1998 Dodge Ram 1500 Van from North America - Comments

'96 Ram B2500 Van, 140,000 miles. It's been through hell and back, towing an 8900 pound camper cross-country. Sure, parts have failed... nothing TOO serious, some are because the camper was heavier than the van's rated for. Synthetic oil really helps mileage-wise... I'm hitting lower 16's with Mobil-1 synthetic oil. The 318 (5.2L) is pretty tough. It's leaking oil at the plenum, but I'm not too concerned with it. It's been beaten pretty bad, caught in a flood (half a gallon of water in the intake manifold), ran on less than 2 quarts of oil for two months... yet still strong enough to launch my 5900lb van from 0-60 in 10 seconds.

I bought a 1996 Dodge 1500 5.2 Sport and was told the fuel pump was gone. I replaced that and there's no power going to the pump. I have changed the relays and the fuses, and still nothing. There's no gas getting to it. I have tried everything, can someone help me.

My email is lickidysplit_1983@yahoo.com

I really need help with this. I'm poor and all my money is being dumped in this cause everyone tells me the wrong parts. It would mean a lot to me if you could help me out.

I hope this helps others make informed decisions regarding 1995 to 2001 Dodge Rams.

First, I am a very experienced mechanic, so here goes.

The trucks have the following repair issues:

#1- The trannys are very prone to premature failure. I mean ALL of them. There is no oil circulating while in the park position so they usually fail just after the warranty expires.

#2- The plenum gaskets go, and they drink oil and run very poorly. Valves clatter even with a good plenum gasket.

#3- The factory cylinder heads are a very weak cast and they ALL crack between the valves.

Front universal joints, front wheel bearings, #1 connecting rod bearing (use synthetic oil), rear end bearings, A/C evaporator.

These trucks have limited power for having the larger engines and get very low MPG. Usually 12 MPG is the average. I have the 5.9L with a fresh rebuild that has less horse power than the Chevy's V6.

I got my Betsy at 95k and she had lost only a water pump in 40k. However, I too am here for Dodge fixes. My one and only girl drove her for 1 week. Now it's in need of 2 valves and rebuilt heads. My recommendation... drive her hard and put her away wet, Dodges aren't meant to be babied like Chevys and such. I was pretty rough on that there Dodge truck too, but heed my words, beat em like you stole 'em. It's more fun and the truck loves ya for it. Your girl probably won't, but the bed is there for a reason; like feet.