1998 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 SLT LWB 4X4 review from North America

Constant transmission problems. Dealer tried to rebuild, and after 3 tries at rebuilding, they ended up replacing the transmission and converter clutch.

It worked fine for a few months, then I began to have problems with the converter clutch - it kept locking and unlocking for no reason (for example: while driving on level road, no wind or passing semi's to blame for causing the unlock to occur). The problem was most noticeable in overdrive.

Also, after a long trip with the converter clutch doing it's thing, the check engine light came on as a result of a bad speed sensor in the tranny (at least that's what the computer said, and yes, the computer is supposed to light the check engine light when it detects transmission problems). Dealer changed the speed sensor but it did not cure the problem.

Then, the good old check engine light came on again, this time for a bad oxygen charge sensor. Of course, the light went out before I got to the dealer, and even though they could still detect the code, the sensor did not check bad.

Personally, I think Dodge has some serious computer / sensor problems. And you know what? The 97 Chevy Blazer I got after trading the Dodge is having some of the same converter clutch problems. On the good side, the 360 ran strong, even though it only got 12 MPG.

Stay away from automatic transmissions.

Every other aspect was very good-tight, quiet cab; excellent stereo (Infinity 6 speaker CD); very sure footed in the snow, even in 2 wheel drive.

I am now looking at a Cummins diesel version with a manual tranny (go figure). That should cure my fuel economy AND tranny complaints.