Hey guys. I'm going to be buying my first ram on craigslist sometime in the near future, and would like some tips about what I should look for when inspecting the truck. It's not realistic for me to bring a mechanic with me, so are there any specific things I can check or problems I should look out for with 2002-2005 4x4 ram 1500's? One of the specific ones I'm looking at is a is a 2005 Hemi 4x4 with 130,000 miles. Thanks

 

If its got the 5.7 hemi see if the rear end has gone out yet.,if not it will soon.

 

I have a 5.7 HEMI... What exactly do you mean by this?

 

The limited slip differentials fill up with metal filings. Definitely put a finger in to check the oil, they just have rubber caps so it is easy to check.

Also look for bubbling of the paint around the rear wheels and see if it has had a new radiator yet. The coolant gums up pretty badly.

These are just my experiences, I am sure there are more.

Steve

 

Check the sticky post with common RAM problems. I'd also check the steering rack.
It all depends on what the owners have been like. Powerful vehicles unfortunately also attract morons who just dog out their vehicles. Like any other high mileage vehicle, things need to be replaced and maintained. Unfortunately most people don't bother with even simple things like pulleys and differential fluid etc...
RAMs up north used to have pretty bad rust issues, the sheet metal is so thin, especially round the wheel wells, it bubbles up in no time. If its a 4.7, be mindful about the cooling system, those puppies tend to get clogged easy and 4.7's are known for overheating. So did mine which cost me a new head. I definitely suggest 5.7 if not for the power, than just the fact that its a much better engineered motor.

I'd say pretty much just pick a vehicle that you feel good about and just expect to do simple maintenance stuff right away, like cooling flush, fluid changes and new belt pulleys as well as possibly spark plugs. 5.7's are particular about what can be put in them.

 

Oh also, check for any stored OBD codes with the "key trick" - cycle the key to ON position and back 3 times and leave it ON the 3rd time and check the odo display for what comes up with a paper and pen ready. Write em down, google em up right quick and you should get an idea of what is going on internally. Walk away if the thing lights up with codes like Xmas tree. Of course, if the owner is an *******, he might have erased all the codes just before the inspection. But that's me not trusting people

 

you have an 07... your rear end is fine its 2003-2005 9.25 rear end that goes bad.. do to posi clips falling off.

 

he's got 8 lugs so no issue regardless of year.