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2000 Dodge Ram - II

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Comments

  • KCRamKCRam Member Posts: 3,516
    tram,

    Thanks for the compliments :) just helping fellow Rammers when I can.

    The axle ratio is a little more important with the Cummins because of the limited rev range. Unless you're dragging a house, the 3.54 will work very well behind the V10.

    One thing about third-party warranties: many of them are "breakdown" policies, meaning you can only get coverage when something fails. The factory warranty is always in place, and I have had a few warranty jobs performed on parts BEFORE they failed by eagle-eyed mechanics at my dealer. Considering dealers get less for warranty work than for a regular repair, that means A) I have a great dealer, and B) they are probably more willing to do that because there's no hassle in getting it approved.

    Your dealer can authorize a Cummins shop to do warranty work, but you cannot bring it to a Cummins shop on your own for warranty service.

    As for the mirrors, there are a few manyufacturers of clip ons - I will look up a few and provide some links.

    The Farm Bureau discount is not currently listed, but may be institued for the 2001s. A dealer would have that information sooner than I will.

    kcram
    Community Leader/Smart Shopper Conference
  • trambitistrambitis Member Posts: 21
    Gotcha. Gracias!
  • skidkid2skidkid2 Member Posts: 1
    I am considering a purchase of a Dodge 2500 Quad cab with a automatic trans. I have heard rumors that they don't hold up very well. I would appreciate any information anyone has to offer.
  • RichinKsRichinKs Member Posts: 412
    This is a confusing issue to me. I have heard also on this list that the Dodge auto is suspect. However I have talked with numerous Dodge owners over the last two years at campgrounds about how they like their Dodge as a tow vehicle and none have had any problem with the auto (most 5th wheel tow vehicles are autos owned by drivers who average a little on the older side). A freind of mine from Iowa has had his Cummins suped up and still his auto has had no troubles. I suspect the real answer is that Dodge may have more auto troubles that Ford or Chevy, but it is still a rare occasion. I hope that is true as I have a 2000 (correction , 2001 on order) with auto and V10 which puts out even more torque over its operating range than the diesel. Now that the 2000's are no longer in production, maybe we should switch to the 2001 list for new orders. ... Rich
  • nascar6nascar6 Member Posts: 113
    Eskota,

    Gee, you think you could post some prices from this century. No really, thanks.
    I've been doing some surfing trying to find answers, and most of your pricing is identical to what I've found, which is cool.
    However, the 2HH package was still priced the same as 2000 models, and no mention about a rebate or code change was noted. Also the SLT+ pkg (ATK) had an invoice of $1777. 2000 models had invoice at $1836 per edmunds.com. I like your prices a lot better.
    Is the code TST a new option for 2001? There is no mention of LT235/85's in my 2000 RAM brochure book.
    Is the 2BH (2HH) package still consist of the same items or has it changed with the re-coding?
    My source of 2001 prices was http://www.carsdirect.com and under the criteria of a 2001 model, 2500 LWB.
  • nascar6nascar6 Member Posts: 113
    Eskota,

    Gee, you think you could post some prices from this century. No really, thanks.
    I've been doing some surfing trying to find answers, and most of your pricing is identical to what I've found, which is cool.
    However, the 2HH package was still priced the same as 2000 models, and no mention about a rebate or code change was noted. Also the SLT+ pkg (ATK) had an invoice of $1777. 2000 models had invoice at $1836 per edmunds.com. I like your prices a lot better.
    Is the code TST a new option for 2001? There is no mention of LT235/85's in my 2000 RAM brochure book.
    Is the 2BH (2HH) package still consist of the same items or has it changed with the re-coding?
    My source of 2001 prices was http://www.carsdirect.com and under the criteria of a 2001 model, 2500 LWB.
  • wwhite2wwhite2 Member Posts: 535
    I didnt find similiar pricing at carsdirect ? maybe it's too early
  • nascar6nascar6 Member Posts: 113
    wwhite2,
    Pricing may be different possibly because the micro-print they show their pricing in is NOT dealer invoice. The amount they show is the carsdirect price. Every price they have listed is higher than invoice.
  • wwhite2wwhite2 Member Posts: 535
    What is the carsdirect % markup on the ram ?
  • nascar6nascar6 Member Posts: 113
    It looks to be in the neighborhood of 5.8%, which I feel is room for improvement.
  • RichinKsRichinKs Member Posts: 412
    My order (9/14/99) is 16 weeks today. Called the 800 number and I'm on a week to week hold with all other 2500 4x4's whatever that means. Still no build date. Not all plants have switched over to 2001 production yet I was told, so they could not tell me if I would get a 2000 or 2001 model yet. Personally I don't care what year it is at this point. ..... Rich
  • viper_gviper_g Member Posts: 12
    rich could you please give me the 800 number that you called I ordered a 2500 4 wheel drive on 12-3-99 and the dealer said 6-8 weeks . I want to see if he is right or if it will be alot longer thanks
  • wwhite2wwhite2 Member Posts: 535
    that does seem steep I havent approached the dealers on ordering a 2001 yet but I think I can do that well.maybe that fact that DC didnt meet its sales projections including rams (bloomberg tv 1/4/00) will allow consumers to cut a better deal
  • RichinKsRichinKs Member Posts: 412
    The fololowing web site gives the 800 number and how to use it:
    http://www.dodgeram.com/buying_info/Order_status.htm Rich
  • ratajczakratajczak Member Posts: 1
    I am looking to replace a 1990 Ford F350 crew cab dully that now has a 7.3 diesel with an automatic transmission. I have installed a utility bed on the truck and my GVWR is approximately 9,500 lbs. I am interested in the Dodge Quad Cab 3500 with a Cummins Diesel DRW two wheel drive. The majority of my driving takes place on the highway. I would like some input on rear end ratio, it's stopping ability, and will Dodges automatic transmission hold up? Is there any input on how the Dodge compares with the new Ford F350, with the power stroke.
  • wildmanbakerwildmanbaker Member Posts: 65
    The two are comparable. You will get opinions for and against both. Facts, the Cummins gets better mileage. The Cummins can be bumped-up higher in power than the PS. The Cummins will last longer.

    Both automatics should be equal. I know, people are knocking both, as problem ridden, but check with actual owners, and don't accept the answer of the tranny is junk. Find out just what happened to make it fail, and what maintenance was performed. Most people I have talked to have not had any problems with either brand. Remember, it could have been a screw-up from day one.

    Now to make you choice, drive both about 5 to 6 different times. Do things in both you normally do in your present one, windows up and down, adjusting mirrors, controls, etc. Are you really comfortable in it? Be really critical about each one, make a list of likes and dislikes.

    I have driven 2 PSs since we bought the 99 Cummins, just to be sure we did not make a mistake. For our money, we did not. This is not chump change we are talking about.

    Good luck, Wildman
  • wwhite2wwhite2 Member Posts: 535
    Has anyone bought an ETH cummins yet ?
  • djfire07djfire07 Member Posts: 5
    Thank you to everyone on these Dodge BB's, especially KCRAM for all the outstanding information. I just ordered a 2001 2500 QC LWB 4x4 with the ETH and 6 speed. Now the wait begins. Invoice for the BE7L34 was 22,421. ETH was 4441. I'm paying $300 over invoice. I worked mostly with the sales manager and had no problems whatsoever.
  • dresslereddresslered Member Posts: 60
    I am going to be ordering a 2001 3500QC LWB 4x4 with the ETH 6-speed also. I plan to carry a full size Lance slide-in camper while towing a jeep. I'm told that the factory receiver is not strong enough and that I need a class-V Titan receiver hitch (which will allow an extension beyond the camper). My question is, will the aftermarket Titan receiver hitch be easy to install if I order the truck without the Trailer Towing Group (Class IV hitch, heavy-duty flasher, 7-lead wiring connector)? In otherwords, can the heavy-duty flasher and wiring be added later? Or would it be easier to get the Trailer Towing Group and just swap out the hitches? Thanks for any info. The salesmen I've talked to can't understand the question.
  • engle2engle2 Member Posts: 2
    Considering purchase of 3500 4x4 Diesel. Would appreciate comments from anyone who has had experience with fuel mileage and truck handling characteristics. Unit under consideration also has the new 6-speed transmission. Thanks.
  • nittanylion93nittanylion93 Member Posts: 11
    Does anyone know when dodge is going to have on their website accessories for the dodge ram? You can find accessories for other vehicles, but not the ram. What gives?
  • osborne1osborne1 Member Posts: 5
    My new 2000 2500 QC diesel is getting about 17 miles/gal around town. Haven't been on a trip yet I have only checked it 2 times. It only has 600 miles on it. I have the 6 spd. and 3.54 axle. I also have been letting it run a little on these cold days to warm up some before driving it here in WV after I get off of work at 2:00 a.m.
  • bmckenziebmckenzie Member Posts: 118
    Dave,
    I would be pretty certain that you could add the Wiring Harness later but, the way Dodge wires it is pretty slick, it has a plug under the dash, next to the fuse panel, that you just plug the supplied wiring harness (with directions) into the Brake Box. I have had to wire trailer lights and Brake Boxes before, and what a pain it can be.
    I am not sure I have seen a titan receiver, maybe you could go to a Titan dealer and see what the cost comparison is between the factory Tow Package and the Titan w/wiring, or ask the Titan dealer if a factory Class IV would handle flat towing a Jeep w/ an extension.
    Ron,
    I now have almost 3000 miles on my 2500 4x4 QC Sport Cummins 5spd. mileage keeps getting better all the time, I just did a 350 mile trip to St. Louis last weekend (alot of hills and empty)and pulled down 17 MPG @ 75 MPH, beats the heck out of my old Dodge Ram with a gas engine. The last time I trailered a Ford Pickup (approx. 6000lbs. w/trailer) I got right about 12.5 to 13 MPG. I wish I would have waited for the 6 spd. that (1) extra gear between 3rd and 4th would be nice sometimes, I criused at 70 MPH with the trailer easily up and down hills. I have the Tow Package, and Camper Package it really helps with stability when loaded. If you buy a 3500 Dually it carries an obscene amount of payload, I think my 2500 is rated at 2600 lbs and some change, and I would not have a problem with putting more in it, the axles are the same as the 3500, Dana 80 (R) Dana 60 (F). The last time I loaded it with
    Firewood, it rode alot better, not that the ride is bad now.........Bill
  • dresslereddresslered Member Posts: 60
    Thanks Bill for the quick response to my receiver question. I think for an extra $234 for the factory Tow Group, it might be well worth it if it saves me any time in adding my own harness later. I can then add the Titan receiver at a later time as required.
    My last question is concerning the axle ratio. I will be getting the 6-speed with the Cummins and would like the 3.54. Can I still get the anti-spin differential with this ratio? I know that if you order the 4.10 you are also required to get the anti-spin. Just not sure why. Thanks again.

    -ddd
  • eskotaeskota Member Posts: 2
    #117 of 137: Prices-4-2001 (nascar6) Sat 01 Jan '00 (12:39 PM)

    Eskota,

    Gee, you think you could post some prices from
    this century. No really, thanks.
    I've been doing some surfing trying to find
    answers, and most of your pricing is identical to
    what I've found, which is cool.
    However, the 2HH package was still priced the same
    as 2000 models, and no mention about a rebate or
    code change was noted. Also the SLT+ pkg (ATK) had
    an invoice of $1777. 2000 models had invoice at
    $1836 per edmunds.com. I like your prices a lot
    better.
    Is the code TST a new option for 2001? There is no
    mention of LT235/85's in my 2000 RAM brochure
    book.
    Is the 2BH (2HH) package still consist of the same
    items or has it changed with the re-coding?
    My source of 2001 prices was
    http://www.carsdirect.com and under the criteria of
    a 2001 model, 2500 LWB.
  • eskotaeskota Member Posts: 2
    nascar6

    The code change (2HH/2BH) is only for the 2001 models, same thing different name. I also like my prices, because I am paying $100 over invoice, for a total price of $35,589. Not bad for a 3500 with everything.
    My only questions were about:
    Owner Communication Program $20 YDH
    Dallas Zone -PPA $120 A36
    Dallas Zone -PPa $260 T29
    What are they?
  • wwhite2wwhite2 Member Posts: 535
    Osborne the word from our topic expert is the idling a diesel will not warm up the engine cause of the diesel's inherent efficiency.
  • wwhite2wwhite2 Member Posts: 535
    Anybody got one of these stump pullers in their driveway??
  • bmckenziebmckenzie Member Posts: 118
    Dave,
    Glad to help, I have the 3.54's with a no spin in my 2500, it works pretty well, not like a locker but it beats an open diff any day. We have the same rear axle Dana 80, it is just yours has alot more tires on it LOL...............Bill
  • dresslereddresslered Member Posts: 60
    I'm off to the dealer this weekend! I would actually prefer the 2500 (I'm afraid of my wife mowing down trees with the rear fenders) but the Lance weighs in at 3200 lbs. With that and a jeep, I think the dually might be a bit more stable. How does your manual hold you back on the downgrades? Do you think a Jake brake would be a good accessory? Also, I hear that DC is going to discontinue the Dana. I want to get one before they do. My '46 Willy's is still riding fine on its Dana. Thanks again,

    -ddd
  • bmckenziebmckenzie Member Posts: 118
    Dave,
    I think I have the same fear as you about the rear fender thing, I was trying to teach my niece how to drive a manual tranny the other day, and she even cut off a corner, if I would have had a Dually she would have probably taken out a Fire Hydrant or a house. That is alot of weight and I would want a Dually, how many feet is that Lance?
    I cannot see Dodge getting rid of the Dana 80, that would be crazy, when you look at the truck from behind it is all differential. my 5 spd. does pretty well at compression braking, but when I buy a travel trailer I will also buy the Jake Brake, I would suggest it with that 3200 lb. monster plus your Willys in tow.......Bill
  • dresslereddresslered Member Posts: 60
    The Lance has a total length of 19' 6". The queen size bed is over the quad cab portion and it still leaves about three feet hanging beyond the tailgate. This is the reason I need a class V hitch with a 2-1/2 inch receiver (it can support the extension). The slide in campers have come a long way. Complete with forced air heating/cooling and a remote control that allows you to drop the camper in about 5-minutes. I filled out the autobytel form and am waiting for a response.
    As far as the Jake Brake goes, the Dodge dealer quoted me $1800 just for the part. I believe that you can get it for about 1/3 the price directly from a Cummins shop.

    -ddd
  • osborne1osborne1 Member Posts: 5
    I have found out that the engine doesn't warm up very much. I think it warms up just enough to get the frost off of my windows, though. It's weird that idling doesn't warm up the engine. Of course the cooling system is suppose to hold 6 gallons of coolant, too.
  • wildmanbakerwildmanbaker Member Posts: 65
    The $20 is for a mag you will get for about 2 years from Dodge. The other is the area advertizing fee. Both are required.

    Wildman
  • bmckenziebmckenzie Member Posts: 118
    Dave,
    You have a pop-up Lance camper? How is the interior as compared to the hardwalls? i.e. bathroom, and kitchen area. I think that is a little steep for the Jake Brake, I think I will probably pass on that and just use gears and brakes, I have driven plenty of Tractor Trailers without them, you just have to prepare for the hill earlier, but a Jake sure does make it somewhat painless. I looked into slide in campers but I have a shortbed, and the biggest I could go I think was an 8.5' floor length, it would be a little small with my family and pets. I really like the drop down ramp trailers for carrying toys in the back. That is a big darn receiver, 2.5" you could just alleviate that problem and give me the 46 Willys LOL.................Bill
  • dresslereddresslered Member Posts: 60
    I don't have a truck and I don't have a camper.....yet! This is the plan, however. As soon as I get a call from some dealers (via autobytel), I am going to order the truck. The camper will probably come next winter-when they have the factory sales. The model of the camper I've been looking at is the Lance 1140-it is a hardwall. They have a pretty good web site and will rush you a 2000 catalog if you request. The only drawback is that the price range varies from 16k-25k depending on the options. Pretty steep for something that doesn't have wheels! They are pretty tight on interior space (claim to sleep at least 5) but I think they are compact enough to drag off-road a little ways if desired.
    I also looked at some drop down trailers--the Willys would fit right in, but I don't think the wife was sold on the idea.
    Are you getting good mileage out of your service brakes? I have a friend with a 2500 auto and he only gets about 20k miles on the flat.
    Keep me posted,

    -ddd
  • bmckenziebmckenzie Member Posts: 118
    Dave,
    I have heard that about the automatics, it makes sense because if driving slow you would always be braking with the torque the engine puts out, plus the truck weighs over 6400 lbs. I can start out with mine in second gear from an idle. I saw a 28 foot, drop down trailer, at Bass Pro Shops, that was very nice, it weighed in at 8800 lbs. loaded, easy pulling, fully self-contained w/generator.......Bill
  • dresslereddresslered Member Posts: 60
    When you say drop down trailer, do you mean the one with the mini garage in the back end? Doesn't this use up living space? The wife was concerned that if the jeep was back there, that the whole interior would smell like oil and gasoline by the time we got into our trip. What would the registration and insurance be on a tailer? The slide-in requires no registration and the insurance is just a rider on the existing policy. What kind of toys are you hauling?

    -ddd
  • bmckenziebmckenzie Member Posts: 118
    Dave,
    Yes it has a mini garage in the back, but the tail of the trailer is sloped up about a foot and there is a bunk over the garage portion. The one I was looking at had the garage area completely sealed with walls, my wife had the same concern about the smell if it was an open trailer all the way to the back, I am not sure if that would handle the weight of your Willys. I plan on getting some Quads hopefully when I retire in a couple of years, and start another career........Bill
  • dresslereddresslered Member Posts: 60
    The trailer you describe sounds much nicer than the drop down I saw. The garage portion WAS part of the living quarters--not a separate unit. After the toys get moved out the beds fold down.
    Autobytel did not work! Not a single response from them. I spent the day emailing directly to the fleet managers of the dealers in our area and found a very responsive one. He says that he will order me a 2001, 3500 Quad, 4x4, ETH, 6-speed, with all options for $99 over invoice. Then the 10-week wait begins.
    I sure wish I was retiring in a couple years! A couple of Quads would really add icing to the cake!

    -ddd
  • bmckenziebmckenzie Member Posts: 118
    Dave,
    I could not wait that long, to impulsive I guess that is why I ended up with a 5 spd. and you will get a 6 spd. I can retire from my present job in two years, but I am to young to quit working, and my kids are still in school. I will just collect some toys on the way, I have the biggest thing now, the Tow Truck (my Cummins). I am still trying to figure out where to go when I retire from present job. Awhile back the local dealer had a 3500 Sport, 6 spd. QC, 4x4, White, on the lot, it lasted about a week, price tag was $39,000 and it was loaded.................Bill
  • dresslereddresslered Member Posts: 60
    It is impossible to be to young to retire!

    -ddd
  • ram4x4ram4x4 Member Posts: 24
    dresslered,
    Where did you buy your truck for $99 over invoice? Anywhere in California (in or near the SF Bay Area)?
  • bmckenziebmckenzie Member Posts: 118
    Dave,
    Thanks for reminding me about retirement. What is the B55,T55, Bay Area thing? You got a wonderful deal on that truck, that is roughly what I paid for my 2500 Sport, around here they do not mark up vehicles, I noticed that alot on the west coast, Washington to California, that is pretty sad that they can do that and still sell them (easily). That is one reason I bought mine out here before I went back to the west coast, plus Rams are made about 1 1/2 hours from here, what would your truck have sold for on the lot? did you get the 3.54 gears?.....Bill
  • dresslereddresslered Member Posts: 60
    I bought the truck at Redwood City Dodge. Email your desired truck and equipment to Jim Povio, Fleet Manager (jimpovio@rcdodge.com). He will respond within hours with a quote. Also, the web site is www.rcdodge.com. Next he will have you come in and have it ordered within 10-minutes. He requires a down payment of $500.00 which is non-refundable unless the truck is not delivered on time--chances are that you will still wait. Additionally, he will give you a 20% discount on all mopar accessories that you want. I will do my Mopar order in about 6-weeks when I find out whether or not the truck is on schedule or not. For what it is worth tell them you heard it from me. Good luck,

    -ddd
  • dresslereddresslered Member Posts: 60
    It's hard to say what they would charge for a 6-speed with HO Cummins as there are none available yet. However, I did notice a stripped down 3500 was going for MSRP + $1000! The MSRP for my truck came out to be 40,560. The mark-up is ridiculous, but it seems like there are enough people that are willing to pay (I just can't see prolonging my retirement!).
    I have no idea what the B55/T55 are but I believe that I read in an earlier post that it was a non-negotiable advertising fee--It seems to be more expensive in California. The part that really ticks me off is the $9 for two gallons of gas (I sure hope they mean diesel).
    As per your advice, I did get the 3.54 gears and anti-spin differential.
    Could you please inform me on how to shift into 4WD. It seems to me that I read a bulletin that says that you must be moving to do so. Is this true? What if you get stuck first? Thanks,

    -ddd
  • shippshipp Member Posts: 1
    Just bought a 2000 Ram 1500 with the 5.9L V8, Automatic, and I had a question about its cold-start RPMs. When I started mine the other day, in ~70 degree weather, it jumped to about 1000 rpm and then dropped to about 625 after about 3 or 4 seconds. Today, early this morning at ~30 degrees, it jumped to 1000 and then dropped to 800 and idled there. Then, at about noon and 48 degrees, it jumped to 1500, after about a second dropped to 1000, and then after two more seconds dropped to 625.
    It averages 625 on an idle, but I've been told it *should* idle higher. That and I've been expecting it to race at a higher rpm when I first start it--am I being paranoid over my beautiful new truck, or might this be normal? Other than that, the engine is smooth and quiet, and it's got plenty of kick in it with no hesitation.
  • ram4x4ram4x4 Member Posts: 24
    Dave,
    Thanks for the info about Redwood City Dodge. We'll be ready to order in another month or so and I was trying to figure our where and how to go about ordering a truck. I've spoken to our local dodge dealer (I live in Newark) and wasn't too impressed but Redwood City is only about 20 min away so we'll definitely give Jim Povio a call. Thanks again for your help.
    Mark
  • dresslereddresslered Member Posts: 60
    I think that Redwood City has the best prices. I was emailing fleet managers as far as Manteca. I'm not sure what truck your looking for, but if it includes the 6-speed, Jim Povio says the wait is 10-weeks and growing due to the shortages they had last year. Good luck,

    -ddd
  • kbutcher1kbutcher1 Member Posts: 27
    Does anybody have any recent information on the factory (rail car) delays in Fenton. I just found out that my 2001 Quad (SLT+, Sport, 4WD,Cummins,4.10,Limited Slip,you name it!) was at the paint shop and should be sent to the rail yard by the end of the week. My biggest fear is that it will sit there for a while. Any new news on the backlogs???

    Thanks,
This discussion has been closed.