* Engine size: The 1996 Ram 1500 came with several V8 options (e.g., 5.2L, 5.9L). Larger engines generally get worse gas mileage.
* Transmission: Automatic or manual transmissions will affect fuel efficiency.
* Condition of the vehicle: Proper maintenance, tire pressure, and overall vehicle condition play a large role.
* Driving habits: Aggressive driving significantly reduces fuel economy.
* Payload and towing: Hauling heavy loads or towing a trailer will drastically reduce MPG.
Therefore, it's impossible to give a precise MPG figure. However, you can expect somewhere in the range of 10-15 mpg in combined city/highway driving, with potentially lower figures under heavy load or in city driving. For a more accurate estimate, you could try searching online for fuel economy data specific to the exact engine and transmission of your 1996 Dodge Ram 1500. Websites like the EPA's fueleconomy.gov (although data for that specific year may be limited) might provide some guidance.