Hello, I am new to this site. I am thinking about purchasing a Dodge Ram 1500 between the years of 2001 and 2006, and I am wondering what should I watch out for? Also, what is a good engine out there (bulletproof)? I am not interested in a diesel engine either. Any help would be appreciated.

 

03 is when they reintroduced the 5.7 hemi. That's the coveted engine for these trucks. 06 is when they introduced the multi displacement system(mds) which shuts off 4 cyl during min load supposedly saving fuel. When you find a truck you like, inspect the shocks. They have a tendency to fail early on these trucks I've seen. Easy cheap fix but check for fluid leaking out of them. Open the power steering resivoir and stick a finger in it to see if it smells burnt. Pop the plug out of the rear diff and rub your finger in there to feel if it's really dirty or not. These few spots should help determine if the previous owner maintained the vehicle. I'd say go for the 06-08 as you have a better chance of getting preventative maintenance on track and keeping a nice running truck.

 

Personally, I would recommend the 2005.
03 Had valve spring issues on the Hemi
04 was a good year but you can't tune as much
05 was the last year before MDS or the facelift. The 05 has a whole host of tuning options especially with Superchips.

06 was the introduction of MDS and they changed the Front grille/bumper/headlights/fenders and the rear tail lights. They also switched to a different computer system (CAN BUS I believe?)

It's all up to you though. They are all great trucks.

 

Just bought this truck live in Colorado was wondering when I should plug the block Heter in ? Or do I even need to ? Help please

 

Plug in the block heater when It's a cold winter night.

EDIT: You have a 4th gen. While you're more than welcome here, I'd say to get over to the Cummins section OR the 4th gen section for the Ram tech questions.

 

2001 is a 2nd gen truck,
2002 is a 3rd gen truck build w/a 2nd gen power plant.
2003 first year w/the Hemi
2004-2005 improved Hemi and most reliable and plentiful in #'s
2006 1st year w/ MDS and IMO the most trouble free of the facelifted trucks.
2007 last yr w/the old 4.7 powerplant; new headlights(sort of) and tail lights.
2008 new updated 4.7 "semi hemi" motor and the very last year "Daimler" had any controlling interest in Chrysler .Sales were down and Quality was less than stellar.

 

Not really true. 04 has the same tuning capabilities as an '05 for the everyday driver looking for the basic plug'n'play tune. Superchips with advanced trans tuning is available and the same for years 2004-2008.


Let's not forget about the dreaded rear LSD retaining clip issue!!! 2005.5 had revised clutch pack retaining clips to reduce the amount of ruined rear differentials. I think you can check with a Dodge dealer to see if they have been replaced under warranty, but not necessarily if they had been paid out of pocket.
I'd suggest buying one without the foactory LSD if you can. They are problematic.

 

Larry,

I agree with the others who say to go for the Hemi which appeared in 2003. If you find one you like and PM me the VIN I can send you a build sheet so you know exactly how it was built from the factory. Good luck in your search.