5.2 vs 5.9 ram pros and cons ??

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75slant6

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Hi all, I'm currently in the market for a truck. What I really want is a 94-01 ram 1500 4x4 5.9 but I've found a few really nice trucks with 5.2s in em. So I'm wondering, what are the pros and cons between 2 identical trucks, one a 5.2, one with a 5.9? I will use the truck as my daily driver, get parts with it and pull a car hauler and car with it several times a year. Any input welcone!! Need help deciding here!!
Thanks
 
I currently have a 94 with the 5.9 auto trans. I had a 95 with the 5.2 auto. The only difference seemed to be the mileage. The 5.2 got about 3 mpg better. In hind sight, I should have kept the 5.2 and sold the 5.9. Either is a good truck. I currently have 230k+ on mine with only having the tranny rebuilt at $150k.
 
If your going to pull a car/trailer with it, I would go for a 5.9. They offer more bottom end torque, which you will appreciate when loaded. Also, the 5.2 will probably be harder on gas when pulling heavy loads because of the lack of torque, you will need to get in the gas a little more to move the load up hills and from stops. Both engines are very good engines.
 
Hi all, I'm currently in the market for a truck. What I really want is a 94-01 ram 1500 4x4 5.9 but I've found a few really nice trucks with 5.2s in em. So I'm wondering, what are the pros and cons between 2 identical trucks, one a 5.2, one with a 5.9? I will use the truck as my daily driver, get parts with it and pull a car hauler and car with it several times a year. Any input welcone!! Need help deciding here!!
Thanks

I have a 98 3500 auto with a 5.9. Love it. Pulls excellent and never had a problem with the engine or tranny. My buddy has a 2500 with the 5.2 and it's making a racket up top. Doesn't seem to hamper his driving it. My other buddy has a 1500 with the 5.2 and he likes it. The truck is beat to **** but the engine purrs. All the same body style 98/99-ish.
Nice trucks. Just broke 120K on mine. It pulls my bass boat and that is all.
 

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Agreed on the 5.9L - much better for towing. I just bought a 2007 with a 5.7 Hemi and LOVE IT!
 
If your going to pull a car/trailer with it, I would go for a 5.9. They offer more bottom end torque, which you will appreciate when loaded. Also, the 5.2 will probably be harder on gas when pulling heavy loads because of the lack of torque, you will need to get in the gas a little more to move the load up hills and from stops. Both engines are very good engines.
This is pretty much exactly what I was going to say.
 
depends if you want a manual trans or auto. I'd personally get the 5.2 truck and swap a 5.9 in it. Best of both worlds :cheers:
 
I know neither of those trucks are, but look for a ram offroad edition. 3" taller than a standard 4x4, 5.9, and 4.10 gears...all from the factory. They have unique wheels and say off road on the tailgate. You'll be able to tow, and play in 4x4 but gas would suck on the highway w/ 4.10's. Given the option of the two you posted, the manual hands down. The RE series autos suck some serious power out of the mag motors no doubt
 
I know neither of those trucks are, but look for a ram offroad edition. 3" taller than a standard 4x4, 5.9, and 4.10 gears...all from the factory. They have unique wheels and say off road on the tailgate. You'll be able to tow, and play in 4x4 but gas would suck on the highway w/ 4.10's. Given the option of the two you posted, the manual hands down. The RE series autos suck some serious power out of the mag motors no doubt

I'm lookin for something under 3,500-4,000 and the options aren't too great... Found some SWEET ones that'd I'd pack up n go after right now but they were sold already!! :wack:
 
I would look for one with the cleanest body.
Most of them in those years are starting to rust in the rockers and doors.
 
That's a toughy between the first 2 candidates! I personally like the 5 speed and the truck its in because its cleaner! For the amount of towing vs. straight driving you'll do, I think it would better serve your purpose!

That said however, if you are planning on towing for longer periods of time/miles than just short trips of 1-2 hours, the larger motor and heavier suspension of the 5.9 and 2500 series would better handle the longer trips! I just don't like the rot on that red one!! Geof
 
That's a toughy between the first 2 candidates! I personally like the 5 speed and the truck its in because its cleaner! For the amount of towing vs. straight driving you'll do, I think it would better serve your purpose!
I just don't like the rot on that red one!! Geof

Agreed. You're in Kentucky, you shouldn't have to own a rusty truck. Us Northern guys are another story. Go for the stick truck!
 
if ya buy a "some rust started here and there" truck, in two years you will have a 1400 dollar rust bucket....
 
At that price you almost can't go wrong you'd have almost 2k left in your budget for repairs or mods.
 
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