1997 Dodge Ram 1500 Club Cab
"Rambeast"
My truck is a 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 Club Cab 4x4 Laramie SLT in black.
It has a 318 (5.2L) Magnum V8. 46RE automatic transmission, NV231HD transfer case, Chrysler 9 1/4" rear axle and Dana 44 front axle with 3.55 gear ratios.
This truck is nearly fully loaded. It has all but two options: Travel Convenience Group (Trip meter/compass in overhead console, dual lighted mirrors) and sliding rear window.
Features: Power windows/locks/mirrors. A/C. Factory Infinity sound system, fog lights, HD engine cooling, HD transmission cooling, HD alternator, dealer installed MOPAR bed liner, class IV receiver hitch, 265/75R16 tires (optioned up from 225/75)
Mods/additions/upgrades include: front brush guard/push bar/bull bar (whatever you call it), nerf bars, bed rails, tool box, JVC head unit and JBL speakers, Cobra CB radio, 400W power inverter, aftermarket driving lights in stock fog locations, headache rack, offroad lights on rack.
Future mods include: 14x3 round air cleaner, offroad driving lights, custom fit subwoofer box under rear seat, dual batteries, winch.
As of January 2012, my truck has over 194,000 miles and is worn out.
I performed a compression test and got 50-80PSI across all cylinders. The engine still runs good, but low compression would account for bas fuel mileage and sluggish acceleration.
There are now plans to pull the engine and rebuild it, but those are quite a ways in the distance as this truck is not my daily driver and not a high priority.
