General 99 Ram thread

[kevm14]

Breaking news: My uncle offered his 99 Dodge Ram. 1/2 ton RWD, extended cab. Black. 318. Rebuilt transmission in his ownership (only has like 118k, because Chrysler). Oh, long bed. I think. No cap.

Has had some suspension work. Front end stuff including shocks. So that's something.

This would certainly be a Ranger upgrade. Thoughts? The price is right...

I like:
- V8, so it will drive like a real vehicle. I think these were around 220hp.
- 8 foot bed
- Extended cab
- quite likely less rusty than the Ranger

Don't like:
- Mopar
- not really a good platform at all for turbo stuff

[kevm14]

In fact 230hp and 300 lb-ft. Looking up weight now.

[kevm14]

4,658 lbs. In extended cab long bed form. So it won't be fast but will be able to get out of its own way. Actually it should drive a lot like my Caprice, which would be a huge upgrade from the Ranger. Both in the 20 lbs/hp area.

[kevm14]

I will have to confirm the long bed.

If it is, it has a 154.7" wheelbase (!) and is 244" long. In Fleetwood terms, that is 33" more wheelbase and 19" more length. Man.

[Adam]

It would be just like the movie Twister!

What is the price? $850?

[kevm14]

I think the price is free.

Also I actually get the reference.

[Adam]

I think the price is free.

That's a price even I'm willing to pay for things.

[kevm14]

But would you pay that for a Dodge?

[kevm14]

Maybe the answer is get the truck which is a better backup vehicle than the Ranger and then pursue a B-body?

[bill25]

The good:
full sized truck
long bed
extended cab

The bad:
Dodge
It will need a new transmission soon
Not 4WD
Weight like a 4WD
No LS
No Turbo
No fun
Not the best winter vehicle if the Caprice dies

Consolation Prizes with this:
Can sell the Ranger for like $3 to put towards a B-Body replacement for the Caprice.
You are not building a pretty fast truck, and can put that money towards a crazy fast turbo LS car. (seriously, you aren't dumping money into a truck and trying build a race car)

Wait, it is a Dodge... You will be dumping money in a truck and trying to build a race car... I just don't know...