Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) What Tdr Volume Number

[radar doctor]

Do I Need To Buy To Cover The 1996 Dodge Diesel Trucks??? Thanks Guys And Gal's

 

[RON'S RAM]

Just what are you looking for?

 

[radar doctor]

i just want to read all the good and bad things about that year of truck. Son is purchasing one and think he needs some input. . tks doc

 

[RON'S RAM]

Hi Doc,

I'm not sure if any 1 issue covers more of the 96 trucks than the other's, but volume 4 has issues 13 thru 16 and covers summer 96 thru spring 97. Hopefully the truck is Cummins powered. I have a 97 that I bought new. Biggest problem I've had is the front end parts wearing out. Worst of all (the trac bar) I'll be changing that soon to a newer style trac bar so that should no longer be an issue. The fuel gauge sending unit (plastic parts wear) and the contacts do not make a good connection. I repaired mine with the advice of TDR members posts on here over 5 years ago & it's still working. The automatic transmission can be a weak link depending on how the truck is driven or what it's towing. The standard transmission has had 5th gear problems again mostly due to driving or towing habits. Mine has not been a problem yet. The killer dowel pin should be addressed to avoid a possible major expense. If you do a search on here, you can read about problems and remedies. You can do it yourself or have a shop do it. Not that expensive(before it's a problem). My truck had 2 recalls: hood latch & throttle cable. I've had to replace axle seals. The A/C evaporators are known to leak due to debris buildup in the heater/evaporator box. Mine is leaking now too. Sometimes the headlight switch is a problem if trailer wiring is not going through a seperate relay. There may be other problems that I'm forgetting or haven't experienced yet, but hopefully others will give you advice too. On the plus side, this truck gets far better fuel mileage than any other truck I have owned while also having more power. Power uprates are fairly simple on these trucks (but addicting). The biggest plus of buying a Cummins powered Dodge is the knowledge of all the TDR members and the TDR magazine and website. If there is a problem, someone on here has a fix for it, and usually before the dealers know what to do. This is the first place I go to whenever I have a problem, or want to add accessories or even buy tires. Looks like you've been a member longer than I have so you know the benefits. I'm happy with my truck, so my advice would be to go for it.

Good luck,

Ron

 

[bmoeller]

Radar-



Have him look at http://dodgeram.info/tsb/1996-index.htm The whole site is full of great info too.

 

[radar doctor]

thank you guy's . your are a asset to the tdr and the guy's out there doc