1998 Dodge Ram 1500

Introduction

The 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 is a full-size pickup truck that was offered with a variety of engine and transmission options. The most popular engine option was the 5.2L V8, which produced 230 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options included a 5.9L V8 and a 4.7L V8. The Ram 1500 was also offered with a variety of transmission options, including a four-speed automatic, a five-speed manual, and a six-speed manual.

People who own the 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 generally praise its powerful engine, comfortable interior, and spacious bed. However, some owners have reported problems with the vehicle’s transmission, suspension, and electrical system.

Engine

5.2L V8

• Intake manifold gasket failure: The intake manifold gasket can fail, causing coolant and oil to leak. Symptoms include overheating, reduced engine power, and a rough idle. The solution is to replace the intake manifold gasket. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000.
• Valve cover gasket failure: The valve cover gasket can fail, causing oil to leak. Symptoms include an oil leak around the valve covers. The solution is to replace the valve cover gaskets. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $400.
• Timing chain failure: The timing chain can fail, causing the engine to lose power and eventually stall. Symptoms include a rattling noise from the engine, reduced engine power, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the timing chain. Estimated cost to fix: $1,000 - $2,000.

5.9L V8

• No Issues Found

4.7L V8

• Head gasket failure: The head gasket can fail, causing coolant and oil to leak. Symptoms include overheating, reduced engine power, and a rough idle. The solution is to replace the head gasket. Estimated cost to fix: $1,000 - $2,000.

Transmission

Four-Speed Automatic

• Transmission slipping: The transmission may slip out of gear, causing the vehicle to lose power. Symptoms include a loss of power, a rough ride, and a check engine light. The solution is to rebuild or replace the transmission. Estimated cost to fix: $1,500 - $3,000.
• Torque converter failure: The torque converter can fail, causing the transmission to lose power. Symptoms include a loss of power, a rough ride, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the torque converter. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000.

Five-Speed Manual

• No Issues Found

Six-Speed Manual

• No Issues Found

Suspension

• Front suspension: The front suspension may wear out prematurely, causing the vehicle to ride rough and handle poorly. Symptoms include a rough ride, excessive body roll, and poor handling. The solution is to replace the worn suspension components. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000.
• Rear suspension: The rear suspension may wear out prematurely, causing the vehicle to ride rough and handle poorly. Symptoms include a rough ride, excessive body roll, and poor handling. The solution is to replace the worn suspension components. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000.

Electrical

• Alternator failure: The alternator can fail, causing the battery to drain and the vehicle to lose power. Symptoms include a loss of power, a dim or flickering dashboard lights, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the alternator. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000.
• Battery failure: The battery can fail, causing the vehicle to lose power. Symptoms include a loss of power, a dim or flickering dashboard lights, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the battery. Estimated cost to fix: $100 - $200.
• Starter failure: The starter can fail, causing the engine to not start. Symptoms include a grinding noise when starting the engine, a loss of power, and a check engine light. The solution is to replace the starter. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000.

Exterior

• No Issues Found

Interior

• Dashboard cracks: The dashboard may crack over time due to exposure to the sun. Symptoms include cracks in the dashboard. The solution is to replace the dashboard. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000.
• Seat upholstery tears: The seat upholstery may tear over time due to wear and tear. Symptoms include tears in the seat upholstery. The solution is to replace the seat upholstery. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $500.
• Door lock failure: The door locks may fail, causing the doors to unlock or lock unexpectedly. Symptoms include difficulty unlocking or locking the doors. The solution is to replace the door lock actuators. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $400.

Summary

The 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 is a reliable and powerful pickup truck. However, some owners have reported problems with the vehicle’s transmission, suspension, and electrical system. The most severe issues are the timing chain failure, the transmission slipping, and the head gasket failure. These issues can be expensive to fix, so it is important to have the vehicle inspected by a mechanic before purchasing it.