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Dodge Ram 1994-2008: Buying Guide

Between 1994 and 2008, Chrysler Corporation sold about 4.5 million Dodge Ram Trucks. About 4 million of them are still on the road. This article will help you choose which one of them is right for you.

By Tom Cavanagh - June 25, 2015

This article applies to the Dodge Ram (1994-2008).

Since its introduction in 1981, Dodge Ram trucks have enjoyed a niche in the light truck market. In 1994, Dodge decided to "macho-up" the Dodge Ram by giving it a unique style to differentiate it from other popular truck brands. This version was constantly upgraded and refined until it was replaced by the fourth generation Dodge Ram in 2009. If you are looking to buy a 1994-2008 Dodge Ram, there are subtle, and not so subtle things to look for.

One of the things to look at is the model year of the truck. During its 15 year run, 55% of all complaints concerned the 2001, 2002, and 2003 models. Most of them dealt with the premature cracking of the dashboard material, but there were also a number of transmission problems. So many, in fact, that NHTSA had to get involved. Ask the owner about any transmission work.

Chances are, any pre-owned Dodge Ram you're considering has seen a few years of rugged wear. Do your homework. Apart from a visual inspection and a test drive, doing a little research will help you avoid inheriting some expensive repair work. If you have the time and resources, it might be a good idea to have the truck inspected by a reliable mechanic. When you go to inspect the truck, it will help to bring along: a notebook, to record your impressions; a rag, to check fluids; and a flashlight, to inspect the engine well and underside of the vehicle.

A few words about recalls. The '94 to '08 Dodge Ram trucks have had their fair share of government mandated recalls. These recalls may or may not have been issued on the vehicle you are inspecting. Check the NHTSA site or other websites to find out what was recalled, and for what reasons. Here are some of the major areas to inspect.

Engine/Transmission/Drivetrain

  • Look for any loose connections, strange modifications, and leaking seals
  • Remove the air hat and and look into the throttle body. The presence of oil on the plenum plate could mean a blown plenum gasket. This could cause the engine to repeatedly stall, and is expensive to repair.

Figure 1. Dirty plenum plate.

  • During your test drive, listen to the transmission. Does it shift smoothly? Owners of early models of the Dodge Ram reported a high number of transmission problems. If repairs have been made, ask to see the receipts.
  • One of the largest Dodge Ram recalls concerned the pinion nut on the pinion gear coming loose. This could cause the rear axle to lock, or the driveshaft to detach. Ask if this has been fixed.

Undercarriage

There is a reason that many Dodge Ram owners advise buying a truck that was used in the southwestern states: little rain, and no snow. Rust can start in the wheel wells, ultimately eating through the metal and "bubbling" through to the surface as the paint starts to chip off. This is an expensive repair. Look underneath the truck for any signs of major rust build-ups.

Figure 2. Wheel well rust-through.

  • Inspect u-joints, ball joints, and brake lines.
  • Have someone rock the steering wheel and inspect the tie rods for excessive play.
  • Inspect for oil or fluid leaks.

Exterior

  • Inspect the exterior for scrapes, scratches, and body work. This can give you a clue as to what kind of care the truck received.
  • Check exterior headlights, tail lights, backup, and directional lights.
  • Check the tailgate. A number of Dodge Ram owners report problems with getting the tailgate to open. The lift handle doesn't properly engage the lever that pops the lock open.

Figure 3. Tailgate does not unlock.

Interior

  • Check A/C and heat.
  • Check audio system.
  • Check interior lighting systems.
  • Inspect for upholstery and carpet wear and tear.
  • Do doors close snugly?
  • Check for cracks in the dashboard. As mentioned above, 55% of owner complaints from '94 to '08 dealt with cracks in the dashboard. If you find one, it was bound to happen. You can either live with it, or move on.

Figure 4. Cracked dashboard.

Pro Tips

  • Remember to ask for receipts for "I fixed that" items.
  • Do your homework. The '94-'08 Dodge Ram trucks came with many engine/transmission configurations. Be sure the truck you're considering is the one you want.

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