1997 Dodge Ram 3500 Laramie SLT Dually 12V Cummins Diesel 5 speed 2WD

1997 Dodge Ram 3500 Laramie SLT Dually Extended Cab 12V Cummins Diesel 5 speed 2WD
The truck has relatively low miles at 149k. It runs and drives well and has had no modifications to the engine except a K&N filter. It is in good condition relative to its age and is an good truck overall. It does have a few issues that are notorious on the 1997 Ram 3500. The good and bad items are listed below
The good items are as follows:

• clean title
• low mileage
• factory tow package
• factory painted matching front grill
• extending side mirrors for towing
• Alcoa wheels
• new dual batteries
• new starter
• new front brakes
• new front tires
• all fluids and gear oil has been changes including transmission and Dana 80 rear axle
• The truck looks a drives very well considering its age

The bad items are as follows:

• It is common to the the 5 speed manual transmission that the 5th gear comes off of the shaft in the transmission. The upgrade gear is around $100 and the labor can be between 4-6 hours per my mechanic. This happened around 140k and has only been driven locally since it happened. This is common topic on forums if you want to educate yourself on the problem. Once it is upgraded it does not happen again.
• It has a minor clunk in the front suspension when moving forward with and the steering wheel is fully cranked left or right. I believe it is may be a ball joint but it just started happening and I haven't had it checked out. Truck drives and steers great besides this.
• There is a tear in the front seat from getting in and out of the drivers seat.
• The dash board is cracked on top
• The head liner is slightly coming loose in the rear but not too bad
• The cruise control stopped working at around 130k. Worked great up to that point
• Will need new rear tires soon

Overall the truck is in good condition and runs well. It has not had any modifications or performance items added to the engine except a K&N filter. Needs some items fixed as some point but it can be driven and it drives well. It can go on the freeway but should not be driven past 55 mph in 4th gear. Once the 5th gear is fixed it will be a really great 12V.