans, basic service stuff. Thats about all I can give for advice.

 

Thank you for the comments; pretty logical. No, I can probably live without the diesel. My only feelings about the diesel was engine longegivity. Before I retired my last Company truck was a 2001 Dodge 4WD with a 360. It quickly developed a cracked head and later sucked a rear intake gasket, besides the 11 mpg. I think for myself I'd avoid the 360 now. The 318 is an old design, but probably a better choice for me if I got a gas rig. But I don't know the typical life expectancy of the 318; hence the diesel talk. (I guess diesels have their own oddities and maintenance too)

Dennis

 

Watch out for the "53" Brazillian blocks, the killer dowel pin and injection pump/lift pump failure.

Check out the Cummins forum on this site: https://dodgeforum.com/forumid_143/tt.htm

Here are a few other good Dodge diesel sites:

http://www.dieselram.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi

http://www.turbodieselregister.com/

http://www.dieseltruckresource.com/

 

Both the 360 & the 318 can last well into the high 100,000s if they're taken care of. It sounds like your company truck wasn't taken care of that well. While the cracked head is a defect, the intake gasket could have been prevented. As far as the 318 being an old design, it's no older than the 360. In fact, they're both VERY similar in their design.

I would also agree with the no diesel talk. It would be overkill, and not very economical considering the cost of diesel over gas right now.

As far as diesel info, check the links V10 posted

You could always get a V10 powered truck [8D]

 

Thanks again. I remember decades ago when most engines didn't survive to 150,000 miles, but a lot has changed, especially in lubricants. So perhaps I am stuck in old thinking.

My last concern (and this was part of the diesel interest but I forgot to say it), is mileage. I suspect with a 3/4 ton gas fueled RAM I'd be getting around 15 with a 318. Would be hoping for 20 with early Cummins.

Then there is the higher initial cost of the diesel which could roll things out to at least even.

Dennis

 

Yes times do change, now a vehicle can last nearly twice as long or longer with care and proper maintenace. What you are describing for a vehicle is a rather big truck, so fuel mileage will be rather lower.

And you are welcome.

 

I'm going to go against what everyone else is telling you and say get the diesel. I wanted a diesel but never found one with the options I wanted in good shape so settled for a gasoline engine and have regretted it ever since. I wish I had gotten the diesel.

 

As a diesel owner and a resident of NE Wash, 60 miles north of Spokane. I feel that I need to chime in. Diesel price is higher but with the MPG you get w/diesel it more than componsites for it, not to mention pulling power for your towing. This is my first diesel and I don't think I will go back to gas. Now with that said, you really need to think about the 4X4 thing. You may not ever go off road, but think SNOW if you are going to live anywhere that its hilly you have to have it.

Hope this helps somewhat.

 

Thanks for the additional commentary. BlackImpala, taking note of your location I should say we just bought a place half-way between Odessa and Ritzville, where my wife was born and raised. And THAT is what this is all about. We presently run two Jeep Cherokees on the West side of the mountains, and while they have ample engine and drive train, the wheel base is short for long trailers and lots of hauling. But they are great for running around the Wheat Country otherwise.

Dennis - in moving mode...