I really don't need another vehicle right now, but- have an opportunity to get a very clean, low mileage, 1998 Dodge Ram 2500 pickup. Has 4wd, Cummins diesel, extended cab. It is lifted with offroad wheels and tires, but nothing too crazy. Intended use would be towing my track car, doing general truck stuff, and some light off road. Not a daily driver (probably). What's the word on these? Any notable mechanical issues or other gotchas?
Buy it if it's cheap. I had a 91 for a while until a dump truck rolled over on it. They switched from the 12 valve to the 24 valve in 98. If it's the early 12 valve engine, it should have the P pump that everyone loves. The later 24 valve engine probably makes more power.
It will be noisy and probably ride like a buck board, but if I was in the market, I'd be looking for a 12 valve engine with the P pump. Pretty bullet proof and pretty simple.
and... it's a Craigslist scam. If I had known these were trucks that people might actually want, I would have picked up on it sooner. These jackholes have gotten pretty clever lately.
Cheap+12 Valve=Scam
100% of the time.
That being said they are awesome, my second favorite truck I ever had was a 96 Ram extended cab long box with a 12 valve Cummins, nice lift, exhaust, fuel mods, built trans. Was a really nice rig other than being a horrible place to spend time. But it looked the business.
I know you said this one was a scam but just an FYI, 98 was a change-over year for the Cummins trucks. Early 98 models were 12-valve and 98.5 models got the 24-valve. Personally I would avoid a Cummins truck with an automatic, they are not known for reliability.
Some of my most favorite and least favorite trucks ever were 1st gen Cummins Dodges. REALLY depends on the combo... trans, rear gear, turbine housing, weight of the truck.. From fun to depressing was available in the space of 3 years.
But yeah, a cheap 98-01 Cummins truck has to be either hammered, about to sell in 5 minutes, or a lie. Which is funny to me. I have a theory most of the people driving the market up are.. let's say first time owners?
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