1996 Dodge Ram 2500 SLT from North America - Comments

Brakes: The have been a constant problem since the truck was new. The calipers seized once, the rear drums warp constantly, and have been replaced three times. Brakes seize and lock if the truck has sat for a period of time (4 days plus) and when we make the first few applications the truck skids.

Steering column: The steering hub scraped when turning, had the bearings replace twice in the column.

Transmission: Had to rebuild the transmission at 34,000 KM, ($1600 CAD) torque converter locked up, and fried a solenoid in the tranny.

Transfer case: The transfer case whines, and the seals leak at least once a year, requiring new seals.

Paint: The black paint has chipped and faded severely through the years. This truck is waxed twice yearly without fail, and we are in the north west (not a lot of sun here).

Performance: Whopping 145 Horsepower from a 360 cubic inch motor is laughable (what were they thinking when they built this one?), scooters have more power. I agree the torque is impressive, but the overall performance is bad. Truck gets absoultely pathetic gas mileage (12 city, 15 highway) and the cost of gas being 1.02 /litre, you do the math!

This truck has been reliable, but it is not a pleasure in the least. Its plastic unrefined interior, to its faiding paint does not impress anyone anymore. I think when it was new and up to two years old it turned a lot of heads, but it quickly lost its luster. I too was impressed with the torque for off roading, but after a few transmission problems it was not nearly worth the cost ($33,000 CAD)

My friends drive chevys, and I used to own one too. I think Dodge is chevys best advertisement, I wouldn't own another Dodge if it was given to me.

Well I own a 1996 dodge ram 2500 4x4 and I can tell you I think the opposite I have a 360 cid. and that is the best truck I have ever owned it has an after market allison tranny in it no paint chips or rust or fading. I WILL BUY ANOTHER ONE

I also own a 1996 2500 4x4 ram diesel and have 280,000 miles on it, and it runs better than some new trucks.

My dad also owns a 1996 2500 2x4 ram diesel and he has 360,000 miles on it, and it still runs fine as long as you let it warm up for 2-3 minutes. But what diesel do you not have to let warm up for a little while?

Overall I give the truck a great rating. I couldn't get a more reliable truck for the same price.

Referring to an earlier comment "impressed with the torque for offroading"; I am just letting you know Diesel + Mud = sink, in general all diesel trucks are HEAVY. REALLY HEAVY, if you want to go offroading get a gas truck, much lighter, otherwise stick to the pavement.

I've had my 1996 Dodge 2500 diesel 4X4 since it was new. It not has almost 200,000 miles and all I have done, other than routine brake bad changes and fluid changes, is replacing the clutch. It still runs exactly the same as it did the day I got it.

I don't know how you drive, but with the manual transmission, I get 16-18 mpg city and up to 22 highway. And that's what my brother gets, and he has the automatic transmission.

I think you may be abusing your truck if you're having that much trouble with it.

My dad has a 1994 Cummins 2x4. She just rolled 700 000 KM. Yeah that's right, seven hundred thousand... I'll just let that sink in.

He has done the bottom end at 650 thousand, and the clutch once at 590 thousand. This is a Dodge/ Cummins ad for sure; all he does is regular fluid and filter changes, and brakes. He swears the trick is to drive slow and let her warm up.

ps The body looks like rust holding hands, but it still starts.

I am on our second Dodge 2500 SLT Laramie 2 X 4 with a 12 valve Cummins. We bought the first one at 179,000 Km. and sold it at 355,000. Included in the mileage were one trip across Canada and two down to southern Arizona/Mexico towing a 25' 5th wheel. The only repair was the exhaust - changed ahead of time to put in a 4" system and a K & N air filter. We bought the second one with 89,000 in Oct. 2006 (not a typo!) and now have another trip to Mexico and 141,000 Km. on it. Mileage is 25-27 mpg. light and 11-13 towing. Very happy with the unit and it gives us nothing but a feeling of security when crossing Nevada or the Mojave desert. I would buy another but this one will likely outlast our travelling ability. Extremely happy with the whole package!

I have had one automatic I got 200,000 miles plus before I totaled it, no problems, now I have three older ones with cummins and all have over 250,000 miles years are 95 96 and 99 well they all will run on used motor oil for fuel, the 96 has ran well over a year on used motor oil that means cheaper fuel and also I wouldn't put it in a ford because of the injector problems they have any way. my son in-law owns a 2003 ford 7.3 and I had him tow 3 cars to pigeon forge tenn and we towed 3 cars he got under 7 miles to the gallon and we got 14 so I think I'll stick to dodge. My company bought a duramax with the allison trany and have had injector problems and electrical problems with the tranny. might have just got a lemon but I ain't takin no more chances. BUY A DODGE.