One problem related to front suspension coil spring has been reported for the 1996 Dodge Ram 1500. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
I have a 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4. My mileage is at 85,020. I have taken real good care of this truck and I use it to drive in the snow when I need the 4 wheel drive. I was doing a oil change and I noticed the passinger side trailing arms and coil spring bracket welds are pulling away from the axle. I looked over to driver's side and the trailing arm welds on the front axle are cracked. I have a dana 3. 5 axle ratio. The tag under the hood numbers are 3850 front axle dana 4. I purchased this truck thinking the frame and axles would last the life time of the truck. I'am a navy veteran and a mechanic and I can repair mechanical equipment. I feel that this should not of happen and I would like Dodge to help out in this matter. I also what to make other Dodge people awear of this problem. I'm just glad that I noticed this before winter and I was not driving at the time. If the welds would have separated from the axle and trailing arms it could of beem fatal.