1991 Dodge Ram 50

Introduction The 1991 Dodge Ram 50 is a compact pickup truck available with two engine options: a 2.4L inline-four and a 3.0L V6. Transmission options include a 5-speed manual and a 3-speed automatic. The Ram 50 is praised for its affordable price, impressive towing and payload capacity, and easy handling. However, it is criticized for its basic interior, limited features, and modest performance.

Engine 2.4L Inline-Four

• Oil Leaks: From the valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, or rear main seal. Symptoms include oil spots under the vehicle, low oil levels, and a burning oil smell. The fix involves replacing the leaking gasket or seal, which typically costs $150-$300.
• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure: Symptoms include coolant and oil leaks, overheating, and rough idling. The solution is to replace the intake manifold gasket, which costs around $200-$400.

3.0L V6

• Head Gasket Failure: Symptoms include overheating, coolant leaks, and white smoke from the exhaust. The fix involves replacing the head gasket, which can be expensive, typically costing $1,000-$2,000.
• Water Pump Failure: Symptoms include coolant leaks, overheating, and a squealing noise from the engine. The solution is to replace the water pump, which costs around $200-$300.

Transmission 5-Speed Manual

• Grinding Gears: Symptoms include difficulty shifting or grinding noises when shifting. The fix involves replacing the worn or damaged synchronizers, which costs around $300-$500.

3-Speed Automatic

• Slipping Gears: Symptoms include poor acceleration, transmission slipping out of gear, or a burning smell. The fix involves replacing the worn or damaged clutch packs, which costs around $1,000-$2,000.

Suspension

• Worn Ball Joints: Symptoms include clunking noises when turning or driving over bumps, uneven tire wear, and difficulty steering. The fix involves replacing the ball joints, which costs around $150-$250 per wheel.
• Leaf Spring Failure: Symptoms include sagging in the rear of the vehicle, difficulty handling, and an unstable ride. The fix involves replacing the leaf springs, which costs around $400-$600.

Electrical

• Battery Draining: Symptoms include a dead battery, dimming lights, and electrical components malfunctioning. The fix involves testing the battery and charging system and replacing any damaged components, which costs around $100-$200.
• Alternator Failure: Symptoms include battery draining, flickering lights, and warning lights on the dashboard. The fix involves replacing the alternator, which costs around $300-$500.

Exterior

• Rust on Frame: Symptoms include rust and corrosion on the vehicle’s frame, which can weaken the structure and compromise safety. The fix involves scraping, sanding, and painting the affected areas, which costs around $500-$1,000.
• Fading Headlights: Symptoms include dim or cloudy headlights. The fix involves replacing the headlight assemblies, which costs around $200-$400.

Interior

• Broken Seat Adjusting Mechanism: Symptoms include difficulty adjusting the seat, seat sliding out of position, or stuck seat. The fix involves repairing or replacing the broken mechanism, which costs around $100-$200.
• Cracked Dashboard: Symptoms include cracks or fading on the dashboard. The fix involves replacing the dashboard, which costs around $300-$500.

Summary The 1991 Dodge Ram 50 is a reliable and affordable truck, but it has a few common issues that can be expensive to repair. The engine and transmission issues can be severe and costly, while the suspension and electrical issues are typically less serious and less expensive to fix. However, the rust and fading exterior issues should be addressed promptly to prevent further damage and maintain the vehicle’s safety and value. Overall, the severity and cost of the issues vary depending on the specific problem and the extent of the repairs required.