Hi everyone, I hope you're all doing well during these crazy times. I have a little bit of an idea, but need some opinions. My father had a stroke 2 years ago and he has had a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 SLT Long Bed with the 4.7 V8 since the day he bought it from the dealership. It has less than 100,000 miles (I think around 96,000 or so miles). It's been started up a handful of times since then but other then that it's been sitting. As far as I know, it needs new brake lines because it has no brakes and a new hood (old one is banged up). Obviously if I end up trying to revive it, I am gonna change ALL fluids. I will have the serpentine belt replaced, and have a tune-up done (plugs, etc.). This truck has been around all my life, and I would hate to see it go to waste (as it already has). I am currently in the process of selling my car and I am willing to use that money to put it towards this truck (hopefully around $8,000). Do you all think I should get this thing back up & running? It is more of a project that I want to do out of love and passion. I bought an 02 myself in 2018, but sold it as it was needed some work and I couldn't afford it. Since the day I sold it I have missed having a truck A TON. Before I even bother fixing the truck up I will need to see it in person. I don't think it will cost too much to get my father's truck back on the road, and I am fully committed to this. Obviously I have to get the truck registered and all, but my father needs to either gift the title to me, or I'll have to buy it from him. Please let me know what your opinions are

 

Sorry to hear about your dad. If the body is in good shape. You may need to get it smogged. If you are going to keep it. Get it in running condition and able to stop. So if you buy it from him, tell your dad on the sale lip that was a grift so you are not paying a ton money register the vehicle.

 

Being in Massachusetts, vehicles over 12 years old don't need emissions testing . I'm not sure if he wants to give it to me, as the stroke kind of affects the way he thinks. Time will tell...

 

Yep seeing it again will help you decide. Has it been sitting outside or in a garage? If outside you may be dealing with badly rusted brake rotors and other similar items. Exhaust ? I have an 81 and a 84 that have been sitting for years and occasionally started. No not real good from a mechanical point of view but amazing how good of shape they are in as they are indoors.
If you do manage to get the truck do a thorough inspection. Get it running and driving with the least amount of expense. Once it's put to work again see what other issues come up...if any..before you start making it pretty again

 

I'd say work down a list beginning with most important. Change the oil and see if it will start. Be alert for potentially seized engine. If engine starts then it's worth going to next item which I think is brakes. Open up the bleeder bolt on each caliper while someone presses lightly on the brake. If fluid comes out the bleeders then your lines are ok and probably a caliper problem. Caliper rebuild kits for all 4 brakes will cost less than $15 and is easy, easy to do. Tranny and diff usually do ok with sitting. Engine and brakes and you are ready to road test and decide if you want to keep going, but at this point would have put less than $50 in the project.

 

My Aunt (the one who has been managing the whole situation) told me the truck has no brakes right now. I'm under the assumption that the brake lines rusted out, hence a possible leak. If I do end up getting the truck running, I will have the pads, rotors, and possibly the calipers replaced depending on their condition.

 

It's been sitting outside, which worries me. I know the muffler was replaced 3 years ago but as far as the rest of the exhuast... I am not sure. I do agree that I pretty much just want to get it running and driving. Then after I'll chase the problems. I live 5 minutes away from my college that I will go to in the fall (hopefully) and considering my High School is canceled for the rest of the year I barely drive now...

 

If it has the 4.7 I wouldn’t even try starting until you change oil. They’re known for upper engine issues. My personal opinion, and I say this as a guy who runs a shop and sees these often...steer clear of the 4.7....at least the early years of that engine 02-06....it was a new engine that had flaws...I just bought my 02 ram and while shopping every one that said 4.7 I skipped on by. I found one with a 5.9....

just my my personal opinion if it needs more than say $800 to get on road just save yourself a headache. I’ve seen tons of these engines fail before 125k

 

I own a 2002 4.7. 1500 2wd. I love my truck and would rather maintain it's performance than look's. It has 177,000. On original engine and i do all work myself or help from trusted friend and family. I hope you can reclaim your fathers truck and have all those memories of himself and you to cherish ❤

 

Decisions... Decisions...