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The Rodent 06-28-2004 16:34:45 63.190.72.167 10608 Report to Moderator	Early winter my sister got a 1997 Dodge Ram, which didn't fit the family sence I'm Chevy, and my dad's both Ford and Chevy. But she got it anyway and it's been nothing but problems. It's been in the shop four or five times in the past five monthes. Which is getting pricey. Was the 1997 Dodge Ram a problem from the start. Was it one of Dodges lesser thought of trucks??? THANKS FOR ANY HELP!!! [Reply]  [No Email]
Dell (WA) 07-02-2004 03:54:35 66.185.0.209 10633 Report to Moderator	Re: 1997 Dodge Ram Question in reply to The Rodent , 06-28-2004 16:34:45   Since you choose not to elaborate on any of your problems with the truck, how do you expect anyone here to help you with it? And since this is for 1986 and older trucks (clearly not your stated truck) I would have to guess that the problem is operator, not the truck.   [Reply]  [No Email]
rhouston 06-30-2004 13:34:17 65.161.97.25 10619 Report to Moderator	Re: 1997 Dodge Ram Question in reply to The Rodent , 06-28-2004 16:34:45   97 1500 SLT club cab 4x4 5.2l (318) front breaks every 40K (inboard pad smaller than outboard squeely tab is on outboard -duh) front axle u joints every 40-50K Front wheel bearings aroung 120K Fuel pump at 120K oil pump at 120K water pump at 120K whole engine at 150K (not Dodge's fault) driver door rust through at bottom at 160K all front tie rods, drag link, antisway bar mounts replaced by 160K both oxygen sensors aroung 160K American made my tail I just did the front brakes last week end using aftermarket parts Calipers made in Canada rotors made in China drivers side wheel bearing ($125) made in Japan brake pads made in good ol U.S.A.   [Reply]  [No Email]
26Red 07-07-2004 14:16:58 170.92.1.104 10681 Report to Moderator	Re: Re: 1997 Dodge Ram Question in reply to rhouston, 06-30-2004 13:34:17   All of those things are normal wear and tear items except for the new engine? Was that due to the oil pump failing? I have a '97 4x4, 360, auto, and 200,000 miles.. same engine, same transmission...just used synthetic oil and didn't tow my tractors on the trailer in overdrive.. Needs new shocks, u-joints, draglink and bushings replaced. Not to say that extended warranty paid for iteself in the first 100k miles. Go to the website www dot mopar chat dot com for more information on your truck and trick fixes. Also try the website www dot dodge trucks dot org for more info. The brakes are not great on that year, the rear brakes don't self adjust well either... the front brakes are the same as some GM models. In 1999 or 2000 models, they changed the brake caliper design. Drivers door rust is typical.. lots of guys remove the door panel and spray wd-40 or similar oil inside the door to prevent this. Mine is rusting away as we speak. Water pump at 120 typical... and fuel pump? Don't run your gas tank to empty- keep at least 5 gals in the tank. The gas cools and lubes the pump..(or just run a can of two cycle oil through your tank when the pump gets noisey.) Sorry to hear about all you problems on the truck, but it is pretty typical of those years. Too bad you fixed everything, now you have to keep it for another 4 years to make it worthwhile. P.S. Assembled in Mexico!   [Reply]  [No Email]
buck 06-28-2004 17:11:36 209.240.205.63 10609 Report to Moderator	Re: 1997 Dodge Ram Question in reply to The Rodent , 06-28-2004 16:34:45   Don't really know but will tell you that my daughter bought a new 98 1500 contractor special long bed and standard cab. Was a problem right off the floor untill one of the mechanics got cought on the interstate when it decided to act up. Never a single prblem after that. Recently decided to get a different vehicle due to growing family. Two dealers wanted her truck bad. Finally settled on a vehicle which the dealer let her have at blue book and gave her double blue book for her 1500.   [Reply]  [No Email]
The Rodent 06-30-2004 13:53:37 63.190.73.13 10621 Report to Moderator	Re: Re: 1997 Dodge Ram Question in reply to buck, 06-28-2004 17:11:36   Forgot to tell you it's 4x4, short bed, white, gray interior, sport, sun roof.   [Reply]  [No Email]
txblu 06-30-2004 09:24:20 199.46.199.231 10616 Report to Moderator	Re: Re: 1997 Dodge Ram Question in reply to buck, 06-28-2004 17:11:36   I have a '98, SLT 360 auto ext cab short bed. Trips to dealer 1 Reason...pick up Dodge Truck Cap (p/o purchase...new truck get gimme cap). Problems....................................................I'm thinking............................... latch on seat (plastic lever on side of seat back) stripped. Since it has a redundant lever on the seat bottom I use it. Current condition: Excellent Exterior: Excellent Interior: Looks like it did when purchased. Quality of upholstery..superior to anything I've seen on anyone elses truck. Do I like it? Naw (yeah right) Mark   [Reply]  [No Email]