My 15-year-old son saved all summer and he is looking for a second gen Dodge Ram with a V8 and 4x4 as the project that he and I can work on over the winter

We found a 96 Dodge Ram 1500 with a 318 and 4x4... It's a single cab with a short bed... Should be a lot of fun
Only one problem... The front wheels will not rotate... They are locked solid

We're planning to go look at the truck and if we can figure out how to make the wheels turn we'll load it on a trailer and take it home...

I'm thinking most likely seized calipers

What are some other things that come to mind? And how would you fix them?

 

The brake calipers+pads and/or brake hoses could be the most likely culprit if the truck has been sitting awhile. You can remove the front wheel and use a C-clamp and/or hammer to see it you can free up the calipers. Check the front U-joints behind each wheel to ensure they're in decent shape. Also, there is a wheel bearing in each hub that tend to need replacement after many miles of use. You check the front drive shaft to ensure the joints are in good shape. You can also remove the front drive shaft to rule out the condition of the front driveshaft and the transfer case.

 

If the truck has been sitting for a while the rotors will be rusted. Take the front wheels off and see if you can get the calipers to free up.

 

If not rusty try cracking the front caliper bleeders