1997 Dodge Ram Pickup SLT Laramie, 2WD from North America - Comments

The lower ball joints had to be replaced.

I replaced the front shocks. The originals were fine, but I was bored and decided that I'd try out some new Monroe's.

This truck has provided me excellent service. It has been maintained as it should be.

The only thing that has been replaced on it was the lower ball joints, one time, because they were wearing out. One other thing that was replaced that wasn't required, it was more of a choice, was the front shocks.

Everything works perfectly. The engine and transmission operate as they did from day one, smoothly and very tight, no noises or leaks.

The seats could have been designed to be a little more comfortable, nothing too big, it doesn't bother me to ride in it for a long time.

The 5.9L V8 has plenty of power, torque, and acceleration. I don't know a trailer that this truck couldn't pull, regardless of the weight. It is 2WD. It shifts smoothly and very precisely. The engine has a great sound, especially the intake with a CAI, around 4-5 grand (rpm's).

This truck is very quick and it looks very sharp. I've received more compliments on this truck than any other vehicle I've owned.

The air conditioner blows ice cubes, probably because of Chrysler's good choice in a Sanden compressor. I'm also fond of the Denso starter and alternator, also a good choice of Chrysler, very reliable parts used to build this truck. I believe it is one of the best vehicles Chrysler/Dodge has made.

I've read many complaints about the transmission. I've perfectly maintained my truck, where I change the transmission fluid and filter when it needs to be changed, and use Mopar ATF+4 which is a requirement or you will ruin your transmission regardless of what others may say.

To be a heavy truck, it seems to handle well, as well as corner well. It takes bumps and potholes like a champ.

I've only replaced the rotors once that I can remember, it does well on brake pads, a few years on one set.

The back seat is a roomy seat that is comfortable but there is not much leg room at all back there, guess I can't expect to much in the back seat of a truck.

Overall I love this truck, and I wouldn't give it up for anything.

I was seriously considering buying a Dodge truck of this vintage. I think the problem with the transmission is not so much the transmission but the torque converter.

Based on my research, what I think happens (and if somebody else has more information or disagrees with me on this please chime in) is the torque converter is unfortunately a weak point in these trucks. They deteriorate and release material into the transmission fluid which gets stuck in a check valve near where the transmission lines connect to the radiator.

This then subverts the flow of fluid through the radiator, and thereby transmission cooling. The result: a fried transmission, not because the transmission gears and/or actuator assembly(s) themselves were bad, but because the transmission overheated.

I bought a Ford instead of a Dodge, but was still willing to buy the Dodge even though I knew about this problem. I was going to put a heavy duty torque converter in it to mitigate the concern. I have also heard of people removing that check valve by the radiator with no problems. I think the valve is to prevent torque converter drain down while the engine is off, but am not sure. So, I would have had to do a little bit more research before I went so far as to remove a component that Dodge saw fit to put there.

Please nobody take anything I said in the preceding as Gospel. However based on my research, I think that is what is going on with the Dodge truck transmissions and how to deal with it. Like I said, if somebody knows more than me about this, I would be interested if you would share your knowledge.