Hey everybody, I'm looking for some info. I have a 1989 Ram and know a lot about it, however the 94's and up are like foreign to me - I literally know NOTHING about them, butI know you guys do.

I am planning on purchasing a 1997 1500 SLT2WD this summer, with the 5.2 and auto trans. It has approx 75,000 miles, has had a very gentle life, and has had no major work doneon it whatsoever. I have done everything short of drive it, but it looks and seems to run GREAT. The interior looks new, the exterior looks almost new, as does the undercarriage. I know the people that are selling it and they've had the truck since it wasnew. I don't really have much doubt about getting this truck, however I'm curious to know of any common problems I need to look for and things to possibly be aware of that could occur in the near future. Also, what's the best recommendations for performance upgrades? This will bemy daily driver taking place of my Ford Ranger so the main goal will be to achieve better fuel mileage than normal, but I want alittle more power and noise too. I am thinking along the lines of a reprogram, some sort of airinduction changes (i.e. cold air, air filter, sensors, etc.), and a less restrictive muffler. I'm also curious if a true dual exhaust setup can be done on these, or if you have to leave it single because of the O2 sensor. ANY input would be appreciated! Also, the Ranger's for sale...

 

common problems and complaints...you see these same questions day after day after day...
cracked dash
leaking plenum gasket under intake - lean, oil use, fouling, poor running.
vacuum leaks in heat/defrost controls.
simple sensors - iac, tps
weak transmissions - $$$
complaints of low power, low torque from 318
clogged cat
not the best gas mileage in the world, usually 12-16
sloppy steering and expensive front end repairs (4wd only)
slow/poor 4wd engagement on cad (4wd only)
mods - a couple of cheap ones - round air, 180 thermostat. most others are pretty expensive. chip, tb, headers, hi-flow muffler and cat, rocker arms.
your dual exhaust question. i have the same question. my 01 has only 2 o2s; 1 pre cat o2 after the Y junction and 1 post cat. i don't know of any simple way to convert it to either a zero o2 or a 4 o2 system.

 

you can buy o2 simulators to take the place of the normal o2 sensors and avoid throwing the code

 

Ok great, thanks for the help.Got a couplemore questions now... what's the benefit of a round air cleaner vs. say a cold air setup? Would an air cleaner from a first gen truck fit, or is it too tall (if you know)? And the thermostat was changed recently... the water pump quit so the stat was changed too, butI have no idea what temp it is... what difference does the 180 make? Sorry I'm not meaning to sound like an idiot but I literally know nothing about the MPI motors other than they're quiteabit different from my TBI. Oh and come to think of itI can ask afriend of mine who used to work for Dodge a few months ago about the O2 sensor...I will report back what I find since we both need to know! And I think the cat problem exists on all Dodges... my 89 had the same problem.

As far as the transmissions - I know there's problems with the 98 and up but haven't heard much in the way of 97 and older having theproblems those had... are they the same transmission? As far as I know this one has the original... the only thing I know of that HAS been replaced is the water pump... I'm telling you this truck is in GREAT shape. These bodystyle Dodges are hard to come by in this kind of shape around here. Most of them have been rode hard and put up wet. But I've wanted one for a long time andcan't pass this one up. Only way I would is if I came across a decent SS/T.