Hey guys. I'm looking at buying a used Blue 2001 Ram 1500 Off-Road with the 5.9L in it. I've heard all of the nasty rumors about Dodge and their transmissions. Should I be worried? The truck has about 58000 miles on it. I really don't want to have to put a trans into it in the near future. Also, anything else in particular I should be on the look out for? Thank you in advance! Hopefully, if all goes well, I'll be joining the ranks of Dodge owners soon.

 

How much are you paying? My buddy was looking at 99 for the price of an 03 Lease Return... I'd check that out.. Wouldn't hurt.

But my OTHER buddy has a 98 with the 5.9 (I think) and he just hit 100K and hasn't had one problem yet... YET.

I'd say go for it... Have her checked out before you buy her, if the seller has a problem with it being looked over by the mechanic then that gives you your answer there. I'm sure you have a buddy that knows his/her stuff.

 

recently bought an 02 with a 5.9L....no probs with the transmission, but make sure you try engaging the 4wd a few times.....and test the suspension out on some bumpy roads...I mean really aim right at the pot hole, make sure there aren't and funny rattles or clunks,etc.....the only problem I have had with my 2002-59K miles when bought was a bad ball joint and possibly tie rod in the steering....I should have checked more closely, otherwise, she runs great. good luck and congrats

 

Thanks for the information. I'm actually a BMW technician, so I know my way around cars/trucks... but this will be the first Dodge for me. I've had a Chevy Z71 for the last 4-years, so a few rattles are not a big concern with the new one. Actually, I drove it home tonight for an extended test drive. It was very quiet compared to my Chevy. The only problem I see right now is the fact that it needs tires (the 17-inch ones). The dealership said they'd split the cost of the tires with me. I'm getting the truck for $16K. According to Kelly Blue Book, it's worth a little over $18K. It's very clean. So far, other than needing tires, wiper inserts, and a new drivebelt... it's in very good shape. Sound like a decent deal to you?

 

I have a Patriot Blue 2001 Quad Cab 1500 Off Road 5.9 with 61,000 miles and have not had a problem with the transmission. It still shifts nice and solid, even given my driving style
I have changed the trans fluids every 12,000 miles so that might have a little to do with my good luck. As for the price that does sound like a good deal.

Enjoy your new ride!

 

alim240, sounds like we have the same truck...

Thank you all for the replies. I went and signed the papers today, so it's in my driveway for good. I've been a Chevy guy for a long time, but so far, I really like this truck. The dealership bought me two tires, so now I just need to go buy the other two, and I'll be in pretty good shape. I don't remember looking for one, but do the trannys on these trucks have drain plugs? I'm planning on flushing the coolant, doing an oil change, changing the tranny and diff fluids, and throwing a new belt and spark plugs in it this weekend... if for nothing else than peace of mind. Any tricks/tips/suggestions you guys have?

Thanks again for all of the information!