1998 Dodge Ram Pickup 2500 Review

Darn good truck!

Written by: wlollar on 05/11/2009

Vehicle

1998 Dodge Ram Pickup 2500 4 Dr Laramie SLT Extended Cab SB

Review

Bought this truck used from a trusted dealer. Only wish I had bought a 4WD version. The Cummins engine has performed extraordinarly well. Only problems I've encountered was with the A/C system and starting to have fuel pump issues, but with 200k miles, it was to be expected. This will be the drawback because the total fuel pump replacement is VERY pricey, between $2000/$3000. If your looking for torque, this is the truck. I pull a 14,000lb 5th wheel camper with ease. The engine/drivetrain still does not leak a drop of anything on my driveway!

Favorite Features

Plenty of leg room and drivers seat comfort. Dash, instruments, and controls laid out well and not complicated.

Suggested Improvements

Large windshield post on drivers side impairs visibility. A/C vents need a open/close feature. Foldaway cupholder rattles when in the open position.

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5.9L Cummins 24 valve

Written by: t on 02/21/2009

Vehicle

1998 Dodge Ram Pickup 2500 4 Dr Laramie SLT 4WD Extended Cab SB

Review

I own a 1998 with the 24 valve Cummins diesel. I love the truck fun to drive and all. I have had the truck for about a year plus and I have a $1500 from the Dodge shop for my tranny problems. Won't shift into overdrive. The Cummins is a strong truck and has decent mpg, about 16.5 unchipped. The truck is slow without a load. I have just had problems with this truck since I had it so I'm going with a Ford 250 or 350 for room, speed, and looks. Also better gas mileage. The trannys in Dodge trucks need to be made better for the Cummins or any Dodge that's made.

Favorite Features

Strong truck as in frame built, big but not too big. Nice exhaust sound and turbo spool, sounds like a semi, good mud truck

Suggested Improvements

Need stronger tranny, run faster, more room, better seats, better built

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sweet ride

Written by: florida boy on 10/09/2008

Vehicle

1998 Dodge Ram Pickup 2500 4 Dr ST 4WD Extended Cab SB

Review

I own a dodge ram 2500 with the cummins turbo diesel 24 valve. with 140,000k miles. It pulls all that i have. Nice truck. Rough ride due to the straight axle up front. The seat wear out and tranny slips in o/d going about 50 mph. I love this ride and i'm considering getting a 05 with the cummins. I get 16.5 mpg all the time and 15.5 pulling a full size truck in GA. get the diesel better on gas and sounds like a semi.gas is poor when pulling and downs the gas.

Favorite Features

good gas mileage, high in the air, built tough, sounds like a semi with 5 in exhaust,love this truck cant wait for the 05 that i want, 06 gets bad gas mileage 05 gets 19+ 06 gets 15 on a good day,

Suggested Improvements

Dodge needs to work on tranny slippage, and faster get up, ford is faster but can't pull as much, needs to smoke a little more, who wants a diesel that doesn't smoke,

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ram tuff

Written by: Mike Baker on 04/01/2008

Vehicle

1998 Dodge Ram Pickup 2500 2 Dr Laramie SLT 4WD Extended Cab LB

Review

This '98 turbo diesel 2500 4x4 automatic is my second Dodge. I owned a '97 4x4 with a 5.2l (318) 1/2 ton 5 speed stick that I absolutely loved, but it couldn't handle a Lance camper and a boat. The '98 really handles the camper and boat very well; I blew by my father in law's Ford v-10 while he was pulling his a 26' light travel trailer; of course we were coming over Carson spur from the Nevada side. It's steep.

Favorite Features

Electric driver seat gets up and tall; let's me know I'm in a truck that can handle the work. Seat is also adjustable to every angle and comfortable. Very reliable truck also. I change the oil and fluids when they need it, check tire pressure and it keeps on going.

Suggested Improvements

I wish I had the standard tranny. I had a larger fuel pump spacer installed for quicker acceleration from stop. Runs quicker, but I only get about 13 mpg with a load; but that is at 65-75 mph hauling a Lance camper, sometimes a boat.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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One tough truck

Written by: Mike on 03/29/2008

Vehicle

1998 Dodge Ram Pickup 2500 2 Dr Laramie SLT 4WD Standard Cab LB

Review

Driven many work trucks in my time. Never had one than ran as good or as strong as the 8.0 2500. Just one hell of a truck. Not the best gas mileage but there wont be anything you cant do.

Favorite Features

Just a good truck all around.

Suggested Improvements

Don't change anything, just keep making a real MAN'S truck.

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