1997 Dodge Ram 3500 - 4x4 - 5 Speed on 2040-cars

Location: Kyle, South Dakota, about 90 miles Southeast of Rapid City.

We nicknamed this '97 Dodge 3500 "The Beast", due to its size and the fact that it really does love to haul things. My husband is the main driver and mechanic of this vehicle, and though I myself know some mechanics, I gathered most of the details from him. We're not skimping on the gritty details because we don't want anyone driving away with a mystery.

This truck has come a long way since our purchase. It had been converted into a diesel-slash-vegetable oil "Frankenstein" by the previous owner who was a big fan of switches, wires and various unnecessary heaters, pumps and hoses. My husband (who worked a few years in mechanics for a living) ripped most of the garbage out and restored it as much as possible to its original factory make-up (a normal diesel one-ton) but left in few of the more interesting modifications; a manual fuel shutoff, and a locking 4wd cable which does away with the vacuum pump and allows you to use the low gearing without being in 4wd.


The good, the added, and the replaced:

-As mentioned, this truck loves to haul! Gauges are all in working order and the hitch is fully functional with an added Brake Controller.
-Aluminum rims with almost-new tires.
Front "Bambi Slammer" is a custom off a tow truck and does have a ball hitch.
New Headlights
(2)840 CCA Batteries
Foldaway Tow Mirrors
A Trailer Brake Controller
New Fuel Hoses
Replaced Left Tie Rod End
Replaced Signal Switch
Other various minor things which we can't think of.
(Not to mention the total rewiring job for removing the "Frankenstein-ing" evidence.)
New Injectors ($1500)
Inspection (we'll look for the paperwork)



The should, the bad, and what's needed:

-It should get an alignment; it drives straight but with the tie rod replacement an alignment isn't a bad idea.
-It does need front universals and there is a broken leaf in the left spring pack.
-We don't fill the fuel tank much over half full because it leaks somewhere around 3/4. (This is one of the previous owner's "modifications" gone wrong.)
-I won't lie, it does burn oil but it runs fine. When we moved last summer we used it to pull our 36 foot camper 700 miles (most of our belongings piled inside) with no issues other than stopping now and then to check and add.
-The steering is a bit loose but there is absolutely NO death wobble; the killer dowel pin was replaced by the previous owner. Also, put a trailer load on the truck and it will have tighter steering.
-Hazards do not function properly.
-The cosmetics: The dashboard is cracked up from all the vibrations (Picture included), there is rusting, and there are scratches and abrasions. (Pictures also included)


The truck has served us well for our moving and building needs over the past year (we've only had it that long), but it's time for us to get something smaller. We invested over $10,500 in this vehicle. Starting bid at $7500, that's 30% less than what we've paid so far, painfully I've lowered the price, but we need to pay for the smaller vehicle we got so this is the best price you'll be getting out of us. Ask any questions and I'll get you an answer.   If plausible and you're in our area I can arrange for you to take the truck for a drive. We're located near Kyle South Dakota. Thank you for checking out this truck and happy bidding!  - Lisa

P.S.  This truck is on sale lists elsewhere, so I might close the bidding at anytime if we end up selling on the other lists.