1999 Dodge Ram SLT from North America - Comments

I bought my Dodge Ram 1500 new in 1999. Changed oil regularly, did most oil changes myself. Had to change the tires twice, but currently have over 105,000 miles on it.

Transmission started acting funny when it changed gears about 50,000 miles, finally failed at 98,00 miles and had to be rebuilt. About 60,000 miles, the oil pressure would suddenly drop below 40 psi while running down the highway about 65 mph, then suddenly dropped to zero. Turned off engine, pulled over and checked oil level and looked the engine over, all was fine. Cranked engine and had about 50-60 psi of oil pressure. This scenario happened a couple more times in a 3 week period. Had changed the oil with 10-30 for Florida summer weather. Took it to the dealer for a checkup and they could not find anything wrong. They said they could remove the oil pan to check for sludge, but my extended warranty would not cover any repairs or the pan removal ($200.00) if sludge was found. The engine failed again and again. I would turn off the engine, coast a minute or two and crank it up. Everything was fine for a week or two. I finally bought a high volume oil pump, replaced it and the screen (sump) and the oil pickup tube. I found very little sludge in the engine. This problem still continued until I put 20-50 weight oil in the engine and it works OK. I think the oil would accumulate in the valve covers and not return to the oil pan, so the drop in oil pressure. I checked the drain holes and they appear to be too small for the oil to drain properly especially if there is a little sludge in the holes. When getting close to the 3,000 mile oil change, I can see the oil pressure begin to drop. I just make an early oil change and it works fine again.

I searched the internet and I can get a re-manufactured 318 v8 engine with a 100,000 / 7 year warranty for about $1,700.

The truck only had a 12,000 mile / 12 year warranty new. I think it is cheaper to get the new engine and change it myself than buy a new truck. I had a Dodge Dakota before this truck with transmission problems and it stalled out on me a couple times. Wind use to blow in the driver door between the rubber seal and scare the heck out of me, it sounded like a semi blowing its horn in my left ear. The regional service manager said there was nothing wrong. After several days off from work and hours of loud wind noise, I ripped the small piece of rubber seal out of the door and it never made that noise again. The large rubber seal still sealed out water and wind just fine.

I think Dodge knows they have a oil and electrical problem on their vehicles and I really hate Dodge trucks. I will not buy a Jeep Wrangler because it is a Chrysler product. I feel my best bet is to buy the new engine and keep the Dodge Ram truck. I do not want to spend another pile of money on a new vehicle just yet.

I have a 1998 Dodge Ram with 63,000 miles and it uses 2 quarts of oil in between changes of 3-4000 miles. I've been told its the intake manifold gaskets. I went to 3 Dodge dealerships in Jax. Fl, their quote is about $ 800.00 plus tax. I want to sell this truck in a good running condition as soon as posible. Where can I get Technical Service Bulletin 18-48-98? Can Dodge assume responsibility on this mechanical problem?

I bought my 99 Ram SLT 1 yr. ago with 37,000 miles on it. I have put 35,000 miles on it in that time. I have had to replace the front brakes twice (rotors & all) during that year. My rotors keep developing heat stress cracks radiating away from the center of the rotor. Anybody know what the problem (or fix) is?

I am looking to buy a Dodge truck, 1999 Quad-Cab, 360 - AT only 61,000 miles with a flatbed. It looks great! My intitial problem is, when I test drove it, it seemed to really BUCK in 4wd, worse than any truck I have ever driven, even on cold slick surfaces and it has rather slick tires. It also vibrated at 45mph, drives me nuts. The dealer says, "They all do that" I say BS. I want the truck, but after reading all of these comments I may not...

Any ideas on the BUCK?

I have a 99 dodge ram club cab 4x4.It has 63,000 miles on it and it burns two quarts of oil a week rattles when accelerating or going up hills and has the same steering wheel jump. It does have the limited slip differential and no whining noise I have read so much about. I will never own another dodge 318 in my life I'm going to lose my money on it and go get a chevrolet.

I suspect the differential noise is more common on all Dodge trucks other than the Ram.

I own a 2001 Dakota Quad Cab with the limited slip and it began to clunk when I made my first turn (left or right) after coming to a stop once I exited the highway. Turned out it was the clutch plates binding - the dealer performed mainentance to a T on the rear end and they must have forgotten to add the special additive for the limited slip because it never had any problems until about 92,000 kms. Dealer replaced the entire differential (not just limited slip) at 109,000kms out of their own pocket.

So, I believe this is prevalent on all Dodge trucks. The whining could be an improper backlash setting and is a simple fix - all limited slips whine at highway speeds. Clunking is another story... follow your diff maintenance schedules!!!

1999 Ram 1500 5.9 wow!

All I hear on this site is bad things, but to ease some peoples worries, I love my truck. 156,000 and I'm the only owner.

I've got maybe $2,400 in repairs the whole time I've had it. Awesome looking truck; it's all how ya take care of them, and face it, Dodge, Ford, Chev, they all have the same amount of issues because they build um cheap nowadays.

I remember when they were just broke in after 100,000; whatever happened to those days? Ahhh.. well.

1999 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 Sport Quad cab

Bought in 2000, used with 22,000 miles

All wiring replaced due to short at 24,000 miles (warranty)

Air conditioning 28,000 miles (warranty)

Transmission replaced 54,000 miles (warranty)

2nd Transmission replaced 58,000 miles (warranty)

Evaporator core replaced 64,000 miles (warranty)

Heater core replaced 120,000 miles at my $

Routine maintenance on a regular basis

Uses NO oil (probably added 3 quarts total in 9 years other than oil changes)

Rides fairly smooth (good for a truck)

Rear differential whines/hums, no clunking, does not effect performance, my mechanic says listen for changes, related problems or if gets worse.

LOVE my truck, even with its issues. I got my money's worth out of warranty. Used as family vehicle, wood hauler, towed trailer along with full load cross-country, coast-to coast several times.

Yeah, what's the deal with all the bad comments? People act like all cars are just supposed to run forever without any problems. I'm sorry, but that isn't the case. I believe it mainly depends on how hard you drive the truck, and how well you take care of it.