First of all, I'm new to this forums, and pretty mjuch, new to trucks in general. I have been driving for 2 years. I currently own a 1995 Mercury Sable. I am looking into buying a Ram. I want a 2nd Gen, because I love the styling, inside and out. I want a 98-01 1500, because I want the rear doors that open, and the passenger airbag. I have a few questions, though....
(Basically what I'm looking for is this: 98-01 Ram 1500, Quad Cab, Short bed, 4x4, 5.2L)
I want a fairly base model truck, no power windows or stuff like that. I've always been kind of a fan of trucks without all the power stuff, and I've replaced more window motors than I care to remember. Most trucks I've seen, look like they are the higher trim levels, just by noticing the "Laramie SLT" badge behind the cab doors. I'm assuming that if it's an SLT, it probably has the power windows, ect. What are my chances of finding a more basic model truck?
Kind of contrary to my first point, I think the overhead digital compass/thermometer is really cool. I'm willing to take the power accesories like windows, locks, ect, in order to get this. My question is, is this a really rare option? I know that some options on certain vehicles are pretty rare. For example, when I was looking for a Taurus/Sable, I found one with the digital instrument cluster that I thought was really cool, even though the rest of the car was beat. I found out that this certain option was really rare on these cars. How so with the compass/thermometer on these trucks? Also, are these only found on the really loaded models, with leather and all that, that are bound to be more expensive than the average truck?

Ok, if you've made it this far, thanks for reading the whole post! Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

that sounds like a good truck your looking for thow for the overhead digital compass/thermometer youll probally half to go to an 00 or 01 there not that uncommon but they are on the trucks that are fairley loaded

 

I'd have to agree there, the overhead unit is probably only on the newer (00, 01) models. The SLT is the "upgraded" version like you said, so it will probably be a bit more expensive, especially if you get it at a dealer. Just a question though, why go for a 5.2 when you can get a 5.9? Similar gas milage and more power, wish my truck had one

 

yep i am also "bessed" with a 5.2... some day ittl grow up to be a big boy...lol

 

Don't you have a 5.2 Socha? Or do you mean wish you had a 5.9?

 

Yeah mine does. I should have wrote "why go for a 5.2 when you can get a 5.9"

Fixed it

 

more power if you are properly geared ie not 285 with 3.55's like me.

 

The overhead compass, thermometer should be in the 99 too, as my 99 sport has it. That is unless a previous owner added it along the ay somewhere.

 

really i dident think the 99's had it...but ive been wrong before just outa coureosity what ecactley dun dhe date say on the door sticker (month and year like right now it would be 11/06)

 

I'm happy with my 5.2, but as stated the gas mileage isn't really any better than the 5.9 so I wouldn't hesitate to get a 5.9 if you find one you like. I'd try to find something with 3.92 or 4.10 gear ratio. I know my 5.2 with an automatic is a bit of a dog off the line with 3.55 gear ratio. I would have liked to find something with 4.10's in it but when you find a truck you want it doesn't always have everything your looking for.