1998 Dodge Ram Reviews

Major:

- Valve seat/seal (1) & fuel injectors (8) @ 218k miles

- Alternator @ 227k miles

- Fuel pump @ 249k miles

- AC compressor @ 257k miles

- LF ball joint @ 251k miles

- RF wheel bearing @ 263k miles.

Minor:

- Window switches < 210k miles

- Power seat switch < 210k miles.

**Before I got it:

- Trans rebuild (130k miles?)

- Rear-end rebuild

*** Note that previous owner used it for logging (hauling timber off road most of the time!!!)

Very reliable as I consider the repair items normal for its age. Starts instantly and immediately is ready to go - no waiting for warm-up like the Jetta or my old Pathfinder. More like my wife's Accord.

More reliable than my 2002 VW Jetta 1.8T.

Likes:

- Very good off-road (really OFF road - not simply just off pavement). Very good 4x4 truck. Solid axle is a help here, I believe.

- Radio/CD/cassette is quite good.

- Fold-down center seat console is great.

Dislikes:

- Brakes are mushy and weak.

- ABS does not disengage when in 4x4 which I do not like.

- AC not great - it's okay.

It's running a little bad right now cause I need my throttle body cleaned.

This truck is real fun to drive and gets many rubber neckers. Mine is a 1998 that's in really good condition, I was lookin for a truck that no one had and I did research on the SS/T and found out that they're really rare. I had to have one.

I have had problems with the torque converter clutch and had the throttle position sensor replaced.

Received Technical Service Bulletins Ref# 18-02-99 Date of Issue Feb. 19,1999. My truck has 115,000 miles with regular maintenance, IE oil changes, transmission checked and now it is surging again, with last replacement 7/14/05.

What is going on? And am I supposed to drive this truck into the ground? I haul a 3 horse aluminum slant load trailer and a flat bed to pick up hay once per year. Surely this problem is common, because this truck has been maintained like a baby and is paid for, and should in theory run for another 100,000. Can you guide me for some resolution?

Had to put new brake calipers on the front, the old ones were rattling, but this is normal wear, blew one fuse for inside lights, 2 new tires. Nothing else so far.

Truck is very dependable, it is the most comfortable to drive, seats are very durable, engine has more than enough power. I drove it on a 2500 mile trip and it ran flawlessly, no problems and got 18 to 20 mpg. The cab is very spacious. I am very happy with buying a Dodge Truck.

The transmission required an overhaul (not rebuild!) at 91,000 miles. This included: speed sensor, governor, overdrive solenoid, front pump bearings and input shaft & seals; I also put in a mild performance torque converter and shift kit.

Replaced speed sensor in left rear wheel hub at 90,000 miles.

Easily the best truck (and probably best auto, period) I've ever owned!

With mild performance modifications it accelerates fast and has a top end around 150 mph.

Stock suspension, wheels and tires are beyond adequate and handling is more like a sports car that a 1/2 ton truck.

The interior is very comfortable and the stock Infinity Premium sound system approaches audiophile quality.