I own a 2000 Dodge Ram 1500 regular cab 8ft box 4x4. Also with the 318. Bought it 2 1/2 years ago, for 350$. I had to give the rims and tires back though. The body was rotten. Truck only had 88,000 miles. Owner said the computer was bad, and that it would cost 1000-1500 dollars to fix, all the lights in the dash were lit, speedometer not working.
After much research, it seemed the part that was gone was the rear diff. speed sensor. 88 dollar part.
New front fenders are 100$ each, I found and changed the whole box for 400$, put other doors on it from another scrap donor, the only original body parts are the cab and hood. By the time I was done, it cost 4000$. But hey, now I've got a good truck. Painted her flat black. Found some Dodge rims and tires.
I've towed a lot of scrap with this truck, I can honestly say that it has paid for itself with scrap and hard work. I love my Dodge. My other vehicle is a Caravan, it has 208,000 miles and still ticking.
I've paid close attention to the tranny, the previous owner was using it to tow a bulldozer.(believe it or not) Put an AL pan on her that has finns to help with cooling.
The other thing that the Magnum series engines are notorious for is the intake plenum gasket. Not hard to research that and there is a cure (check Hughes plenum repair kit). Mine is OK for now.
Yup she is hard on the 'ol gas if you have a lead foot. But a great workhorse.
Bookmarks