Dodge Ram Van 3500 1-Ton

Thread view:

Enable EMail Alerts

Start New Thread

Thread rating:

JimH - 09 Dec 2005 00:44 GMT

I just bought a very high mileage 1997 Dodge Ram Van 3500 with a
wheelchair lift. Early indications are the front ball joints are shot.
What other problems am I most likely to encounter with this vehicle? It
was formerly owned by a hospital. A spokesman told me it had been
serviced every 3,000 miles. The engine runs good and the tranny sounds
fine. Thanks for any insights you can provide.

Reply to this Message

Matthew Warren - 09 Dec 2005 03:22 GMT

>I just bought a very high mileage 1997 Dodge Ram Van 3500 with a
> wheelchair lift. Early indications are the front ball joints are shot.
> What other problems am I most likely to encounter with this vehicle? It
> was formerly owned by a hospital. A spokesman told me it had been
> serviced every 3,000 miles. The engine runs good and the tranny sounds
> fine. Thanks for any insights you can provide.

I have a 1995 and as long as it runs and shifts fine i would concentrate on
the front end, as you have, looking at the ball joints and tie rod ends.
Mine had an electrical problem just after I got it but I think that was a
result of squirrel activity. I carry hevy loads so I go through front brake
linings every 25k miles or so. Where are you located? hre in NY rust is the
most certain cause of death.

Reply to this Message

JimH - 09 Dec 2005 04:27 GMT

Thanks for your reply, Matthew. I'm in the Chicago area, so rust is a
problem here, too. I'm hopeful the ball joint problems will be the only
major problem I have.

Reply to this Message