Hey everyone, thank you for so many insightful responses! I think I was wrong about the off road package. Originally, I thought it was listed on the build sheet, but I couldn't find it today. It does have the decals on the side of the box, but anyone can add those... I don't think the gear ratios will be a problem for me. I'm not looking to lift it, do off-roading, or really much towing. In fact, having better gas mileage than the lower-geared trucks is more appealing to me.

I have actually been researching a series of mods for the truck including a CAI, Lucas synthetic gear oil and motor oil, an ECM programmer, and cat back exhaust system. Is anyone familiar with Spectre brand air intakes? and does anyone have experience with Lucas gear oil?

Although I live outside of Philly, this truck is for sale in my home town, closer to central PA. The cost of living is very low back there, and I think that the price is a little high for the area... KBB quotes it around $11,000, but once again, the economy has killed my home town. I'm heading back Thursday to meet up with my step dad and take it for drive. If everything checkouts, I'll call up the owner and make him an offer... See how negotiable he is.

Lastly, are these standard features: (NHBP) Auxiliary Transmission Oil Cooler and (NZDP) Next Generation Engine Controller?

 

I have 3.55 on my 2003 Hemi and its a great towing machine. Gas consumption isnt too bad either. I agree 10K is closer to what you should payHave a service and plug change before you buy.
Steve

 

3.55's? i thought the 4x4's SXT came with the 3.92's but i have been wrong before...

 

My only knock on the hemi are 16 spark plugs, for my self thier a bit of effort to change, with a 355 rear end you will get abought 20 mpg higway, I have to admit I hate dodge automatics, cv joints and the weaker rear ends on the 1500 Ram.

I have the identical truck, but with a 6sp manual, 373 ltd slip and with 2500 suspension and drive train.

Check that all maintance items, spark plugs, diff, transfer case, engine oil, coolant, transmisson are up to date, if thease items were ignored by the last owner, you be paying in the long run.

The hemi is a great engine and is not that bad on flue, for a light duty work truck, you will never go wrong with a 8 foot box.

 

Seems like a pretty reasonable price for the truck as you described it.

Where do you live outside of Philly? Sounds like you might be in my neck of the woods.

 

That's what I thought too, but he said he checked and it had 3.55s so I figured maybe his just didnt get them or something lol

 

Actually, I know that the truck has 3.55's according to the build sheet (DMDS 3.55 Axle Ratio), but I may be incorrect about the SXT package. The build sheet contains these two things (ALR ST Value Group) and (3S8A SXT Value Group Discount) I'm not sure if one or neither reference the actual trim package. I asked the owner when I initially contacted him and he said that he didn't know. It's a pretty basic truck with few features.

 

I did not pay too much attention to that when I was looking. I just thought that this version of ram came with front tow hooks :S

As for the whole spark plug thing, i have heard that there is less wear on the plugs themselves so you dont have to replace them as often. I have not had my truck long enough to know...I would think that for every cylinder those spark plugs are "taking turns" to fire. Reducing heat and whatnot, but I dont know much about them. I also have heard that it burns better, having those two spark plugs per cylinder brings up the efficiency because it leaves less ignited space in the cylinder. Again thats what I have heard...

I do believe that the transmission cooler is standard on all rams. I have not seen one without it, but i could be wrong. If it has the factory tow package, i would bet 99.9% that it does

 

There are two spark plugs as one ignites the waste gases after the other ingnites the fuel / air mixture,
FF

 

Thats right, unless you use the newer dual firing coils