I've had a 2nd Gen for almost 5 years, it's my first vehicle, but I've been looking for a 3rd for a while, and this seems like pretty good deal. But, It'll take a lot of work at the same time.

The truck is a 2006 Quad Cab TRX4 Offroad with 108,000 miles and the 5.7L Hemi.

Here's the deal, it's missing the front seats, radiator, A/C condenser, Alternator, some hoses (and possibly some more, have to inspect it more tomorrow) the back glass is busted, and it has 1 mismatched wheel. Otherwise, the body is in good shape, and the asking price is only $3,500.

The owner's only had it for a month, he says it was a repo, and he was planning on fixing it up and driving it, but he needs money now more than he needs a truck. He says that it has a newer engine in it, he had a dealer run the numbers and supposedly It's out of an 09 Ram. The previous owner did not complete the engine swap, he was in the process when the truck was repossessed . It still needs everything hooked up. Guy who owns it now, says the engine is good and turns over by hand, but I haven't viewed the truck yet.

Is the 2009 5.7L compatible in a 2006 Ram, or am I going to have to get a complete different computer, wiring harness, etc.? This is my main concern.

I know it's not much to go off of, but assuming the engine, tranny, and transfer case is good, how much money am I looking at sinking into this thing before its driveable? Already priced the front seats at $40 a piece, and a radiator at $189.

Any info is appreciated!

 

Sounds like a nightmare.

09 is different..completely. IF thats what is actually in there. I dont know if the harness can be patched in?
Easy way to tell if it's an '09 engine. Throttle body placement. If it's towards the back and facing forward, it's a 03-08. If it's up front and faces 10 o'clock position, it's 09+.

I would think that even if you did some bargain shopping, your going to put about $2k into the truck all said and done, and then the time and labor to get it put together and running. That's if theres nothing else wrong with it once it's running..diffs, trans, engine..etc

Lastly, you'll likely need a dealer flash to get that new computer in. The theft makes sure all Vin #'s check out. You might be able to get a Tipm/Odometer/ECU from a wrecked 09 and use those. I honestly dont know what will/wont work.

 

Will it be a serviceable title, or a salvage title, at that?

I agree with DD, it sounds like a nightmare.

 

Nightmare for sure. I would walk away. Plus 3500 is way to much for that POS. But yea TB placement is the #1 way to tell between a 3rd and 4th gen 5.7. Plus who knows how long its been sitting around. Every fluid in that truck probably needs to be flushed completely as well.