I own a lifted 2000 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 quad cab short box with the offroad package from the factory. It has a 7 inch lift, 37 inch tires does everything I want and the engine is the 5.9 v8 Only things the truck has needed was a transmission rebuild, a computer and a ring and pinion set (as far as major assemblies) I've done all the ball joints once, driver's side again and front U joints twice now. Did the joint at the pinion over the summer. Alternator and other small stuff over time.
Transmission went out because the computer was not commanding proper lockup, over time it went out. Computer was the cause for it all.
I have 258,000 miles on the truck. Original engine, hard life, there is no ford or chevy that can take the overweight, overtowing and off road abuse this truck can. They don't make PARTS cheap for the other trucks like they do this truck. Do the lower ball joints and upper control arms (because you cant actually do upper ball joints) on a 2000 chevy, the dodge costs under 150 bucks to do all 4, under a hundred on rock auto. Ford...well older fords are nice, but the mod motor fords belong in the scrap yard from the day they left the assembly line.
I am not a "brand" enthusiast. I am a truck enthusiast, in other words I do my research. Upkeep, mileage, comfort...these are the factors and that's pretty much it. Right now, 98-2001 rams are the best things going, nearly all are old enough to have had a transmission job done by now, the engine is absolutely proven to be the best, it's the least likely to leave you stranded, it doesnt have 8 coil packs and extra wiring, it doesnt come with faulty knock sensors and 4 expensive o2 sensors like the chevy does, and the ford. These 2nd gen dodges are a scrappers dream, well kept they will get 15mpg or better with a load in the bed, which is pretty good.
I paid 8900 bucks for my truck in 2006 with 49,000 miles on it. It has paid for itself a dozen times over, and will probably pay for itself again every year I keep it.
for 1400 bucks you could afford to put tires on it, get it tuned up properly, that is, plugs, wires, cap and rotor, oil change, transmission fluid and filter change, a band adjustment and a once over of your brakes...and I'd bet it lasts long enough to let you save up for a MUCH newer truck.
End result: Buy the dang Dodge, for 1400 bucks you literally cannot go wrong if it runs and drives.
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