1998 Dodge Ram 2500

6

Manual

1b7kf23d1wj165902

4x4

UPDATE: Lowered the starting bid $2000 to gurantee the sale. I got lots questions from lots of people (60 some watchers) who want me to call them. I spend all day running my business and am on the phone constantly - I do not have time. If you have a question, ask it via Ebay's email and I will post the answer for others to see. No trades at this time, and lowballers, please don't waste my time. I do not have a "buy-it-now" price - Auction will end next Friday for the winning bidder. Truck is available for inspection in Plainwell, Michigan. Send me a question through Ebay email and we can set up a time. I realize that the price is a little high compared to some, but you won't find another "98 12-valve" this nice - you probably won't find one at all! I should know - we looked for over a year for this one! Where else could you get a great diesel truck that you KNOW won't need any extra money spent on it? We would like to keep it actually, but our family of 6 just needs more room! I really hate to sell it as it will be nearly impossible to replace! During the time we have owned it we added or upgraded many parts to improve the longevity, comfort, and appearance, including a COMPLETE REPAINT to eliminate rusted panels - which were replaced (listed below). The repaint was done Oct/Nov of 2010, which I can document if necessary. Pictures of the work done are posted in the auction. NOTE: I see on a history report that there is an accident listed 3/11/2011 - this is a mistake. I own two 98 Rams and the accident was with the other (which did not get damaged anyway). I contacted the Plainwell PD to see what the story is, and will include a copy of the police report to verify this to the winning bidder. The only time this truck has ever been in a body shop while we owned it was Fall 2010 for the repaint. In any case the TITLE IS 100% CLEAR. Now then, about the truck - arguably the best truck ever built by Dodge/Chrysler (before the Daimler takeover) - a 98 12-Valve Cummins 5 speed manual with a short bed and 4 doors. Built for only about 3 months in 1997, these are the diesels to have. The drivetrains will go 750,000 to 1,000,000 miles if properly maintained. Earlier "97" 12-valve trucks were long bed 2 door only (even extended cabs), later diesels were the less reliable "24-valve" Cummins engine. The 12-valve engine and 5-speed NV4500 have proven themselves reliable to 3 and 4 times the stock power levels. with little or no changes necessary. Dana 60 front, Dana 80 rear (original). These are referred to as "Grail trucks" by the Cummins enthusiasts out there. At this time the engine is STOCK, although a TST torque plate may have been added at one time, as there was a sticker on the orignal tail gate. Mileage may not be exact as we are still driving it regularly. The truck is in GREAT shape with a very nice interior (no stains, rips, etc - no pics of the back seat as there are car seats in it now, but it is even cleaner than the front - I guarantee you won't be disappointed), and everything works - including the A/C, cruise, and all other accessories. You honestly would think the odometer came out of different truck - everything about the truck gives the feel of much lower mileage and excellent care. Upgraded parts/systems include: Thuren fab steering system "Solid Steel" steering box brace (makes and amazing difference in steering feel) 4" Turbo back exhaust - less turbo lag, better mileage, and reasonable sound level 2" leveling kit including TUBULAR control arms in front to replace stamped steel OE ones Bilstien shock absorbers 33" BFGoodrich All-Terrain Tires (35s will fit also - it once had those on it) Modular aluminum wheels Trailer braking controller/system Sprayed-in bedliner Gooseneck boss exists from previous oiwner, but when the bed was replaced when we painted it, we did not redrill the hole. The nut/threads and mounting plate are still there. Replaced in the last 2 years with NEW parts: South Bend Dual Disc Clutch SBDD3250-K (lower pedal effort than stock with double + the holding capacity) Brand new Delco batteries (2) 3 months ago Front driveshaft rebuilt (3 new u-joints and new CV/cardan joint) 6 months ago Blower motor resistor block Front brake pads and rotors Rear brake shoes E-brake cable Tailgate cables Trailer wiring harness/plug Front fenders (originals rusted) Replacement Cab corners (originals rusted) Exhaust system and muffler Door bottoms (originals rusted) Tail lights Headlights Rear Bumper (original was chrome) Front bumper support structure Sony CD Player and speakers Sound deadening mat applied to doors and rear of cab Used parts installed to improve the truck. Front Seat (out of a newer 2001?, low mileage truck - original was torn) Heated mirrors Bed from a Tennesee truck (original was badly rusted) Tailgate (original was dented) Front Bumper (Urethane Sport model from newer truck - original was chrome) Grill (Sport model from newer truck - original chrome was peeling) Imperfections: There is a crack in the windshield at the top on the passenger side, a crack on the bottom of the front bumper (you have to almost be under the truck to see it), one crack in the dash pad, and a few bubbles on the rear wheel lip on the passenger side and just under the door on the driver's side (see pics). The grill corner was cracked and patched back together - invsible at first, the filler/glue shrank with age. The flaw is not visible from more than 2-3 feet away. Check out the pictures. In the interest of being completely honest, there are minor scratches on both bumpers consistent with it being a daily driver not a trailer stowed show truck. I would still give the paint an 8 or 9 out of 10. The driver's side rear door sticks sometimes, but always opens. There really is nothing on the truck that does not work. I am sorry to see it go. NOT INCLUDED: the bed cover and the towing mirrors (but only if I get the time to swap them for the heated, power originals - if they are still on when you get here, they are yours). PAYMENT TERMS: $500 nonrefundable deposit due within 24 hours of auction close. Balance payable in person via cashiers check verified by my bank ahead of title transfer. This means if you are paying with a bank check, my bank needs to verify it - if you show up outside of normal business banking hours without a preapproved (by my bank) check, do not expect to leave with the truck or the title until they have done so - be advised this may not be a "while you wait" process, so plan accordingly.