Hello, New member here.

I'm looking for a Ram, one that could occasionally tow my car to the track. I need an extended cab for the family and want a short bed because I don't need a long bed and don't want the length. 4wd is a must along with an auto tranny and want a 5.9L too. A pretty specific huh???

Well I looked at one today, one of the only ones around here that are in the local classifieds.

Here's the deal.

96 Ram club cab shortbed. 5.9L auto 4x4.

The thing has 127,000 miles. It has been painted once which is looks good on the exterior (glossy) but has overspray in the jambs & areas where there was poor masking. This could be cleaned up with some work on my end.

The interior is decent but the seat is worn and has a rip, needs a new cover, other than that pretty good.

The drivers door sags, needs new bushings I guess.

No real rust that I can see, a little staining on the inside lower door edge where the skin wraps around the frame but nothing that I would be concerned about.

Engine and tranny seem fine, seems underpowered but again I comparing it to my 5.0 5 speed mustang that I drive now.

But something is definately screwy with the steering. It's sloppy and I need to correct it when hitting the brakes. I assume thats a bad trackbar which I hear is a common issue.

All in all the truck is halfway decent with a little work on my end.

He's asking $6900 but dropped it to $6500. I think if I wait and offer him $6000 he'll take it.

How much is a trackbar repair??? Is it a new bar or a bushing/rod end???

Blue book private value is around $7300 and NADA Retail is $8300 which are for "good" condition trucks.

Do you think $6000 is reasonable for a 127k mile '96 Ram that needs a little work?????

If there were tons of trucks with this combo I would pass but I need a 5.9L Auto 4x4 Ext cab shortbed and there's not many of these trucks for sale around here.

Any other pointers that I should keep a look out for????

 

That sounds like an ok deal to me, see if he'll drop it down even more.

 

I don't know, I might take a pass on this one. Make sure it is cost effective for you. It sounds like you have to invest addition money to get this one going.

 

Dont forget to check the plenum gasket at the bottom of the intake for oil staining... if it is there and has not been fixed yet... plan on fixing it. It is a common failure.

 

I definately don't mind spinning a few wrenches on my own vehicle, so the work isn't the issue.

What I was thinking. Is $6000 for the truck +another $1000 for misc parts (track bar, alignment, trim, seat cover etc) would bring this truck back to "good" condition.

I guess I'm kinda answering my own question here.