Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Can I get your opinion please?

[mikel]

Hey all,



I'm looking at buying a used Ram and wanted to get some opinions from others here. I have owned 2 24-valve Rams, but this one is a 12-valve and I'm not as confident as I would like to be in my ability to size it up.



The truck is a '97 3/4 ton 4x4 long bed club cab with 135,000 miles. It has an automatic transmission and aftermarket (ranch hand I think) bumpers on both ends. The body and interior are in good shape, no rust or torn fabric, etc.



The motor and transmission are stock as far as I can tell, and it drives like I would expect a stock truck to drive.



My questions are:



1) It won't start unless you press slightly on the accelerator. Is the Idle speed too low, or is this a sign of something more serious?



2) It will sometimes die if you let off the throttle "too quickly" according to the owner.



3) The cowl cracks are present, not too bad at the time, but they are there and will have to be addressed.



The owner claims to have done regular maintenance on the truck, but it did have a Fram filter on it. Were the Fram filters as much of a problem on the 12-valve engines as on the 24-valve engines?



Asking price is 14,000 on it, does this seem to be in line?



Thanks for taking the time to read this, and any advice is greatly appreciated.



Mike

 

[gitchesum]

Sounds like the idle speed is a little low. Mine was the same way until I bumped it up a little. It could also be the fuel return lines as well, but the dieing when you let off the accelerator makes me think it's more of a low idle problem.



Check the front of the motor for oil leaks, try to look as close as you can around the fan assembly where it bolts to the block, that is where KDP damage usually occurs. If it is cracked from KDP damage, there will be a very obvious oil leak.



I'm sure you know the transmission will probably need to be addressed in the near future.



Price isn't bad considering it's a 4X4.





I'm gonna move this to the 12 valve forum.

 

[PUMPERDUDE]

Fram Filter

That would be the last thing I'd want to see under the hood. Yes they are a problem for the 12 valves too. Price seems fair if it is in good shape. Good luck