1996 Dodge Ram 3500

Introduction: The 1996 Dodge Ram 3500 is a heavy-duty pickup truck that was available with a variety of engine and transmission options. The most popular engine option was the 5.9L V8, which produced 245 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options included a 5.2L V8, a 6.5L turbo diesel V8, and a 8.0L V10. The Ram 3500 was also available with a variety of transmission options, including a 5-speed manual transmission, a 4-speed automatic transmission, and a 6-speed manual transmission. Owners of the Ram 3500 generally praise its powerful engines, rugged construction, and spacious interior. However, the truck has also been criticized for its poor fuel economy, stiff ride, and outdated interior.

Engine:

5.9L V8

• Intake manifold gasket failure: The intake manifold gasket can fail, causing coolant and oil leaks. The issue was more common on 1996 and 1997 models.
  • Symptoms: Coolant or oil leaking from the intake manifold, overheating, decreased engine performance.
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found
• Head gasket failure: The head gasket can fail, causing coolant and oil leaks, overheating, and decreased engine performance. The issue was more common on 2000 and 2001 models.
  • Symptoms: Coolant or oil leaking from the head gasket, overheating, decreased engine performance.
  • Solution: Replace the head gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500
  • Recalls: None Found

5.2L V8

• No major issues found.

6.5L Turbo Diesel V8

• Fuel injection pump failure: The fuel injection pump can fail, causing the engine to stall or lose power.
  • Symptoms: Engine stalling or losing power, black smoke from the exhaust.
  • Solution: Replace the fuel injection pump.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger failure: The turbocharger can fail, causing loss of boost pressure and decreased engine performance.
  • Symptoms: Loss of boost pressure, decreased engine performance, black smoke from the exhaust.
  • Solution: Replace the turbocharger.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500
  • Recalls: None Found

8.0L V10

• No major issues found.

Transmission:

5-Speed Manual Transmission

• No major issues found.

4-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Transmission slipping: The transmission may slip or hesitate when shifting gears.
  • Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, delayed or no engagement when shifting.
  • Solution: Replace the transmission filter and fluid, or rebuild the transmission.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,500
  • Recalls: None Found

6-Speed Manual Transmission

• No major issues found.

Suspension:

• Leaf spring breakage: The leaf springs can break, causing the truck to sag or lose stability.
  • Symptoms: Sagging or unstable suspension, difficulty steering.
  • Solution: Replace the leaf springs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical:

• Alternator failure: The alternator can fail, causing the battery to drain and the truck to lose power.
  • Symptoms: Dimming headlights, flickering dashboard lights, dead battery.
  • Solution: Replace the alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found
• Starter failure: The starter can fail, causing the truck to be unable to start.
  • Symptoms: Inability to start the truck, clicking sound when attempting to start.
  • Solution: Replace the starter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior:

• Rust: The body of the truck can rust, especially in areas that are exposed to salt or moisture.
  • Symptoms: Rust spots on the body panels, bubbling paint.
  • Solution: Preventative maintenance such as waxing and rustproofing can help, otherwise body panels may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior:

• HVAC blower motor failure: The HVAC blower motor can fail, causing the heating or air conditioning system to not work.
  • Symptoms: No air flow from the vents, or weak air flow.
  • Solution: Replace the HVAC blower motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Dashboard gauges not working: The dashboard gauges may not work, or may be inaccurate.
  • Symptoms: Inaccurate or non-functional gauges, such as speedometer, fuel gauge, or tachometer.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the faulty gauge or sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary:

The 1996 Dodge Ram 3500 is a reliable and powerful truck, but it does have some common issues. The most severe and expensive issues include head gasket failure, transmission slipping, and rust. However, many of the issues are relatively minor and inexpensive to fix. Overall, the Ram 3500 is a good choice for those who need a heavy-duty pickup truck that can handle tough jobs.