The Second Gen Dodge Ram Is The Most Important Truck Ever: Here's Why You Should Buy One NOW!

[@robertdavis3122]

My '99 Dodge Ram 1500 w/5.9L currently has 480,000 miles and is still one of the best driving, dependable vehicles that I have ever owned.

[@workct4102]

And...how many engines and transmissions have you had?

[@robertdavis3122]

@@workct4102 The engine is still the original has never been rebuilt. The transmission was rebuilt once at 225,000 miles. Probably the most frequent maintenance item beside oil changes over the years has been front brakes and rotors. I know I've had to replace them at least 8 times.

[@BenDover-pd8hg]

5.9 straight 6 or 5.9 v8

[@robertdavis3122]

@@BenDover-pd8hg 5.9 V8

[@boe2923]

Any major issues. I just purchased a 01 with the 5.9 4x4

[@penguru21]

This truck set the styling of the majority of trucks from all brands for the next 20 years.

[@bodiespizza]

Too bad Ford sold the rights to the Cummins and the Gen 2 body style to Dodge. It could have been phenomenal truck, but Dogge chose poorly in their engineering and materials used in their construction.

[@johnpoole8321]

@@bodiespizza Really, I have 4 from 2000 through 2003 still running.

[@stanr3491]

Would be an interesting comparison series, the “inflation challenge”, old vs new original sticker cost adjusted to inflation. Which era gave us the most bang for our Buck in features and options

[@bobhill3941]

That is a really cool idea.

[@ChallengerDood]

The Henry Ford museum in Detroit has an interesting exhibit on this topic. Each car in the exhibit ranging from early 1900’s up to modern day, they list the msrp compared to average household income at the time, as well as msrp adjusted for modern dollar value. In general, the cars have gotten cheaper compared to income over time.

[@bobhill3941]

@@ChallengerDood very cool, thanks for that, yes, I've noticed that myself.

[@jamesbeaman6337]

@@ChallengerDood it’s actually the same way with gasoline as compared to the 1980’s, even with the higher prices we are seeing in the spring of 2022.

[@RandomGuyDan]

I actually just did that. A modern regular cab 4x4 5.7 can be spec'd out similar to this, with some options like an 8" touchscreen you couldn't get in 1995, for slightly less than the sticker on this.

[@InfiniteSith136]

Approaching 600k miles with mine. I performed a top end rebuild at 250k and a bottom end rebuild at 420k, all the while keeping up with routine transmission maintenance. The 318 and 360 magnums are the two unsung heroes of the V8 realm that refuse to die.

[@DylanCanady]

Do you get any problems with your truck like having engine problems that has to be rebuilt?

[@InfiniteSith136]

@@DylanCanady knocking on wood, but no. Last time I did a rebuild was about 3 years ago

[@turd__ferguson]

my 97’ with a 5.9 360 has 320k on it as of right now, still runs like the day i bought it

[@BIGD-wl8ks]

do you have any rust problems with it like the rocker and the bottom of the truck?

[@andrewjohnson7645]

@@BIGD-wl8ksmine has bad rust on the rockers but i bought it for practiclly nothing 3 years ago and it came from the rust belt so i cant complain to much it hasn’t let me down

[@poppyneese1811]

My brother-in-law had one, it was ice blue with white stripes, it was beautiful, sit up high and sounded great. It’s hard to realize now just how different this Dodge looked compared to everything else on the road at that time, looked like a semi and no matter your brand it was a sharp looking truck.

[@kyle583]

My dad had this exact truck when I was growing up. Year, color, cab size, wheels, interior everything. Thanks for sharing this! Very nostalgic to watch this.

[@theramquest4advanture.]

I have a '97 Ram 1500 with a 360 V8 auto and so far has 281,900 miles and still going strong with original engine and trans. I've owned the truck for 9 years now and have almost put 90,000 miles on it myself. If you take care of them they will last.

[@ramrider1453]

Wow. Not bad at all. I like that year and style Ram. I have a 2019 Longhorn and hope to put that many miles on also. 👍

[@seanbutler2291]

I can guarantee that transmission isnt original, or its been rebuilt. Unless u got the manual. But no damn way that transmission is completely from the factory no work done.

[@theramquest4advanture.]

Well the guy I got from said that it hadn't been changed and I haven't changed it in the 9 years I've owned it. Does the trans have numbers on it to proof that its original to this truck? If so I will try to find the numbers and take a picture to proof it.

[@theramquest4advanture.]

I don't guess you would believe that it still has cold A/C either and I think I charged it up one time about 4 or 5 years ago and it still works good so far. The truck does need some work, like exhaust work, needs A frame bushings on drivers side but other then that the front end is ok, needs painting, needs tires soon and a few things like that. I think the main thing that helped keep the trans going is that I put external trans coolers on it and I keep the trans fluid changed regular. I think the cooler in the radiator doesn't keep the trans cool enough. So the external trans coolers help keeps the trans cooler and on the road. Believe it or not all I know is I've put 90,000 miles on the truck myself and haven't changed the trans out yet.

[@whodini225]

I’ve got a ‘99 with a 360 v8 auto as well. I mine has 253,000 miles on it right now. It has a few issues but to my knowledge the engine and transmission weren’t altered. Now, I will say that my transmission is getting worn out and my transfer case is not well. It’s a wonderful truck. They just need some love from time to time and that’s okay. Anyone want to make suggestions for my next transmission? I don’t plan to stay OEM seeing how unreliable they have been.

[@texandy89]

When I watched Twister when I saw Bill Paxton driving that red Dodge Ram and hearing that engine going through tornadoes that's my dream truck having that red Dodge Ram from Twister. RIP Bill Paxton no way man no way man

[@jimmiemacd3603]

That’s when my ram love started for me. I saw that movie in theaters and didn’t realize it was a v10 2500 till years later.

[@texandy89]

@@jimmiemacd3603 same here I heard they used a 1500 and a 2500 I'm not sure if that's true or not but man that red dodge ram is one of my dream trucks to own also my other dream truck is the Dantes peak GMC or Chevy Suburban from the movie.

[@texandy89]

@@jimmiemacd3603 I wish Dodge went back to calling their trucks Dodge Ram instead I do love the older body styles of trucks from Ford the Highboy trucks or Ranger 250s or Chevy Chyanne trucks man I'm 34 years old and I've always admired trucks semis and cars back in the day

[@jimmiemacd3603]

@@texandy89 I’m not sure i watched it pretty closely and it looked like the same truck but I could be wrong. Now I’m gonna have to watch it again and investigate.

[@jimmiemacd3603]

@@texandy89 I’m the same way I’d take a clean 3rd gen over a 5th gen any day of the week

[@jacobbenns6090]

I have a 2001 single cab short bed 5.2l with the 5spd and posi 4x4, got it from the 1st owner with no rust and the only mods being some speakers, some bolt on performance parts and a custom tune, and of course 32 inch KO2s, she's my baby and I'll have her forever!!!

[@Js16108]

That 360 can pull a non running, loaded semi and not feel like it is struggling. Very impressed by it, and it goes 400,000 miles

[@frankfalkenburry5373]

Had a 95 with the 5.9. Drove it daily for 10 years before selling it couple years ago, no issues just routine maintenance. Great truck never left me stranded.

[@erickisel8668]

My father bought a 1995 Ram1500 as a retirement gift to himself to replace his 1987 Dakota. It was a regular cab 2nd Laramie SLT with the 318 engine in bright red and silver lower tutone. I bought it from him in 2003 and then my brother in law took it over after that. A lot of hard working miles on it over time. Good memories, thanks.

[@Shi7boxGarage]

I have the same exact truck. What state was it in? Just curious if its the same one 😁

[@GLHS592]

I have loved these Dodge Rams since the first time I saw one in a magazine. When I was in college, I remember hearing the local Dodge dealer had one in stock, so we all loaded up and made a beeline down to see it. We all loved it. I knew I'd own one someday. I still have the Ram SS/T I bought new in 1998 and it has under 65k miles on the clock. I also had a 1997 Ram Cummins dually. It is still my favorite pickup truck bodystyle. All that said, I think this truck gets too much credit for revolutionizing the truck market. People forget that the GMT-400 (1988-1998 GM trucks) had flush window glass, no vent windows, a raked back windshield, and a more comfortable ride. It didn't have the bold stying of the 1994-2001 Dodge Rams, but they were the beginning of pickup trucks that were more car like.

[@TheCapn23]

I so hyped as a little kid when the 2nd gen came out. I even got the Dodge Ram RC car for Christmas!

[@DerrickDoddweatitagain]

This was the first truck I fell in love with as a teenager. I think it was when I saw it on Die Hard III. Now I'm feeling all nostalgic. 🥺

[@danielsweeney6742]

I own a 97 Dodge built in 1996 been on the road for every year since bought.

[@cadenhermann9583]

I just bought a 2001 hunter Green long bed reg cab with 28,000 miles original im third owner but finally got one after 20+ of seeing them when I was a kid. Best truck ever

[@bergelmir9970]

I had a 1999 model in the same color but with grey interior and it was a manual transmission with Flowmaster exhaust and the 5.2. Loved that truck!

[@timtimtimmay4654]

I truly believe these will be the next popular classic trucks in the line of Broncos, Blazers, and SBCs. Best part is how much aftermarket they already have and how many are too far gone to restore. If you happen to be lucky enough to own one in great shape, hold it.

[@strangerdanger1271]

It is hard to make a classic out of a Dodge truck as they usually end up in the junk yard early on.

[@timtimtimmay4654]

@@strangerdanger1271 the three in my driveway beg to differ.

[@selfcarefordudes]

@@strangerdanger1271hmmm not really true. Classic Truck sales channel sells mostly classic Rams that are still in absolute pristine condition. A few Fords and GMs but not many are left.

[@fernandoduarte9584]

​@@strangerdanger1271is not dude, if u have the money nothing is imposible

[@GregJoshuaW]

@@fernandoduarte9584 Well... good luck finding a replacement dash, that's all I'll say.

[@iplaymytele]

I have owned my 1998 2 Wheel Dr. club cab, 318 magnum 1500 dodge ram for 10 years now…..! I purchased it because it is absolutely the best looking pick up truck design. I have seen in my 69 years. ….👍🏻 I love the Studebaker front end the way it rides and drives …! It could use a paint job, but I don’t see that happening…🎶❤️👍🏻

[@sirmoney2762]

My grandfather bought new Red.. 1995 Ram 5.9 magnum single cab long bed 4x4 for his tree service business.....This truck can take a beating and handle it seen it do so much hill climbs, jumped one in someone backyard....so many memories..he kept it 11 years

[@jbandt]

I had one of these back in the early 2000'. still a great looking simple machine. 👌

[@raphaelhernandez4088]

I love the second gen rams I have a 96 Indy ram I've had it for 17 years. And they did change the rules and they still look good almost 30 years later.

[@chrisblanton1087]

Walker Texas Ranger made this truck famous everyone had one. Still one of my favorite truck designs.

[@riv6580]

Love to see a fellow rocker foo in a 2nd gen. My 94 5.2 is coming along! Long bed with a camper! Bought it with less than 150,000 on her for a grand. 1 owner!

[@glocksrock1]

My first brand new truck was a 94 short wheel base with a 318. Loved that truck.

[@odiarroyo6144]

I have a 94 long b 5.2 5 speed 87 thousand miles in it now

[@kevinthomas-ft3xg]

Still have my 97 1500 Sport extended cab. 103,000 no rust garage kept for past 22 yrs bought new. Its my baby. Still strong and smooth idle.

[@MrMurph111]

They are great trucks…I’ve owned mine for 23 years…technically I’m the original owner cause it was a corporate lease vehicle and a woman exec drove it. It is a 1998 Shortbed 2wd Sport standard cab with the 5.2 magnum and a 5 speed manual!!! I purchased it with 6,900 miles and she now sits with 310,000 miles and I still drive it everyday! I added a color matched cap and bed rug that I’ve gone camping in many times. Love it and will never sell it.

[@arlenvanderhoff6546]

I have a 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 quad cab. I live in Michigan so it's pretty rusty but it runs and drives great!! Mine was also a one owner when I bought it in 2003. I still love it!!

[@DanoFSmith-yc9tg]

Ive had a 2001 2500 24v for about 15 years now, bought it when I was 20, the best purchase ive ever made in my life. So unbelievably reliable. And just about a month ago I bought a 2001 Mexican market only RamChager with the 5.2L. Ive had other beater trucks over the years aswell with just the 5.2, and for the most part theyve been pretty damn good and reliable also. I love this body style truck way way too much.

[@chrisramsey3603]

Love it! I purchased a one owner 1994 Ram 1500 5.2L V8 Magnum with 55,000 original miles a couple months ago and I love it. It was repainted 4 yrs ago to match original color and has new rims and has new leather seats as well. He spent 12,000 on it 4 yrs ago, new paint, leather seats, new rims and tires, sprayed in bed liner, tinted windows etc.Hope it lasts me a long time.

[@shockcoach]

My 97 4x4 1500 5.2L has 215,000 miles on it. 2nd engine at 210,000. Rebuilt the transmission at 120,000. Still going strong.

[@eldelaram9890]

I have a 1998 dodge ram with 284000 miles second owner very happy with my ram

[@JB-uk8hw]

I had a 1996 and I got rid of it after it was ready for its 2nd major overhaul of front axle. They actually mentioned the looseness of the front end and I can verify that. I will say that the truck did have over 250,000 miles and I loved it. 2nd favorite vehicle I have ever owned.

[@shugatoast7844]

doing my research before purchasing a 95 or 96 Dodge ram 3500 V8 Magnum 147k miles runs great 1 owner & I know and trust the seller I can get it for $5000, sounds like a good deal to me

[@mitchelllong5848]

My dad had one of these with the 5.9 and 8 ft bed single cab in white. I loved that truck,the seats I missed the most

[@dwarrior6699]

You just describe my father truck , 5.9 L white ram regular cab long bed

[@717UT]

Just bought a 95 with the 5.9 and 4x4. It has 234k miles and she's super crusty and rusty. But, it was cheap and it runs strong. I bought it as a work/knock around truck. However, I know me. I will be hitting salvage yards to fix things as I go. I love tinkering on a project. And I really love old trucks. I think it really is a passion.

[@shugatoast7844]

doing my research before purchasing a 95 or 96 Dodge ram 3500 V8 Magnum 147k miles runs great 1 owner & I know and trust the seller I can get it for $5000, sounds like a good deal to me

[@717UT]

@@shugatoast7844 if you trust the seller, sounds like a great deal. I'd say, find a really good transmission shop and have it serviced once you buy it. My old crusty truck eventually had the transmission crap out and I sent it down the road.

[@gromitdodge]

Still got my 97 ram that I use as a daily driver. It’s a club cab 2wd manual model with the same color and I get 16 mpg with city and 19 on the highway.

[@buddy8225]

These are my favorite year of Dodge trucks, owned two of them. 😊

[@OffGridandWhiskey]

I just picked up a 1997 3500 dually Laramie Cummins with 169k. His 'Cadillac on clouds' line fits perfect. The best truck I've ever owned. Pretty dang easy to work on. Love it!

[@sdjrinc.6921]

I still remember being at a dodge dealership when this came out, we was at the dealership getting my older brothers 93 intrepid es serviced and they had a celebration on the show room floor/ waiting area when they rolled the 94 silver ram into the show room floor

[@strangerdanger1271]

Of course you were getting that intreped serviced 😂 Our county made the mistake of buying Intrepeds as police vehicles. Always in the shop.

[@Grayskull77]

I've always loved the 2nd generation Dodge Ram trucks. I own a 99 Dodge Ram 1500 short bed with the 3.9 V6 and 5 speed manual transmission. I plan to swap out the V6 for a 5.2 V8.

[@JJ_02]

My dad had the this same truck except it was a crewcab, with a short bed, grey paint job, and a manual transmission, with the magnum v8. It was all stock had nothing done to it!! I remember driving it for the first time! I was probably like 16 and when I first started it i just remembered the engine roar and sound so mean! The take off was so easy for me even tho I never drove manual before. I only remember driving it a few times after that in 2020 but then my dad took it too mexico and i never saw it again. I really miss that truck and wished my dad passed it down to me. I definitely want to buy one and restore it back to the version of my dads!

[@kencooper2059]

Yep, Dodge rocked the pickup world with this truck! I had a '97 club cab with the 360. Overall, great truck, except I had the "anti-spin" diff which was problematic. Otherwise, loved the truck! Mine was loaded for the day, and it was gorgeous!

[@williammorgan5987]

That anti spin rear dif should have been renamed as “anti you’re going anywhere on 9th st because the sky dusted snow and now a minivan is pulling you out” Or at least that was my experience lol

[@constancekrischan9967]

‘00 2500 4X4 5.9 magnum V8 best truck ever! One feature that most people don’t mention is on a Dodge ram second generation if you cycle the ignition three times that is click it to just before you crank it over three times on your digital odometer it will read out any error codes from your check engine light.

[@CG-zh1td]

I got my father's 99 Dodge CTD 4X4 quad cab from his estate. Garage kept, 62,000 miles, absolutely mint. When I stop to fill it up I often get comments like "wow - that looks like a new truck!". The Cummins 24 valve sound is just awesome. I'll be keeping it until I'm gone.

[@jonathanfreedom1st]

I seen the movie Twister back in 1995 and I said I will have one some day. Well fast forward to 2010 I finally got one. Only took 15 years. Mine is a 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 5.9 shortbed Sport. Lifted 2 inch in front 3 in rear and has all LED lights Roof light bar and LED tail lamps with Nitto 33s Ridge Grapplers. Duel exhaust and Rebuilt engine and trans. Meyer Snow plow mount, working AC Tow mirrors power everyhing Leather , tinted windows and ventshades, tool box LED strobe lamps. Rough country Duel steering dampers and 3/4 ton front coil springs and a steering stabilizer with upgraded front brakes with dried and slotted brake rotors and upgraded sway bar links.

[@bootsiewhite]

By far my favorite generation! I had one and miss it terribly.

[@mr.anonymous41]

I OWN A 2001 RAM 1500 OFFROAD. FACTORY 3 INCH LIFT, FULLY LOADED - OVER 215K AND STILL GOING STRONG AND IT STILL LOOKS AMAZING.

[@John-zs2eo]

You probably take care of it. Most of the horror stories I'm reading are mostly due to lack of maintenance and from being left outside continuously. My 97 was garaged most of the time, until I moved to Nevada. Now it doesn't get inside much because I'm always using it!

[@urygen]

Stepdad just sold his 2500 w/ the 24v cummins. Was from down south and the dash was crack free, and frame was treated yearly thing was rust free. was an absolute beauty wish I could have picked it up!

[@isaiahspinks8070]

I have a 01 1500 with the 318 and it just hit 250k and it still pulls like a hoss. It’s a ST with regular cab and long box with 7800 max tow. I pull a equipment trailer with it that holds Construction scaffolding and it weighs maybe 7k in total and the truck pulls it very good. Only complaint is that it doesn’t like breaking under load. It came with the 46RE and it’s still alive. It was originally by Great grandfathers, then my great uncle, then my grandfathers and now it’s mine. Overall a very great truck

[@mulletsquirrel]

I bought a 99 Ram this spring and it's been great. Has its issues (rust and the crumbling dash), but can't complain too much for just a couple thousand dollars these days.

[@stevenholloway4257]

My first truck was a 94 Ram just like that one but I had the short bed. Loved that truck.

[@Giitzerland]

Going on 280k in my 98' 318 powered Ram, still runs great, but needs bottom end rebuilt before 300k. I love this truck :)

[@keithfuller6142]

I have this one’s twin in North Carolina. 100,000 miles 1994 single cab long bed. Dash has ZERO cracks 😮

[@Kyler-cj7dq]

I am 15 and my dad just bought me a 99 last year with 90,000 miles. Did the plenum repair and put a Gibson exhaust on it. I get 16 miles to the gallon and I absolutely love it!

[@MichaelSmith-kr9qw]

I don't own a Dodge Ram of that era. I do own a 1999 Dodge Dakota Club Cab 5.2l NV-3500HD 5-speed 3.90 Sure Grip 2wd with the HD Service Group. It doesn't have the issues that plague its Bigger Brother the Ram like the Dash disintegrating. I've only had a couple small issues arise in the 230,000 miles of faithful service. The factory water pump finally failed about 2000 miles ago so I order up brand new Gates Water Pump kit and Hoses replaced the Idler and Tensioner Pulleys and Serpentine Belt for a total cost of $212 dollars. The Clutch was replaced about 100,000 miles ago with a CenterForce II and Pressure plate as I accidentally smoked the stock clutch getting a forklift that got high centered on a concrete driveway. I run Mobil 1 Synthetic Motor Oil with Wix XP Filter. Up Next is a full suspension upgrade with all Mevotech Parts with Bilstein Shocks. I paid $18,795 for my Dakota Brand New and it keeps on delivering years after years of faithful service. I use it daily to tow my Lawn Utility Trailer. With the cost of new pickups these days reaching into the $100k mark I will just keep on fixing up my Old Truck and enjoy it for another couple decades.

[@prestonhoffman811]

‘99 1500 with 180,000 miles on it. Family truck my grandpa bought it brand new and I got it from my dad last year, just finally started putting some work into it

[@29madmangaud29]

back in '96, my exwife bought one of these, with a 5.2 and a 5speed tranny, She drove it, I paid for the gas, and She would be getting 15 City, and 19 city/hwy. One trip we took up way north into California, we were getting 26mpg on the freeway!!!

[@ronyvilleda3045]

26 mpg fwy never never v6 nop

[@Alexanderofthe9th]

Lmao no it didnt

[@johndoe-xs4ph]

Got a 96 2wd 2nd gen with 237,000km its rusted out pretty good oh canada but shes got so much power inner still.

[@ethanlong4670]

I got a 2001 Ram 1500. It's a regular cab short bed with the 5.2 Magnum. Only 2wd but it has a 5 speed manual. Only got it for 1,500 bucks. It's got a 178,000 miles and still runs like a champ.

[@Ramblin_Rob]

I couldn’t agree more that this generation of the Dodge changed pickups forever. I bought 3 of them for my crews that year. Thanks Tommy.

[@willydiesel2081]

I bought one for my landscape company and that was the last new Dodge I ever owned no that's not true right traded my 94 in on a 96 because of all the transmission issues I was only getting 9,000 miles per transmission traded the 96 in for a 98 and the 98 had four wheel drive 5.9 motor and dump body of course but man just transmissions and brakes and electrical issues and finally traded that in on a 99 Chevy HD 6.5 turbo diesel.

[@9DodgeFan]

Thanks for sharing this video! The 2nd gen Rams are still my all-time favorite vehicle, and probably always will be! Yes, they have a few quirks, but their styling is timeless and they're overall well-designed and reliable. The first vehicle I ever owned was a 1994 RCSB 4x4 (5.2L V8), which I unfortunately had to sell to get something with a back seat. I now have a 2002 QCSB 4x4 (CTD) and plan on keeping it forever! The aftermarket community/support is fantastic, so that makes things fun and easy (at least easier than it could be)!

[@j.thomasmelvin2015]

I bought a slightly used 2000, 2500 in 01. Wished I had it rustproof and undercoated, still my daily driver. Bought a 2000, 3500 with the V-10 in Dec. of 21, body in good shape, other issues that are minor. Love that style, maybe prior to 1948 also love those styles

[@johnmyers8415]

own a 99 2500 5.9 gas manual 4x4 reg cab. 176000 on it and its still running strong. love this trk.

[@325xitgrocgetter]

It was probably September or October of 1993....the 1994 Rams were arriving at Dodge dealerships.....I went to look at them and was talking with the sales rep who was really excited about having them to sell...and pointed over his shoulder to a 1993 Chevy Silverado...and said, "see the Chevy over there? A guy just bought it a few months ago and had to trade it for the new Ram." Considering how long the previous truck was around this was a huge change. I kind of miss those days...Chrysler was purging itself of it's old design and was introducing a new product almost annually...from the Viper...to the LH cars, the Neon, the Ram...the Cloud Cars...and the third gen minivans.

[@daveevans7151]

What a great truck! Thanks for sharing it. 2nd gen (96) and 3rd gen (03) owner and dash crapped out in both lol. Loved that truck and am now driving a 5th gen...sold the 03 a couple years ago. Have always loved the Ram styling as a truck guy. This makes me miss my 2nd gen!

[@ricosuave3497]

I miss My old 2001 2nd gen very clean for 253k miles my dad bought in 2003 with 17k on the clock then I got it for 3500 bucks from him in 2013 it still had a nice dash and factory everything, I still had the original cassette deck but I swapped it out for a pioneer headunit.

[@damiangutierrez9103]

This is one of my favorite gen Ram trucks ever.

[@TheTechCguy]

These are still solid trucks, man! I drove one of these myself! 1999 1500 with 35s and a 7 inch lift kit. But, from experience, stock build V8 trucks are better for economy and it's still all you want in a full size truck. Lol! Childhood and nostalgia! Total throwback!

[@John-zs2eo]

My 1997 Dodge with the Magnum V8 got a new heart in 2023 at 225k miles. I removed the box at that time, and currently running a homemade wood bed while a fabricator makes a short bed flatbed frame and all the needed junk to make it into a flatbed, including painting the frame and new exhaust tips welded on etc. He's fabricating the tail end too because I'm not messing with the bumper and tow stuff as it sits currently. What surprised most everyone who has seen it was the lack of rust on the vehicle but mostly no rust to speak of on the frame. They said that's amazing for Dodge. Funny thing is when I bought the truck in 97 in California, the dealer was on the central coast, and I proceeded to live in the coastal foothills in the area for the next 22 odd years. It spent many nights in the parking lots of various marinas along the coast due to our family sailing ALL the time. It's been a great truck; it gives me pleasure to keep it up and running in new ways and having new uses for it, until I'M no longer running, or useful, lol.

[@denisestarr2314]

I have the 1995 shot bed Larime 4x4 Green n crome . $ 2500 have had some small agrivating problems after a year . Great old truck. Dash is gone . Used a thick outdoor rug for the cover lol . Truck is solid . 4x4 works . Jolene, shes a mountain goat for sure . Campershell . Makeing a bugout , offgrid , all terrain , bondocking rig ...

[@robbyparsonson2051]

I still have my '94 Dodge Ram 1500 that my great-grandfather bought new. It became my first vehicle and now it sits with 78k miles in a hell of a lot better shape than that 46k mile one in the video. They are awesome trucks though.

[@jasonfalk7696]

Those 360 Magnums (5.9 L) were rated at 235 horsepower. You could buy that same production engine without that beer keg intake, but with a traditional 4 barrel intake, and it made 300. Most that went on a dyno actually made more than that, with a basic carb. They also used moly rings, and even after 200k miles, you could still see the crosshatch on the cylinder walls.

[@joshpodolsky7740]

Just so you know just because you can still see crosshatch doesn't mean it's functional anymore. Plenty of modern engines you will see cross hatch even after hundreds of thousands of miles. But the grooves are so minute that they barely function anymore.

[@Ulfstigandr]

The big issue with the magnum is the heads, they crack between the valves. A nice set of aftermarkets cures that.

[@alexgrindnshine2522]

@@joshpodolsky7740you are correct. The few high mileage 360 I have pulled the heads on you could see the cross hatches but the cylinder no longer had the dull crosshatch look you get when first hone the cylinder. More of polished look. Needless to say the block never had a lot of wear in the cylinder walls, in general the bottom ends on 318-360 don’t usually wear out or have issues.

[@selfcarefordudes]

Cool to see all the Ram owners come out about their high mileage Rams still going strong. You still see these old Rams on the road everywhere. Great trucks!

[@Madhuntr]

Got my 98 ram 1500 short cab long bed with the 5.2L 4x4 manual transmission about 3.5 years ago. Bought it with 85k miles and now has 95k miles. I live in germany and i love it. TÜV is around the corner for mine and i had to fix some of the more common flaws but all in all. Reliable and just fun to drive

[@korn111685]

I’ve had all types of 2nd gen Rams. 1500, 2500, 3500. Gas 318, 360. 12v Cummins, 24v Cummins. Auto, manual. Single cab. Club cab. Quad cab. 1994-2001. I’ve had a lot. They have their issues. But… the value for the dollar is insane. Parts are relatively cheap and easy to get. Grab a nice one because these will go up in value at some point.

[@rossedwardmiller]

My boss has a 2nd gen ram (01 I believe) and he still drives it occasionally. Definitely some wear and tear but a really great old truck for weekends and weather

[@Tommy-rr7ez]

Ive got a 94 Dodge Ram 2500 single cab long bed with 5.2- 318 5 speed manual. 137,000 miles. Looks brand new and i love it.

[@kalebaldwin5398]

I think the GMT400 was the first 'modern' pickup truck. There was nothing else like them when they came out in 1988. They were the first full size pickups to use double wishbone-style IFS on 4x4 models. The half-tons were almost like the big body-on-frame cars of the 70s: pretty smooth ride, over boosted power steering, extremely comfortable front seats, etc. They're quite pleasant to drive, even now.

[@bobhill3941]

My great uncle was an engineer on the GMT 400 team back then at the Oshawa GM plant in Ontario Canada. My uncle and the father of a high school girlfriend I had both drove one and I can attest to the comfortable ride.

[@kalebaldwin5398]

@@bobhill3941 That's pretty cool! There's been a lot of these trucks in my family over the years, the last one being a 1998 Sierra Z71. Extended cab with 3rd door, Indigo Blue Metallic. Unfortunately, the engine overheated and it lost all compression. I probably would've swapped another 350 in, but the body was so rusted out by then I decided to sell it. It only had around 151k on it. Lotta memories in that truck, which we still refer to as the "blue truck". Everybody loved driving it. I learned to drive in it. My stepfather bought it used in 2006, and replaced it in 2014 with a 2012 Silverado. It was handed down to me after that. My mom found it much easier to drive than the 2012, which she finds rather bulky and cumbersome. I miss that truck, so much that I'm often driving it in my dreams.

[@bobhill3941]

@@kalebaldwin5398 Thanks Kale, that's really cool. Your life history with the gmt400 makes me think of the songs new old trucks by James Barker band and Joe Diffie's pick up man.

[@nickgabrielson8407]

I had the 1994 version of that truck in 2wd. Loved it. Only weakness was that transmission. Had it rebuilt twice. But that 5.9L v8 was so nice. I usually got about 11mpg.

[@MrJeep75]

I was a senior in high school class of 94' when these trucks came out, my welding shop teacher wanted one bad

[@Shawncombat]

2:45 that debris in the back of the truck, took your smile away really fast

[@lCREEPINGDEATH1]

Lololol Im just now seeing this!!! So that's what happened to the script

[@jacoblaws5268]

I have a 1997 dodge ram 1500 v8 magnum 318. Automatic transmission 4x4. 145,000 miles. SLT Laramie. Two toned brown and silver. Got the truck free as my neighbor just wanted it off his property and put about $4100 in repairs and slight mods (headlights,taillights). This truck runs good. Is a little bit of a gas hog but expected for an older truck. I had some random offer me 2k for it and I was in disbelief with the offer of such a cheap price. I won’t sell this truck. I want to put a lift, beef the transmission, possibly engine swap, new wheels and tires, and definitely a new paint job.

[@DannyLanders-k7z]

Same here. But mine’s not a 4 wheel drive.

[@zakthornton4853]

Currently have a 97 2500 4x4 with the 5.9 and 83,000 original mi and I love it,... Plenty of power, easily gets me to work, love's when I toss a load in the bed or haul anything and my kids adore how it rumbles when I drop them off at school, painted it matte black and it still drops jaws at red lights 👍❤️ great truck

[@Karen-wc1tq]

I have a 1995 SLT Laramie 1500 5.9 L 359 long bed, extended cab 4 WD with 85,000 miles. Excellent condition and looking to SELL. It's a great truck Located in western NY. Has been a great truck but no longer needed. Towing package. Original owner

[@richardbates2367]

I have a second owner well it is now a 2000 dodge ram laramie slt quad cab long bed 5.2 litre 318 magnum v8 46 RE AT gloss black with most of a white pinstripe and the front bumper,rear bumper and grille is factory semi gloss black. 176k miles

[@BrownBomber92181]

My dad had a 98 Ram 1500 quad cab, short bed 2wd Laramie with the 5.9. It was a really nice truck, actually rode quite nice & the interior was nice as well. The engine sounded mean and old school, but those magnum engines were a lot weaker than what they were rated at. In 98 the 5.9 made 245 hp & 335 lbs/ft of torque. My 97 Fl150 had the same setup as my dads and had a 2v 5.4 with the non Pi heads making only 235 hp & 330 lbs/ft of torque, but it would walk away from my dads truck, did much better up hills and with a load on it as well.

[@jamesaandf]

Owned 2, a ‘94 LWB 5.9 regular cab 2wd and a ‘95 SWB 5.2 regular cab 2wd. Both red. Preferred the SWB as it was a city truck mostly. But he’s right about the mpg. They were so popular at the time I traded the ‘94 with about 9,000 miles for the ‘95 for less than $1,500 with almost identical equipment except the engines and beds. The ‘95 also had the argent lower paint trim which I preferred.

[@golfco4life]

99 5.2 with 260k. best free vehicle i've owned, 3rd best i've ever owned. i can get 15.5 to 16 mpg doing highway driving. i'll drive it til the wheels fall off....then try to put them back on!!

[@texaslabman]

2000 1500, 3.9. Smallest engine but is bulletproof. Never any problems. Just replaced a few parts and rebuilt transmission. 200 k miles so far. Zero rust , everything works & no check engine lights 3:47

[@Alexanderofthe9th]

Had 2 of them, and its why I picked up my 4th gen 1500 A lifted black 2nd gen sport is just unbeatable compared to the other 90s trucks.. obs comes close 2nd

[@stevemellin5806]

I use my 95 1500 Every day .runs great I'll keep it for ever ......I put Moon eyes caps on the wheels . what a difference .I get thumbs up a lot .

[@epoxy1710]

The dodge logo was perfect.

[@briancupp6767]

I have a 99 dodge sport 4x4 love it I upgraded steering shaft and put that solid frame stabilizer bar on made judge diff

[@JRs-guitars]

Nice to see these kids appreciate the older vehicles

[@turboash78]

Bring back the gorgeous 3D metal RAM head hood ornament! My Dad's Ramcharger had one when I was young.

[@mikegomez2448]

I had a 1998 ram 1500 quad sport 4x4 short bed with the 5.9 360 gas motor best truck I ever had!! 300,000 miles the only thing I did was put a new rear end in it. Wish I still had it when I got a 2004 ram 1500 it was just parked and someone offered me some money and I let it go to make more room in the drive way

[@jeffreyyeater1780]

I have the same truck , same color . 1998 though . Love it .

[@MM-ig2zq]

I have a 1997 SST. Green with white stripes. 5.9L with 200,000 miles. Will never sell. This truck was only made in 97 and 98 after the 96 Dodge pace truck. Runs like a deer. Upon starting the truck put it in neutral before driving while you buckle up, you’ll thank me later.

[@adammorris7172]

I have always liked the 2nd gen Dodge trucks. However, I currently own a 3rd gen which is a 2002 so the first year of the 3rd generation and last year for the 5.9 magnum gas engine. It is a regular cab long box sport package in black. I just took it on a short trip a few hours away. Total miles was just over 500 miles and averaged 15.4 MPG at mostly interstate speeds of around 70 MPH. I didn't think it did too bad for the trip!