Key Takeaways

  • Second-gen Dodge Ram is a classic pickup truck that gained popularity for its masculine style and powerful engines, including the Cummins 6-cylinder diesel powertrain.
  • The Dodge Ram's second generation, produced from 1994 to 2002, offered improved cabin features and a variety of body styles, making it a versatile option for both hauling and family trips.
  • Prices for second-gen Dodge Rams have increased significantly, with average prices ranging from $21,027 to well-preserved models retailing for up to $76,000. Common issues include front dash rupture, rust, 4WD disconnector, steering ramble, and transmission regulator valve problems.

After the first-generation Dodge Ram pickup truck, the second-generation Dodge Ram in 1994 was tasked with carrying on the huge, masculine style that is popular today in pickups. The oversize grille was inspired by big semi-trucks.

UPDATE: 2023/09/24 21:26 EST BY SIMRAN RASTOGI

With prices on these classic Dodge trucks ever-increasing, we've updated this article with more recent information on all you need to know before you buy a second-gen Ram pickup.

Behind that mighty grille was a then-new V10 powerplant that propelled the Dodge Ram to glory, with 330 horsepower. Though, the second-gen Dodge Ram has a lasting legacy thanks to its Cummins 6-cylinder diesel powertrains. During its first year of sales, the new Ram's sales were more than twice those of its forerunner. This truck will always go down in history because without it, we would still be using trucks that resemble vans today. Treasured by both restorers and enthusiasts alike, the second-gen Dodge Ram is a must-have classic pickup truck.

We've compiled data from RepairPal, Classic.com, and others, to give you a better idea of what to watch out for when buying a second-gen Dodge Ram pickup, and how much to pay for one.

Related: 10 Best Pickup Trucks From The '90s You Should Buy Today

What Years Are 2nd-Gen Dodge Rams?

From the older first-generation minivan-ish look, the Ram 1500 started to take on the appearance of a modern half-ton pickup truck during its second generation from 1994 to 2002. Taking a look at some other models from that era, like the Ford F-150 and Silverado from the 1970s to the 1980s, the Dodge Ram is among the most refined. Other than existing exclusively for hauling duties or taking families on road trips, the Dodge Ram served both worlds, with decent practicality and a more decent price tag.

While its competitors only offered a few features, like the speedometer and fuel gauge, Dodge focused on upgrading the cabin, giving it a full set of instrumentation. Later, the Ram received a noteworthy facelift, which included the introduction of a new "Quad Cab" body design with smaller suicide doors placed behind the driver's and front-seat passenger's main doors. The Ram 1500 also began to really toy with sportier, less commercially oriented variants intended for retail customers in 1998.

Related: Power And Performance: A Journey Through The History Of The Ram 1500

Why Is The 2nd-Gen Dodge Ram So Good?

Specifications

Dodge Ram 2nd-gen Cummins

Engine

5.9-liter, inline 6-cyl diesel 12V/24V

Transmission

4-speed AT, 5/6-speed MT

Power

160-235 hp

Torque

400-460 lb-ft

Dodge offered normal, club, or crew cab body styles for their second-generation Ram trucks. The Dodge truck used an 8.0-liter V10 gasoline engine for the first time, with 330 horsepower. However, this was only offered on the Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 versions, which were bigger.

The Dodge Ram became available with a natural gas engine in 1995. However, this was only employed in a few fleet cars and the market didn’t exactly bite. Two years later, Dodge removed them from the program once more. Besides the V10, other options were a V6, a V8, or an inline-six diesel engine. Only medium-duty carried the inline-six diesel engine. Depending on the engine, the Dodge truck came with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission. You probably want to find a manual as they have a better reliability factor.

Behind the wheel, the Dodge Ram is said to provide a decent drive, thanks to the peppy engine, which is the star of the show, propelling the truck and its mightiness with ease while also giving the truck a cool 5,700-pound towing capacity.

Related: 10 Features We Hope To See In the 2024 Ram Rampage

How Much Does A Second-Generation Dodge Ram Pickup Cost?

1994 Dodge Ram 1500 Parked Outside
Bring a Trailer

Today, buyers should expect to pay an average of $21,027 for a Second-Generation Dodge Ram produced from 1994 to 2002, according to Classic.com. Interestingly, even with more pickup trucks entering the market – some with electrified powertrains – the Dodge Ram is still among the most sort-after from this era, with the well-preserved models retailing for up to $76,000.

Also, even after adding 150,000+ miles on the odometer, some still will still look and run as new, with proper care. If you take a hard look, you can still find a model under $6,000, but such models will likely have one or more of the issues we’ve discussed below.

Common Issues With The 2nd Generation 1500 Dodge Ram

2000-dodge-ram-quad-cab-exterior-rear-angle
Via: Bring A Trailer

Overall, the Ram 1500 is a handsome truck and a fantastic building foundation. But, as with any truck out there, the Dodge Ram isn’t perfect. Here are some of the common issues reported on the second-gen Dodge Ram pickup.

Front Dash Rupture

The dash of the second-generation Dodge Ram Pickup consisted of a sheet of low-quality plastic. If you park your vehicle off-road, the dash will start to dry up, get brittle, and fracture, which will eventually turn into holes. The only way to solve the issue is to swap out the stock dashboard for an aftermarket model made of a more resilient material.

Rust

Another problem that plagues the 2nd generation Dodge Ram and other older models is rust. The Ram’s rocker panels are particularly the most areas vulnerable. The solution is to either sand it out and recoat the panel, or, if it’s very intense, swap out the panels for aftermarket ones.

4WD Disconnector

Sometimes, you can be unable to shift into 4WD or 2WD. If such is the case, a vacuum leak on the disconnector's supply lines is the root of the issue. To solve this, some folks change the vacuum 4WD disconnector using a cable to swap modes to resolve this problem. If this is not practicable, you can solve this by clearing the debris from the disconnector intake and fixing any holes in the lines.

Steering Ramble

A lot of owners reported that when traveling quickly on straight highways, the steering wheel tends to have a drift problem. Trucks with large tires and those that have wheel spacers are more likely to have this problem. To keep the truck from drifting side to side due to the road crown, you must continuously modify the steering inputs. Placing an aftermarket bracket that connects to the sway bars can also fix the issue. By doing so, the frame has a more solid front.

Transmission Regulator Valve

There is a regulator valve inside the transmission that is prone to breaking. This is very common on automatic transmission Dodge Ram models from this era. The result is a whining sound from the defective regulator valve when the vehicle is in reverse. Thankfully, Dodge introduced a new version of the regulator valve that made no noise.