dodge V-10

One issue with that year V-10 was that the heads were porous, they would leak coolant into the crankcase. you could pull a valve cover and see coolant laying in the head. I`ve never found it mixed like a milkshake though. but by 100k miles I`m sure that issue either was fixed or that particular engine never had the issue. as far as braking I`ve never towed with one, but I have read about the braking issues they have. it`s all up to you though. and the V-10 will be a powerhouse compared to the 360! I had the 5.9L in a 97 Dodge conv. van with 3.90 gears. it would tow our 6500lb TT around with ease. Dodge LA series motors were always stump pulling powerhouses that couldn`t be killed!

I would consider the trade! The V10 is a towing monster and you may be surprised at the MPG's compared to your current truck. The auto may need rebuilt in the next 30-100k. It just depends on how it's been treated.

1997 is a good year too! It has the earlier style dash Which I prefer ( doesn't break as easily), however it doesn't have the mini suicide doors on the club cab like the 98-up does if it's a Club Cab.

Good luck regardless.

Tankcar wrote:
Hi. Welcome to Christmas Eve.

I have a 1996 Dodge Ram 2500hd Extended Cab w/the V-10. It has remained stock from dodge.
It now has 280,000+ miles, daily travel as well as Towing a 31' Aplinelite 5th Whl. from coast to coast(e-w) and border to border(n-s).

There were two issues with the truck: First was the brake system to lite for use by this truck. Second was the transmission 3rd gr. o/d section bad design. Oil holes to small.

When dodge went to all (4)wheel disc brakes the lack of stopping was reduced.
The transmission issue was corrected, by the rebuilding of the transmission.

The truck gets 11.5 to 14 mpg. But! When you are limited to 55 when towing 13,000 rock around. I stop worrying about the mileage. My driving day is 3-400 miles a day or two fills.

It is getting tired. Rear main seal is leaking, and the compression is getting lower.


I have kept up a 3000 engine service the whole time I've had it. Coolant service every two years. Trans. sreviced every year, cheep insurance.

Sounds like you got your moneys worth from your truck. :B

Hi. Welcome to Christmas Eve.

I have a 1996 Dodge Ram 2500hd Extended Cab w/the V-10. It has remained stock from dodge.
It now has 280,000+ miles, daily travel as well as Towing a 31' Aplinelite 5th Whl. from coast to coast(e-w) and border to border(n-s).

There were two issues with the truck: First was the brake system to lite for use by this truck. Second was the transmission 3rd gr. o/d section bad design. Oil holes to small.

When dodge went to all (4)wheel disc brakes the lack of stopping was reduced.
The transmission issue was corrected, by the rebuilding of the transmission.

The truck gets 11.5 to 14 mpg. But! When you are limited to 55 when towing 13,000 rock around. I stop worrying about the mileage. My driving day is 3-400 miles a day or two fills.

It is getting tired. Rear main seal is leaking, and the compression is getting lower.


I have kept up a 3000 engine service the whole time I've had it. Coolant service every two years. Trans. sreviced every year, cheep insurance.