Vehicle price comparison
Ram 3500 vs Ford Explorer Intake Manifold prices
Saurabh Kumar
Co-Founder & CTO, Part Price Guide
Built the pricing pipeline that collects and normalizes used OEM part listings from salvage yards and online marketplaces across the US.
Ambika Sharma
Co-Founder & COO, Part Price Guide
12 years of project management and technical operations experience. Reviews price guides for sample size, fitment accuracy, and data freshness.
Price face-off
Median price comparison
Condition comparison
How does the price differ by part grade?
Market analysis
Why does the Ram 3500 intake manifold cost more?
A used Ram 3500 intake manifold carries a median asking price of $235, which is 190% higher than the Ford Explorer at $81. Supply also plays a role: Ram 3500 has 2,097 priced listings versus 1,563 for Ford Explorer, and more listings generally mean more choices and more competitive pricing.
The Ram 3500 average ($394) runs 68% above its median ($235), indicating a tail of high-priced listings — likely low-mileage or remanufactured units pulling the average up.
Only 68% of Ford Explorer intake manifold listings include a posted price (1,563 of 2,290 observed) — the rest are "call for price," which usually signals negotiable or higher-than-average pricing.
The Ram 3500 intake manifold is interchangeable across 20 model years versus just 15 for the Ford Explorer — that wider compatibility window means more donor vehicles in salvage yards and tends to push prices lower.
At Grade A (excellent) condition, the Ford Explorer is 63% cheaper ($86 vs $230) — the gap widens compared to the overall median difference.
Buyer's checklist
What to check before buying a used intake manifold
- Inspect composite or metal manifolds for hairline heat cracks, blown runner gaskets, or oil soaking inside the plenum from bad PCV systems.
- Verify throttle body flange bolt pattern, MAP sensor mounting port, and vacuum port locations across model years and engine generations.
- Check variable intake runner flaps (IMTV or DISA valves) and actuator vacuum bladders or electric motors for proper movement without binding.
- Examine head mounting flanges for warping or deep gouges that prevent a vacuum-tight seal against the intake gaskets.
Full price guide
Ram 3500 Intake Manifold
$50 – $1,133 · 2,097 listings
Full price guide
Ford Explorer Intake Manifold
$27 – $350 · 1,563 listings
Common questions
Ram 3500 vs Ford Explorer intake manifold FAQ
Is a used Ram 3500 intake manifold cheaper than a Ford Explorer?
Ford Explorer has the lower median by $154 (190%). The Ford Explorer intake manifold ranges from $27 to $350 across 1,563 listings, while the Ram 3500 ranges from $50 to $1,133 across 2,097 listings.
Can I use a Ram 3500 intake manifold in a Ford Explorer?
This comparison describes pricing, not interchangeability. Even when two parts share similar prices, they may require different engines, trims, electronics, or mounting points. Always match the seller's part number against your VIN before purchasing.
How many listings does this comparison cover?
This comparison draws from 2,097 priced Ram 3500 listings and 1,563 priced Ford Explorer listings — 3,660 in total.
How does condition grade affect the price?
Part condition significantly impacts price. Grade A (Excellent): Ram 3500 $230 vs Ford Explorer $86. Grade B (Good): Ram 3500 $461 vs Ford Explorer $100. Grade C (Fair): Ram 3500 $150 vs Ford Explorer $75. Grade A parts are in excellent condition, B is good, and C is fair — always confirm grading criteria with the seller.
Are there different trim variants to choose from?
Yes. The Ram 3500 intake manifold has 2 trim variants and the Ford Explorer has 4. Variants differ by engine size, drivetrain, or part number — matching the right variant is critical for proper fitment.
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