How Much Can You Get For Junk RAM 2500?

By Nick Marchenko, PhD

Have you got a non-running RAM 2500 gathering dust at the back of your driveway or hogging a spot in your workshop?

The silver lining here is you don't need to let it just sit and rust. I found myself in a similar spot this year when the time came to bid farewell to my trusty yet slightly worse-for-wear 2008 RAM 2500.

Key Takeaways:

1. Owners of an old RAM 2500 have the option to either sell the truck for scrap or dismantle it for individual parts.
2. Dismantling can be more lucrative if the truck has high-demand parts in good condition, but requires significant time, space, tools, and mechanical knowledge.
3. The average US scrap value for a RAM 2500 is approximately $1200, but this can vary based on multiple factors.
4. Many junk car services offer free collection and assistance with title transfer when scrapping a vehicle.

Had to do a bit of homework to figure out the best route for my old RAM 2500 and how to convert it into some hard cash.

In essence, you're looking at two main routes - sell your incapacitated RAM 2500 for its metal or break it down for parts.

Which brings more bank? Well, it boils down to things like the potential value of individual parts versus the going rate for scrap.

If selling the RAM 2500 as a full chunk of metal seems right, you might just get it hauled off your property at no charge and see payment almost instantly.

However, breaking down the RAM 2500 is only a good shout if the sum of its parts greatly outweighs what you'd get for its metal. This route will ask a lot of your time, some real estate in your workshop or yard, a tool or two, and a dab hand at mechanics.

So, is it worth the elbow grease? When I pondered on making room in my workshop by getting rid of my RAM 2500, I put together a nifty comparison chart to weigh the merits of each approach.

Should I Break Down My RAM 2500 Or Flog It In One Go?

RAM 2500: Dismantle or Scrap? (Comparison Table)

For me, the first port of call would be to sell off the priciest parts of my RAM 2500 and then let the salvage yard have the rest.

Which RAM 2500 Used Parts Fetch The Top Penny?

Now, that's the golden question. You see, my hands were itching to find out. Generally speaking, the real treasures in a RAM 2500 are the engine, transmission, and the ECU (Engine Control Unit). 

So, after poking around a bit on eBay, I whipped up a list of the hottest RAM 2500 parts and their ballpark prices:

• Engine ($1000 - $2500)
• Transmission ($900 - $1800)
• ECU ($350-$1200)

And before you go gallivanting off to a scrap dealer, consider saving these goodies:

• Tow hooks
• Battery
• Intercooler
• Alternator
• Factory rims
• Wheels and tires
• Infotainment system

So, What's The Price Tag For RAM 2500 Scrap Bits?

If you've got a RAM 2500 on your hands and you're pondering the part-out path, remember prices can swing quite a bit based on your truck's health and its miles on the road. But, I stumbled upon this nifty chart that spits out an average price for a used car part, regardless of its lineage.

PRO TIP: Flog car parts in tiptop shape on platforms like eBay or Gumtree.

Now, I won't fib. Not every part of my RAM 2500 was in shipshape. But who'd be mad enough to buy them? Turns out, plenty of outfits will snap up those battered parts for the precious metals hiding inside. Your local scrapyards or online junk buyers (more on them shortly) are usually game.

PRO TIP: Unload knackered or kaput car parts to the scrapyards.

During my little adventure, I noticed a spike in curiosity for the price of RAM 2500's ECU, given it's the truck's electronic brain. Got me mulling over the idea of selling the roughed-up bits for scrap.

But then, you have to weigh up the dosh against the graft. After a quick number crunch - considering my time, the truck's condition, and potential earnings - the sums just didn't stack up. My little ones and their footie games, or knocking up a Sunday roast? That time's priceless, and no old truck's worth more than that.

So, the scrap route for the entire RAM 2500? Well, let's dive deeper.

RAM 2500 Scrap Value: What's The Damage?

From what I've seen on Junk Car Medics, the US average scrap value for a RAM 2500 hovers around $1200. Of course, that can slide from a mere $400 to a handsome $2000. Factors like location, truck condition, the going rate for scrap metal, and the truck's weight all come into play. As a guide, think about $350 per ton for scrap value.

Given the 2019 RAM 2500 tips the scales at about 3 tons, you're looking at roughly $1050 for a scrapped truck.

If it's just the shell of your truck left, ballpark it at about $250 per ton. Check the current weight for your specific RAM 2500 model and get your calculator out.

Things That'll Sway Your RAM 2500 Scrap Value:

• Model year
• Truck's overall state
• Value of the parts
• Truck's weight in scrap metal
• Local scrap values
• Vehicle documentation

What's the Payout When Scrapping a RAM 2500 Without Its Title?

Now, it's entirely doable to send your RAM 2500 to the scrapyard without its title, but, and it's a big but, expect a slimmer paycheck for it. Missing a title can be a right kerfuffle since not every junkyard will be game to take it off your hands.

I was fortunate enough with my RAM 2500 - had the title all shipshape. Without it, blimey, I'd have pocketed a third of what I did!

Who's Top Dollar for Scrapped Motors?

Now, here's the meat and potatoes. If you're pondering about where to offload that out-of-commission RAM 2500 and get a tidy sum in return, you'll want to rummage around for quotes.

I'm keeping shtum about which firm I went with for my RAM 2500 - don't want to sound like I'm pushing any old advert. Instead, here's a list of the top contenders for junk car services in the States. Tip-top bunch, all of them!

And if you're scratching your head about any of these names, have a gander at their reviews here. Get the full scoop on their pros and cons.

The Big Names in the Junk Car Business

Logo	Company	Website
	Junk Cars US	More Details
	SellMax	More Details
	CarBrain	More Details
	Junk Car Medics	More Details
	Copart Direct	More Details
	Cash Auto Salvage	More Details
	DamagedCars	More Details
	Wheelzy	More Details
	Pick-n-Pull	More Details
	Peddle	More Details

So, giving the old heave-ho to my RAM 2500 was smoother than a well-oiled gearbox. It all came down to:

• Getting a range of quotes
• Picking the top-drawer offer
• Clearing out my personal bits and bobs from inside
• Giving it a bit of a scrub
• Sorting out the paperwork (found a nifty guide for that)
• Setting up the collection
• Handing over the title to the buyer
• Having the quid in my hand
• Saying cheerio to the insurance
• Ringing up the DMV to call off the registration.

A bonus is that most of these car scrapping services will collect your RAM 2500 from your gaff and even help with the title transfer, and they won't charge you a penny extra!

Wrap Up

So, why did I decide to write all this? Well, my RAM 2500 and I had a lot of memories. Started this site because of it. Wanted to share my journey, my trials and tribulations, with those looking to get some dosh for their own RAM 2500. In the end, I opted for the quick route - selling it off to the scrapyard.

Nick Marchenko, PhD

Industrial Engineer & Automotive Content Specialist

Nick writes in-depth guides on car clubs, engine specs, vehicle ownership, and modifications, combining engineering knowledge with automotive passion.

Full profile → LinkedIn →