1998 Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 SLT 5.2L

Summary:

Chrysler can't build a Drive Train!

Faults:

I own a 1998 Dodge 1500 extended cab with a 5.2L engine and automatic transmission. I have replaced my transmission 2 times in 35,000 miles I bought this truck with 4,700 miles in 2000 from someone I know. I had no problems for the first year and then I began to notice that the transmission was shifting poorly. When I took it to the dealer (while still under warranty) they explained that it was shifting normal, they found no problems. A few months later I took it to a transmission shop, they dropped the transmission pan, the torque converter had come apart. Dodge and the dealer did nothing to help; I also spoke with the factory and asked for help. It cost me $1500 to rebuild and an oil cooler to fix this time.

The transmission began making a “whining” noise 14 months later. I took it back to the transmission shop and the overdrive gears were bad. They rebuilt the transmission again for ½ price.

The truck recently began a making a different “whining noise”. I took it in to the transmission shop a they said it’s not the transmission. It’s the rear end!

I give up! I don't know what to do.

General Comments:

I've had drive train problems with my Dodge Caravan. I won't be buying any more Chrysler products in my lifetime. Tell the world about Chrysler's poor quality! Maybe they get the message and build a vehicle that will be decent.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 21st July, 2003

16th Jun 2004, 19:23

I have a 1997 4x4 and the air conditioner changes from the dash to defrost vents every time I accelerate. a vacuum problem no dought, but I cannot find it.

18th Dec 2004, 13:44

The rear end went out in my 98 Dodge 1500. It wasn't just a small malfunction, the main gear broke apart. The spindle came out of the differential and leaked fluid all over the road. This happened at a stop light. When I went to go from the light all I heard was a loud bang and that was it. It was so bad the back wheels were locked up. This truck never really towed or went off road. The thing was was that I had heard a whining sound for some time from the rear end. I was advised it was a small fix at the time, but I guess I waited a bit to long. Don't procrastinate on these things.

The truck was very good to me aside from that and I would have another one. They are safe. I found that out when a car ran a stop light and smashed that truck up. It was totaled and I was not hurt. I will likely get another one.

10th Oct 2005, 03:25

I also have a 98 dodge ram 1500 ext. cab. I haven't had any problems with the rear end yet, knock on wood, but I did notice the same whining noise while in 4 wheel. eventually my front end was destroyed. I severely abused my dodge with off road adventures many of times. I also haul 2 dirt bikes all season long. I am thinking about putting 4:56 gears in it instead of the stock 3:55 ring and pinion. my truck has a hard time hauling its own wieght. maybe this will fix the problem. this truck was definitly build for the highway.

1998 Dodge Ram Pickup 2500 2WD 5.9

Summary:

Pretty good hauler

Faults:

I've had only a few problems. My horn is currently inoperable and the windshield washer reservoir leaks. It also seems like my steering is a little loose, but I can't seem to find the cause of that.

General Comments:

OK gas mileage, I just took a 2000 mile road trip with about 350 lbs. in the bed and got about 17 mpg on the freeway. This truck has one killer blind spot because of the B post behind the driver, but otherwise is a good vehicle. The seats are big in front, but I wouldn't want to have long legs if I was sitting in back. The truck can haul a lot of stuff, i.e. three cords of wood and a medium tractor, without even a sputter. But it seems to run smoother with a load in back,because of the size of the rear springs.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th July, 2003