I am going to look at a few Rams today, been mainly looking at 2001-2002 trucks but found a 98 12 valve extended cab automatic with 102,000 miles on it. Appears to be a clean truck, anything that I need to look for on these trucks, are the 53 blocks still an issue with this year? Also, are the automatics really bad on these? Is this still the Mechanical Injector pump, and if so any issues with those. Thanks for your help.

 

Sounds like a decent truck. I believe the 53 blocks are still an issue, but I wouldn't let that deter you from buying it. Just check on the passenger side of the block to see if it is cracked. Also check for KDP damage under the front gear case. Check the front end over to see the theres nothing majorly wrong with it. The automatics are not junk by anymeans. If you keep the truck stock you'll hve no problems with it for a while. The 98 12v is atruck that alot of people want to have, the mechanical pump on it is a lot more reliable than the 24v so check it out see what you think and enjoy.

 

Drive the truck, notice how it shifts and how it rides. Does the truck wander or shake when braking? The Injection pump in the truck should be fine. Ask about KDP and check over the front-end with a friend and a jack. Jack the truck up and try to move wheel in and out on the top or bottom of wheel, if they is any play you can play on putting on some upper and lower ball joints soon. Also check for play on trac bar. That is a rare bird, if it aint too high of price buy it. Hope that helps...

Jim

 

Thanks for the replies, what are you referring to by KDP?

 

KDP= Killer Dowel Pin. It is a pin that is located in the front gear case, it has the possibilty of vibrating out and going through the gears. To check for KDP damage use a flashlight to check under the front gear case, if it is cracked or there is oil spewing everywhere it has probably fallen. If not TST makes a kit to secure the pin so this won't happen.

 

go for it if its good!

we just bought one for $7400 short bed! we love it! but they can cost twice what we paid!

THE number
1 reason: Its got the almost bullet proof 180 hp mechanical inj pump, easy to turn up as well!
2.- its got the newer style dash (the same as up to 2002)
3. it may have for doors, better then the older ones! (some haven't)
4. it may be a short bed, (dont know what you look for)

5.- You'd have a truck they made only for a 1/2 year, (98-89.5) but very wanted! thats why we got 2 of them!

 

Have just bought a 98 Club Cab Long Bed 2WD in the last couple of weeks. Milage is a very low 44,000. This is my first Dodge after a succesion of GMs and so far i'm mighty impressed. Very Powerful,surprisingly economical and a delight to drive

 

I think I am going to have to keep on looking. It was a nice truck for the most part, Quad Cab and, Trans felt good, front end swayed (Farm Truck) and the engine ran great after jumping the batteries. The interior was nice but the body was pretty dinged and scratched up including a long scratch to the metal running almost the length of the passenger side, looks like a key or branch of a tree caught the side of it. If the price would have been better I would have taken it anyway and repaired the paint damage and front end sway, but at 20k that seemed a bit high, and they werent willing to deal on it much either. Well, I'll keep looking. Considering looking at a 2002 tomorrow, I know this is the 12 valve side but do you all think they are good trucks, I know a lot of the problems with these trucks, Lift and Injector pumps, tranny (Auto), Front End and Door Rust, seems a lot can go on with them. Are they good trucks or should I avoid them and keep looking for a 12 valve or even take the plunge on an 06?

Thanks again for all your help.

 

the 02 is a good truck, and it would do fine for you. Just get a fuel presure guage to monitor the lift pump.