Ok guys, after lurking here and other dodge forums for the last month im ready to post.

Vehicle: 1998 Ram 1500 full size (back doors, long bed, etc), 5.2L Magnum , Auto, full options package (power everything, tow package, etc)....253,000 Miles on the clock.

I just purchased this from my boss at the company im a manager at a month ago. Yep, its got ALOT of miles on it. But the price was right ($1K) and i needed a truck besides the 73' Ford f-250 460 motor 1mpg miracle gas waster ive been using to tow. So far im loving the truck also, its not the most powerful thing in the world (i have several other vehicles, so im strongly mechanicaly inclined) but it seem to be an ole' reliable.

Im looking to really fix the truck up into a nice reliable work truck. Nothing amazing though. Maybe a lift, definatly exaust, etc down the line. But right now im wondering if anybody has a quick list of issues i should be taking into consideration as i slowly replace everything i can afford to in it.
The tranny slips in the 1-2 shift back and forth before making up its mind to work normally (more so when its cold!), so thats a problem (yea i flushed it, new filter, and used a touch of Lucas, didnt adjust the bands as im not experenced in auto trans) so im proably looking at a rebuilt trans soon.

The motor also has a bit of a Tick, possible valve related. Its not horrible but its definatly noticable. Also i just replaced the Thermostat, water pump and bypass hose last week. I still need to check ther steering (it has way too much play, tightning up the box didnt help, ideas?) and replace the Cat as it seems to be loose (something is hitting the bottom of my foot in highway driving) and the suspension is shot all to hell.

Besides all THAT lol it actually runs pretty damn well for having so many miles on it AND all original parts except its on the 2nd tranny. Not that shabby from what ive been reading i believe.

So, anything else i should really tear into and replace BEFORE it fails me? With so many miles i know something is prone to failure soon, im just not sure what has a tendancy to fail in these trucks.

 

First thing I would check is the plenum gasket. If you have to replace it use the fel pro gaskets they seem to hold up the best. While you have the intake off I would do I full tune up, it will make it easier to do with the intake off because of where the distributor is located. Also the timing chains on the magnum engines are junk replace it with a double roller timing chain. While you have the timing cover off I would also go ahead and replace the front seal.


Oh yea and welcome to DF

 

Adjust the bands next time you're in the trans. It's really not hard to do, you need a small torque wrench (inch lbs). I did it with specs from another web site and it was like a new truck. I thought my trans was dying, it was just the bands. It kicks down like it should now. That was around 135,000 miles, first time adjusted, now I do it every fluid change. I don't have experience with autos either other than changing fluid and filters. Cheapest fix for me so far.

After fixing all of my steering parts with regular stuff, I wish I would have found a crossover set-up sooner. A 1 ton GM setup would have been the way to go for me. That'll be my next big ticket purchace. Stock parts are expensive, and you don't get replaceable rod ends. My track bar is worn out, looks like Moog has a nice replacement, but if you do the lift you may want a nice adjustable unit.

I did the 1 ton brake upgrade this spring, hasn't caused me any problems, helps me a bit when towing. That's a cheap improvement, $22 in my case. Still looking for more improvement in the brakes though.


On my old Dakota, I replaced the contacts and the brushes in the starter when it failed. I got heavy duty pieces from my starter/alternator rebuilder. I think that only cost me $11. New starter was over $200. That was around 225,000 miles.

I try not to put to much money into stuff that depreciates, so other than new tires and maintenance items, ie shocks, plugs and unit bearings, thats it for me.

Sounds like you got a deal, I was never that woried about high miles either. You don't have to pay extra for stuff you know you're going to replace anyhow.

Shep

 

Disregard my crossover statement if you don't have a 4x4. Sorry

 

welcome to DF...

the valve tick you have can be cleaned up with a shot of marvel mystery oil in the crank. I had this on my ram for the longest time with the stock lifters (had performance ones in there for a while) and tried the MMO in the crank (about 8~12 oz is what I used) and it cleared it right up. motor also ran smoother on top of that.

you may have too many miles to do a synthetic oil swap but i'd also recommend that if your brave. it'll clean up the inside of the motor over time. I always used mobil 1 15w50.

swap the diff fluids if you havent already (also the transfer case if it applies).

 

A little tip for the future, when you have a truck with that many miles on it (even if it's on it's 2nd transmission), you shouldn't flush the transmission fluid if it hasn't been done regularly throughout the transmission's life. It just creates problems. Just do the filter/fluid change and a band adjustment. Just a tip