I currently have as my auxillary work vehicle a old decrepid peice of crap known as a 1990 Mitsubishi Montero. Its rusted and it leaks every fluid known to man but it has provided me with the ability to tow a boat (albeit a small one) and haul some rock and furniture. I however need something a little more capable, preferably with a bed, that can tow more and haul more. This is why I came to you, I know next to nothing about these trucks other than the fact that I like the way they look and some of their various configurations. I am looking for a 1500 ext cab, short bed, 4x4, V8, with a towing package.

I have only driven two other Rams, one beat to hell example of my works, and one used one from a dealership. Of these two trucks they both drove pretty good except when I tried to put the one from the dealer into 4 wheel drive, it seemed impossible. The shifter was extremly stiff and it felt like I had to yank in order to get it to move. (this may be my fault I do not know if I was doing it correctly, I had stopped the vehicle but left it in drive) My Montero which is a manual is much easier to get it into 4x4 that this Ram was. There also was no hope getting it into 4 low it almost seemed like the transfer case shifter was binding.

So all in all: I would like to know what to look for in a used Ram. What are the common problems? What should I listen for or check for when test driving one? and lastly how am I supposed to shift it into 4x4?


Thanks to everyone for any information/websites you can give me.

Jay

 

First, welcome to DF!! Though I don't know much about the Dodge's 4x4's, the few I have drove never seemed to be much of a problem for me getting into 4x4 mode. I like my truck and everything about it, except my stock stereo system but I'll change that out later. I like the way it ride's, it's always dependeble. From towing to hauling or just going out to the store to get some milk. Good luck with your purchase and I hope you stick your decision with Mopar.

 

Welcome. Couple of questions for you:

How much weight do you need to tow? How often?

Mainly, if your looking for a Ram as a tow vehicle, rule number one is to avoid the automatic transmission trucks. The auto trans is a know problem area with these trucks. That doesn't mean you can't find one that you can put 300,000 miles on the stock trans, but why risk it if it is known to be a weak spot, that's my opinion.

Second, the order of the best towing Rams is this (best to weakest in my opinion):

5.9L V6 Cummins Turbo Diesels
8.0L 488 cubic inch V10
5.9L 360 cubic inch V8
5.2L 318 cubic inch V8
3.7L V6

Depending on how much you tow, and how often, any of these can meet your needs. I tow a 2000 or 3000 lb pop-up camper, and do very well with my 318. If I had a 10,000lb travel trailer, I would want the diesel. Just depends on your towing needs. Also, you can also modify any of these trucks to get more out of it if you need. Just depends on your aptitude for that sort of thing, and of course the depth of your wallet.

Third, read through this Ram FAQ. It has lots of good info. Don't get scared by the number of issues listed here. It is only because the folks on this forum are very thorough.
https://dodgeforum.com/m_334375/tm.htm

Lastly, ask lots of questions on this forum. People around here are serious about their trucks, and have tons of knowledge. You will get the answers you need, I promise.

Good luck.

 

Welcome! Glad you are upgrading! This forum has a lot of knowledgeable members, so you have found the right place. One thing to keep in mind when you think about a full size Ram is that your gas mileage is probably going to be between 11-13 mpg all around, depending on many factors. Full size truck = full size mileage. If you don't drive a lot in city traffic, I would suggest not getting an automatic. Dodge 46re trannies have issues. I can shift mine into 4x4 at any reasonable speed, it is easier when you are moving. If you tried to shift it when stopped, it may have been "in between" teeth or something. I have never put mine in 4 low, but I think you have to stop, put tranny in Neutral, and push down on the 4x4 shifter to engage it. Someone on here will know for sure. Overall, I like my truck, but I have learned to fix it myself for the most part, cause dealerships and shops will break you in a hurry!