1999 Dodge Ram 2500 Overview, Reviews, Ratings & Specs

The Good

The 1999 Dodge Ram 2500 offers substantial advantages for both emotional and practical buyers. Its powerful engine options, particularly the legendary Cummins 5.9L turbo-diesel, provide immense towing and hauling capability, appealing to those seeking robust performance and utility. The "big rig" styling evokes a sense of power and presence, a strong emotional draw. Practically, its durable chassis and strong drivetrain components offer excellent long-term value, with many trucks serving reliably for hundreds of thousands of miles. The spacious cabin, especially in Club and Quad Cab configurations, adds to its utility and comfort, making it a capable family or work vehicle.

The Bad

Known weaknesses for the 1999 Dodge Ram 2500 include issues with the dashboard cracking due to sun exposure, common transmission problems (especially with the automatic 47RE), and front-end suspension component wear like ball joints and steering linkage. Brake issues, particularly with rotors and caliper seizing, are also frequently reported. The "death wobble" is a notorious concern for 4x4 models, and rust can be an issue on body panels and frames in salt-prone areas.

1999 Dodge Ram 2500: Quick Overview

The 1999 Dodge Ram 2500 offered a robust selection of engines to suit various needs, from powerful gasoline options to the highly regarded Cummins turbo-diesel.

• Engine Options:
  • 5.2L Magnum V8: (Gasoline) Standard in some lighter-duty 2500 models, offering a balance of power and efficiency.
  • 5.9L Magnum V8: (Gasoline) A more powerful gasoline option, popular for its torque and durability.
  • 8.0L Magnum V10: (Gasoline) The largest gasoline engine, designed for maximum hauling and towing, providing immense power.
  • 5.9L Cummins 24-Valve Turbo-Diesel I6: (Diesel) The legendary engine, known for its exceptional torque, reliability, and fuel efficiency under load, making it a favorite for heavy-duty work.
• Horsepower:
  • 5.2L V8: Approximately 230 hp
  • 5.9L V8: Approximately 245 hp
  • 8.0L V10: Approximately 300 hp
  • 5.9L Cummins Diesel: Approximately 235 hp (high output) or 215 hp (standard output), with significant torque.
• Fuel Economy:
  • Gasoline V8/V10: Typically ranges from 9-13 MPG city and 12-16 MPG highway, heavily dependent on driving conditions and load.
  • Cummins Diesel: Generally 13-17 MPG city and 16-20 MPG highway, often better when towing compared to gasoline engines.
• 0-60 MPH Times:
  • These are heavy-duty trucks, not designed for speed. Estimates range from 8-11 seconds for gasoline models and 9-12 seconds for diesel models, depending on configuration.
• Towing Capacity:
  • V8 Gasoline: Up to 9,000-10,000 lbs, depending on axle ratio and configuration.
  • V10 Gasoline: Up to 13,000-14,000 lbs, making it a serious hauler.
  • 5.9L Cummins Diesel: Up to 13,000-14,500 lbs, often limited more by GCWR and hitch ratings.
• Trim-Level Features:
  • Work Special/Base: Basic vinyl or cloth seating, manual windows/locks, AM/FM radio. Intended for fleets and utilitarian use.
  • SLT: Adds features like cloth bench or bucket seats, power windows/locks, air conditioning, cruise control, tilt steering wheel, upgraded stereo.
  • Laramie SLT: The top-tier trim, offering amenities such as premium cloth or optional leather seating, power driver's seat, overhead console, chrome accents, improved interior trim, and available CD player. Optional features across trims included alloy wheels, fog lights, limited-slip differential, and various towing packages.

1999 Dodge Ram 2500 Specifications

Vehicle History Report

What Problems Does the 1999 Dodge Ram 2500 Have?

The 1999 Dodge Ram 2500, while a capable truck, is known for several frequently reported problems and long-term reliability concerns that owners should be aware of. Many of these issues are characteristic of the second-generation Ram trucks.

Common Mechanical Issues:

• Automatic Transmission Failure (47RE/46RE): The automatic transmissions, particularly the 47RE in diesel models, are a well-documented weak point. Common failures include issues with the torque converter, governor pressure sensor/solenoid, and clutches. Regular maintenance and aftermarket upgrades are often recommended to prolong their life.
• "Death Wobble": This severe vibration in the front end, particularly in 4x4 models, is a significant concern. It's often attributed to worn out steering components like track bars, tie rods, ball joints, or steering stabilizers, exacerbated by lift kits or larger tires.
• Front End Suspension Wear: Ball joints, tie rod ends, and control arm bushings tend to wear out relatively quickly, especially under heavy use or with larger tires, requiring frequent replacement.
• Brake System Problems: Owners often report issues with warped brake rotors, seizing calipers, and premature wear of brake components. Upgraded aftermarket brakes are a common solution.
• Crank Position Sensor/Cam Position Sensor: Failures of these sensors can lead to intermittent starting issues, rough idling, or stalling.
• Fuel System Issues (Diesel): For the Cummins diesel, the "53 block" casting (found in some 1999 models) is known for potential cracking. Additionally, the VP44 injection pump is a common and expensive failure point, often sensitive to low fuel pressure from a failing lift pump.
• Vacuum Pump Failure (Diesel): Affects brake assist and 4WD engagement.

Interior/Exterior Issues:

• Dashboard Cracking: A notorious and almost universal problem for these trucks. The plastic dashboard material is prone to cracking and deteriorating, especially when exposed to direct sunlight.
• HVAC Blend Door Failure: The blend door actuator can fail, leading to improper temperature control in the cabin.
• Body Rust: Rust is common on rear wheel wells, rocker panels, cab corners, and the frame, especially in regions with road salt.

Recalls:

Several recalls were issued for the 1999 Ram 2500 over its lifetime. These include, but are not limited to, issues concerning:

• Steering linkages and components (related to the "death wobble" concerns).
• Brake system components.
• Windshield wiper motor and arm issues.
• Airbag inflator issues (part of the broader Takata recall campaign).

How long will the 1999 Dodge Ram 2500 last?

What Technology & Safety Features are Included?

In 1999, pickup trucks, even heavy-duty models like the Ram 2500, featured relatively basic built-in technology, entertainment, and safety compared to modern vehicles. The focus was primarily on utility and robust mechanicals.

Built-in Tech & Entertainment:

• Stereo Systems: Standard offerings included an AM/FM radio, often with a cassette player. Higher trims like the Laramie SLT could feature an AM/FM/CD player or a cassette/CD combination unit. These were typically single-DIN or 1.5-DIN units.
• Instrumentation: A straightforward analog gauge cluster provided essential information: speedometer, tachometer (if equipped), fuel level, oil pressure, coolant temperature, and voltmeter. Basic warning lights were also present.
• Climate Control: Manual air conditioning and heating systems were standard or optional depending on the trim, controlled via simple rotary knobs or sliders.
• Power Accessories: Higher trim levels (SLT, Laramie SLT) offered power windows, power door locks, and power mirrors. Cruise control was also an optional convenience feature.
• Overhead Console: Available on some higher trims, this could include a compass, outside temperature display, and storage for sunglasses.

Driver-Assistance & Safety Features:

• Airbags: Driver-side and passenger-side front airbags were standard. These were first-generation airbags, less sophisticated than modern multi-stage systems.
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): A rear-wheel ABS system was standard on 2WD models, with a 4-wheel ABS system being optional or standard on 4WD models, offering improved braking control under certain conditions.
• Daytime Running Lights: While not universally standard in all markets or configurations, some models might have had this feature.
• Seatbelts: Three-point lap/shoulder belts were standard for front occupants, and lap belts or lap/shoulder belts for rear occupants depending on cab configuration.
• Child Seat Tethers: LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) systems were not yet standard or widely implemented in 1999. Child seat attachment relied primarily on seatbelts.

Crash-Test Ratings:

Official, comprehensive crash-test ratings from organizations like the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) or IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) for heavy-duty pickup trucks of this era are less detailed than for modern vehicles. For the 1999 Ram 2500, specific ratings are scarce or non-existent in the detailed formats we see today. Generally, trucks of this vintage offered basic crash protection primarily due to their sheer size and robust frame construction, but lacked advanced crumple zones and supplemental restraint systems commonplace now.

What Colors Options are Available?

1999 Dodge Ram 2500 Prices and Market Value

1999 Dodge Ram 2500 Cost of Ownership

1999 Dodge Ram 2500 Fuel Efficiency

1999 Dodge Ram 2500 Safety Rating

1999 Dodge Ram 2500 Warranty

1999 Dodge Ram 2500 Insurance

How Does the 1999 Dodge Ram 2500 Compare to Other Pickup Truck?

The 1999 Dodge Ram 2500 stacked up fiercely against its key rivals: the Ford F-250 (part of the F-Series Super Duty line introduced in 1999) and the Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra 2500 (part of the GMT800 platform, also new for 1999). Each offered distinct advantages.

• Performance:
  • Dodge Ram 2500: The 5.9L Cummins diesel was its undeniable ace, offering superior torque and longevity compared to rivals' diesels in many enthusiasts' eyes. The 8.0L V10 provided monstrous gas power.
  • Ford F-250 Super Duty: Introduced the legendary 7.3L Power Stroke diesel, a direct competitor to the Cummins, known for its own durability and strong performance. Gasoline options included the Triton V8 and V10.
  • Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra 2500: Offered the 6.0L Vortec V8 and the 8.1L Vortec V8 (introduced shortly after 1999). Its diesel option was the 6.5L Turbo Diesel, which was generally considered less powerful and reliable than the Cummins or Power Stroke.
  The Ram's Cummins engine often edged out rivals for sheer pulling power and reputation, though the 7.3L Power Stroke was a very close second.
• Features:
  • Dodge Ram 2500: Known for its "big rig" styling and spacious interior. Interior comfort and ergonomics were competitive for the era, but build quality (e.g., dashboard cracking) was a known issue.
  • Ford F-250 Super Duty: A completely new design for 1999, it offered a more modern interior and a robust platform. Its Quad Cab was practical.
  • Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra 2500: Also all-new, it generally offered a more refined ride and interior for the time, with a competitive array of creature comforts and options.
  The F-250 and GM twins often had slightly more refined interiors and newer designs in 1999, but the Ram's styling was a standout.
• Reliability:
  • Dodge Ram 2500: The Cummins engine is legendary for reliability, but the automatic transmissions (47RE) and front-end components were notable weaknesses. Dashboard cracking is also a universal concern.
  • Ford F-250 Super Duty: The 7.3L Power Stroke is highly regarded for reliability. The rest of the truck was robust, but some early Super Duty models had minor issues.
  • Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra 2500: The gasoline Vortec engines were generally very reliable. The 6.5L diesel was less so. The GMT800 platform itself was known for its durability.
  While all three had strong points, the Ram's automatic transmission and front-end issues could detract from its overall reliability perception despite the Cummins' robustness.
• Price:
  • All three were competitively priced when new, generally falling within similar ranges for equivalent configurations.
  • On the used market today, the Ram 2500 Cummins models often command higher prices than comparable gas models from any brand, and often hold their own against Power Stroke F-250s, due to the diesel's enduring appeal.

Alternatives: For buyers prioritizing maximum diesel engine longevity and raw pulling power, the 1999 Ram 2500 with the Cummins is an excellent choice. However, if a more refined ride, better interior build quality (less dashboard cracking), or a potentially more reliable automatic transmission is paramount, the Ford F-250 Super Duty (with the 7.3L Power Stroke) or the Chevrolet Silverado 2500 (with a gasoline Vortec engine) are strong, competitive alternatives.

Final Verdict: Is the 1999 Dodge Ram 2500 a Good Pickup Truck?

1999 Dodge Ram 2500 Owner Reviews

Drew B

Drew is a seasoned automotive expert and contributor to VinCheck.info. With nearly 15 years of experience as a former Porsche technician, he brings a wealth of hands-on knowledge to his writing. Born in North Carolina, a region renowned for its deep-rooted NASCAR culture, Drew developed a passion for cars early in life, often building and working on vehicles from a young age. At VINCheck, Drew leverages his extensive technical background to provide in-depth analyses of various vehicles. His articles often focus on engine performance, reliability, and maintenance insights, offering readers practical information grounded in real-world experience. Some of his notable contributions include reviews on the Mazda CX-5's longevity and detailed examinations of engine options for models like the 2011 Toyota Camry and Tacoma