My father in law is thinking of purchasing a 98 3/4 ton auto, 318, 2wd Dodge for a tow vehicle. Anthing in particlular we should be watching out for??

what's he towing? I've got a 97 Ram 4x4 with the 5.9 360, and it dosn't exactly win any power awards, the 318 is probably too small, but it depends what he's pulling.

If he's pulling anything over 3000# tell him to go to a diesel or at least a BB.

Depends on the gear ratio....I have the 318 and highway speeds it is kinda weak even stock. The trannys are a really weak spot as well if it has an auto I would look at the steering box as well to make sure it is not leaking yet either another bad spot...the front main seal on the motor seems to leak all the time but that might just be from the mud on mine...