The 1987 Dodge Ram 50 is a rebadged Mitsubishi Mighty Max with a solid 2.4L 4G64 engine but chronic automatic transmission issues that plague most survivors. The drivetrain is the make-or-break factor.
Automatic Transmission Failure (A/W3 3-Speed)
Common · high severityTypical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Slipping between gears, especially 2nd to 3rd, Delayed engagement when shifting from Park to Drive, Whining or grinding noises from bellhousing area, Transmission overheating, burnt ATF smell
Fix: Full transmission R&R with rebuild or replacement. Torque converter replacement usually required simultaneously. Expect 8-12 hours labor for removal, rebuild, and reinstall. Internal clutch pack and band wear are the typical culprits.
Estimated cost: $1,800-3,200
Transmission Mount Collapse
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking when shifting from Reverse to Drive, Excessive drivetrain movement visible under acceleration, Vibration through floor at idle in gear
Fix: Replace transmission crossmember mount. The rubber isolator deteriorates and tears. Simple bolt-in job, 1.5-2 hours labor. Often ignored until it completely separates.
Estimated cost: $180-320
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Leaks
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: ATF puddles under front of truck near radiator, Low transmission fluid level on dipstick, Transmission running hot, erratic shifting
Fix: Steel lines rust through at fittings or crimps. Replace both feed and return lines plus cooler fittings. 2-3 hours labor. Critical to catch early before trans starves for fluid.
Estimated cost: $250-450
Throw-Out Bearing Failure (Manual Transmission)
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 100,000-160,000 mi
Symptoms: Chirping or squealing when clutch pedal is depressed, Grinding noise that disappears when clutch is released, Eventually: inability to disengage clutch, gear grinding
Fix: Requires transmission removal to access. Always replace clutch disc, pressure plate, pilot bearing, and throw-out bearing as a set. 6-8 hours labor. Common on trucks driven hard or used for towing.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400
Carburetor Fuel Flooding and Hard Starting
Occasional · low severitySymptoms: Black smoke on cold start, strong fuel smell, Difficult hot restarts after short drives, Rough idle, hesitation on acceleration, Fuel dripping from carb throat or air cleaner
Fix: The Mikuni 2-barrel carb has failing float needle valve or accelerator pump diaphragm. Rebuild kit plus cleaning: 2-3 hours. Altitude and ethanol fuel accelerate deterioration of internal gaskets.
Estimated cost: $220-420
Knock Sensor False Codes and Pinging
Occasional · low severityTypical onset: 90,000+ mi
Symptoms: Check engine light illuminated, code 52 (knock sensor), Audible pinging under load despite good fuel, Reduced power, poor fuel economy
Fix: Sensor threads corrode into block or wiring harness develops open circuit. Sensor replacement: 1 hour labor, but often requires drilling/retapping if seized. Test wiring before replacing sensor.
Estimated cost: $150-380
Buy only with a manual transmission or if the automatic has verifiable recent rebuild with cooler line replacement—otherwise budget $2,500+ immediately.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.