One problem related to engine clicking and tapping noises has been reported for the 1997 Dodge RAM. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Continuous transmission trouble:minor slipping,searching for a gear,surging,not going into passing gear,when it does it does not stay there,clunks hard when put in rev. Vibration at start up(moving) heat shield or rear-end,@time of original trade,when they changed the oil they eiter didnt put any in or very little I had to add 5qts now there is a ticking noise on the pass, side of engine,the salesman lied to me about the truck I asked him "has this ever plowed or towed anything before?" he said "no" after talking to prev. Owner they were towing a big boat with it . At this time I have a complaint with the me. Atty gen,Dodge,file#9921927 on 4-18-02,may I please have a copy of this with your letterhead as well as a reply so I can foward this to the atty gen. Thank you!!!!.