Two problems related to power train have been reported for the 1996 Dodge Ram 2500. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
After operating vehicle under heavy load (snowplowing), the hydraulic clutch line ruptured when the clutch was depressed and the hydraulic fluid ignited on the hot exhaust system. Note: there was a recall (NHTSA campaign id number : 99v115000 ) issued for the exact same problem with this make/model/year truck with a v10 engine verses the v8. The heat from the nearby exhaust pipe exceeded the temperature rating of the hydraulic clutch line material causing it to rupture.
Pulling loaded cargo trailer on a hot day in heavy traffic kin san antonio, TX. All a sudden truck started slowing down and smoke started coming out from under the truck. Stopped and looked under and transmission fluid was coming out of transmission on to hot exhaust. The hot transmission fluid melted the plastic/nylon material at the fluid line of the transmission and caused fluid to spray all over the exhaust and under side of truck and onto the payment. Transmission and lines had to be replaced. I was not aware of this recall as I had never been contacted. I wish I had, I would have saved about $4000. 00!!!!.