The first truck that I'm REALLY interested in is a '77 Dodge 2500 4x4 with a 318 for sale for $1300. That is all I know about her so far. The second truck is a '96 Ram 2500 4x4 V8 long bed extra cab new tires has tow package for sale for $3900 has 170,000 miles on her. What are the good, bad and uglies I should know when I go to look at them? I would be thankful for anyone's .02. Thanks in advance!! Take care!!

 

Sorry to say I am not a dodge man myself. I put up with the Dodge to get the Cummins. lol

Those old 318's and 360's were very reliable motors and last rediculously long if taken care of. Just crank them up and listen for knocking, check the oil for evidence of metal on the dipstick, and test drive.

 

same reason why i drive a dodge

 

Two good trucks in my opinion. The 318's and 360's are very good motors, I wouldn't be afraid of them the least bit. Just check for the normal things and don't be afraid to ask questions.

 

Does anyone attempt to drive a dodge for another reason? JK, those 318's are good engines, I would recommend the first truck, but that's just me, i am not a big fan of the second gen trucks, I don't like the way that chrysler does a lot of their powertrain management stuff on the trucks, but i am a chevy man so..., but either one would be ok. Just listen close for death noises from the engines, check the condition of all the fluids, make sure they shift good, and if you can jack up the front end and check for worn components. Good luck and keep us updated on what you pick.

 

same here, sorry!

 

I think it all depends on what you want to with the truck. If it's going to be a daily driver gets the 360 I think they sound the best with an exhaust system or straight pipes. But if it’s a project and have fun truck get the 318 I’m assuming the motor is carbureted and that would make it easy to add some power to it and work on. Just my thoughts

 

I drive the truck because is the a Dodge first and a Cummins second. Take that. I also plan on drivng 1st gens as long as I can scab one together to be considered road legal.

If it is a daily driver, buy the 2nd gen. If it is a play truck/cruiser/work horse etc, then buy the 77.

 

What do you use the truck for? The 77 may be full time 4x4, nice on ice and dry back and forth. The front bearings can go bad and be $$$$$$$$$ to fix unless you find parts donors. If it has manual front hubs, fewer problems. Easy to work on yourself otherwise, simple and easy to get to. The 77 has a weak elec. system and can burn up the fusebox and melt it. Open the glovebox and pull the cover and look at it.

If you live where it gets very cold, the newer truck with fuel injection starts and runs 100% better. Turn the key and go. Harder to fix yourself but used parts are much easier to find.

I would buy the newer truck if you need a reliable truck that you drive very far. Don't forget to take a car buddy along to help look at them or hire a mechanic to inspect them before purchace for peace of mind.

 

i also only put up with the dodges for the cummins. but i would rather have one over a ford anyday of the week.

 

I can't believe anyone thats owned a first gen (or 2nd or 3rd) could say they tolorate dodge just for the Cummins. What happened is that the best diesel found its way into what was already the best truck hands down.

 

Id drive Dodge even if it didnt have a Cummins under the hood.

If the 96 is in pretty decent shape, Id probably look into it. Really depends on what you want out of it...daily driver truck 96 wins. Project to bild whatever, 77 may be better, but the 96 would also be good. The bad about the 96 is the unit hub that the whole assembly has to be replaced for like $300 per side, instead of just bearings for maybe 30-50 per side in the event of bearing wear/failure. The worst about both?? NEITHER HAS A CUMMINS!!!!

 

Be prepared for poor fuel mileage with the 360 or the 318. I never had any type of good mileage with any of them, (6-10 mpg) 4x4

 

I agree. they are thirsty

 

also, the 96 - 99 dodge 360 engine had a habit of cracking the heads. Not an isolated incident either, more just a matter of time.

poor fuel mileage, sure, decent power for what they were. Other than the heads, not a bad engine.

Bought the cummins and the driveline, and it had a dodge wrapped around it, so what can I say.

Had a 73 power wagon 3/4 ton 4x4 with a 440 and a 4 speed. That was an extremely good truck, so the 01 is not the first dodge I've owned, just the worst dodge I've owned. Good Luck