ExpoMike
Well-known member
Well, with my decision to sell my M1010 project due to just not enough time to really build what I wanted, I was on the look out for a Ram truck. I knew I wanted to go with a 2500 series as I wanted the solid front axle and basic suspension as my Cherokee. They are very similar and I know my Cherokee can sure flex. The wife and I definitely decided our next truck would be an extra cab as we just need the room when hauling the dog around (yes she is spoiled and rides in the cab). I also really wanted a Cummins diesel but everything I was finding was in the 250,000+ range. That's fine for that engine but everything else is beat to crap. I had found a couple that met what I was looking for but were sold almost as fast as they were listed.
Well, I lucked out and happened on this '97 Ram 2500, club cab, long bed, 4x4 with a Cummins. It had 144,000 miles and is in great shape. Definitely not be beat to crap and the interior almost looks like new. It was very loved. With cash in hand I arranged to pick it up. The drive back home was great, got just under 20 MPG at 70 MPH with the A/C on. This is exactly what I was looking for. I have the mods I want to do (mainly suspension stuff) as I want to keep it very reliable. Very unlikely many engine mods will be done. It works very well as it is.
Plans are to find a used Four Wheel Camper and get that setup for our travels. This gets us up and running in a short amount of time and without doing a lot of building of the rig.
Here's a couple pics from my pee stop at Buttercup along I-8. Just had to get into the sand!!!
I am sure I will have some questions as I make my plans to go forward. Biggest first thing will be tire size. Currently it has 265/75-16 and as you can see, they look really small. It doesn't seem to have any lift installed but man there is a lot of wheel well space. I am thinking of 255/85-16 but I am thinking those might be small. Still trying to research what the stock height is of the truck.
Well, I will document progress as I go.
Well, I lucked out and happened on this '97 Ram 2500, club cab, long bed, 4x4 with a Cummins. It had 144,000 miles and is in great shape. Definitely not be beat to crap and the interior almost looks like new. It was very loved. With cash in hand I arranged to pick it up. The drive back home was great, got just under 20 MPG at 70 MPH with the A/C on. This is exactly what I was looking for. I have the mods I want to do (mainly suspension stuff) as I want to keep it very reliable. Very unlikely many engine mods will be done. It works very well as it is.
Plans are to find a used Four Wheel Camper and get that setup for our travels. This gets us up and running in a short amount of time and without doing a lot of building of the rig.
Here's a couple pics from my pee stop at Buttercup along I-8. Just had to get into the sand!!!
I am sure I will have some questions as I make my plans to go forward. Biggest first thing will be tire size. Currently it has 265/75-16 and as you can see, they look really small. It doesn't seem to have any lift installed but man there is a lot of wheel well space. I am thinking of 255/85-16 but I am thinking those might be small. Still trying to research what the stock height is of the truck.
Well, I will document progress as I go.