Im new to the diesel market, and to any market in fact. This is going to be the first vehicle i have purchased on my own. I know i want a diesel, and am fairly sure i want a dodge because of the cummins factor. I am trying to learn as much as i possibly can about these trucks, and have a couple questions. One of them is that a guy i know who is fairly into diesels and trucks in general told me that trucks previous to the 1997 model have large problems with braking that can become quite costly, but supposedly after 1997 they are fine. Also, do you think i would be ok going for a 1997 or 98 cummins with around 100k-130k or would that crap out on me too soon, i've heard rumors about them running up to 350k, which would be amazing. i am looking to spend around 12500, and tops of 14000 if i find an amazing deal (considering im just going on 17 im not too loaded). so if anyone could help point me in the right direction that would be much appreciated! thanks

 

if you realy want to lean as much as you can click on the TDR image in my siggy. also check out Diesel Truck Resource, Diesel Ram, and The Diesel Garage.

all sites have classafied adds and I am sure you will find one close to you.

 

I would not worry too much about the brakes, I have a 96 x cab (with 400k, by the way) and recently had a front brake caliper start to stick. I replaced it myself. Total cost including new brake hose and pads was 65 dollars. Not any more than doing a 78 Monte Carlo or anything else. I would take the brake issue with a grain of salt. As far as buying a vehicle, it is totally up to your banker, unless you are buying with cash :-)

 

thanks for the help, i figured that claim my friend made about the brakes was bs. and yeah, my banker won't be much of an issue since i shall be paying in cash. i guess now it's time to bury my nose in that TDR webpage!

 

Can not remember when, but Dodge changed from Drum brakes to 4 wheel disk I doubt that was it.

 

Bad Mopar brakes? Never heard of any. I have an 89 D250 CTD 45,000 on it and the breaks are original. It'll hunker down when it has to. Oh yeah! Go with the Cummins, go Mopar.

 

99 or 2000 went to 4 wheel disc.

 

thought it was 03 when DC droped the Dana axels and went to AAM for the 4 disk setup

 

Might have been optional equipment, but I know it was available then. You might be right as far as only offering 4 wheel disc...

 

2001 was the first year of rear disc brakes for the heavy duty 2nd generation Rams. I just looked it up in the parts book.

2002 was the first (and only) year of the non-CAD front axle.