1994 Dodge Ram 2500

1994 Dodge Ram 2500

The 1994 Dodge Ram 2500 is a full-size pickup truck offered in a variety of configurations, including regular cab, extended cab, and crew cab, and with a choice of rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. Engine options include a 5.2L V8, a 5.9L V8, and a 8.0L V10. Transmission options include a 4-speed automatic and 5-speed manual.

The Ram 2500 is praised for its powerful engines, rugged construction, and spacious cabin. However, it has also been criticized for its poor fuel economy and lack of refinement.

Engine

• 5.2L V8 - 215 horsepower, 300 lb-ft of torque
• 5.9L V8 - 230 horsepower, 360 lb-ft of torque
• 8.0L V10 - 265 horsepower, 400 lb-ft of torque

5.2L V8

• Intake manifold gasket failure - Coolant or oil leaks from the intake manifold gasket. The intake manifold has to be removed and a new gasket installed. $300-$500+
• Timing chain failure - The timing chain can stretch or break, causing the engine to lose power or stall. The timing chain and related components need to be replaced. $1,000-$2,000+
• Recalls:
  • 96V126000 - Insufficient weld penetration on the upper control arm ball joint studs
  • 95V039000 - Brake caliper bolts may be improperly tightened

5.9L V8

• Intake manifold gasket failure - Coolant or oil leaks from the intake manifold gasket. The intake manifold has to be removed and a new gasket installed. $300-$500+
• Cylinder head gasket failure - Coolant leaks from the cylinder head gasket. The cylinder heads have to be removed and new gaskets installed. $1,000-$1,500+
• Recalls:
  • 96V142000 - Insufficient weld penetration on the upper control arm ball joint studs
  • 93V124000 - Starter wiring harness may short circuit

8.0L V10

• Intake manifold gasket failure - Coolant or oil leaks from the intake manifold gasket. The intake manifold has to be removed and a new gasket installed. $300-$500+
• Spark plug blowout - The spark plugs can blow out of the cylinder heads, causing a loss of power and a rough idle. The cylinder heads have to be repaired and new spark plugs installed. $1,000-$1,500+
• Recalls:
  • 95V062000 - Parking brake may not release
  • 94V011000 - Fuel tank may leak

Transmission

• 4-speed automatic
• Shifting problems - The transmission may not shift smoothly or may refuse to shift into certain gears. The transmission may need to be rebuilt or replaced. $1,500-$3,000+
• Torque converter failure - The torque converter can fail, causing the transmission to slip or shudder. The torque converter and related components need to be replaced. $1,000-$2,000+

• Recalls: None Found

• 5-speed manual
• Shift fork failure - The shift forks can fail, making it difficult or impossible to shift gears. The transmission has to be removed and the shift forks replaced. $500-$1,000+
• Synchronizer failure - The synchronizers can fail, causing the gears to grind when shifting. The transmission has to be removed and the synchronizers replaced. $500-$1,000+
• Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front ball joint failure - The front ball joints can wear out, causing the front wheels to wobble or lose alignment. The ball joints need to be replaced. $500-$800+ per side
• Rear leaf spring failure - The rear leaf springs can break or sag, causing the rear of the truck to sit lower. The leaf springs need to be replaced. $500-$1,000+ per side
• Recalls:
  • None Found

Electrical

• Alternator failure - The alternator can fail, causing the battery to discharge and the truck to lose power. The alternator needs to be replaced. $500-$1,000+
• Starter failure - The starter can fail, preventing the engine from starting. The starter needs to be replaced. $200-$500+
• Recalls:
  • 95V116000 - Power window switch may fail
  • 94V051000 - Cruise control switch may fail

Exterior

• Door lock actuator failure - The door lock actuators can fail, making it difficult or impossible to lock or unlock the doors. The door lock actuators need to be replaced. $200-$400+ per door
• Tail light assembly failure - The tail light assemblies can fail, causing the turn signals, brake lights, or running lights to not work. The tail light assemblies need to be replaced. $100-$200+ per side
• Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Seat cushion failure - The seat cushions can wear out or collapse, providing insufficient support. The seat cushions need to be replaced. $200-$500+ per seat
• Steering wheel peeling - The steering wheel can peel or crack. The steering wheel needs to be replaced or recovered. $100-$200+
• Recalls: None Found

Summary The 1994 Dodge Ram 2500 is a powerful and rugged truck, but it has several potential issues that can be costly to repair. The most common issues include intake manifold gasket failure, transmission problems, and suspension component failure. It is important to factor in the cost of these potential repairs when considering the purchase of a Ram 2500.