Did you recently take on (or consider) a loan of 84 months or longer on a car purchase?
A reporter would like to speak with you about your experience; please reach out to PR@Edmunds.com by 7/25 for details.
Options

2000 Dodge Ram - II

12467

Comments

  • bmckenziebmckenzie Member Posts: 118
    Dave,
    You can be moving or at a dead stop, the 241HD Transfer Case (std on all Cummins) shifts very nicely, beats the heck out of a push button/turn the dial 4WD, you know when you are in or out of 4WD. I would not buy a 4WD without a lever shifted transfer case, I have read and seen to many problems. Where do you guys live at in the Bay Area? my wife and I use to live in Hayward, Alameda and on Treasure Island before it was closed. I looked at Tracker slide-in campers yesterday 8.5' fully self contained, they were alot cheaper ($9,900) than Northstar campers, and come with alot more standard options, I also looked at the Tracker fold down ramp 26' campers ($15,500) again, 1200 lbs. payload in the garage area, roughly an 8x8 ft. area, GVWR 9600 lbs. (easy pull).............Bill
  • dresslereddresslered Member Posts: 60
    My experience with the 3500 Ram was a quick test drive over a year ago and it was an auto. Feel kind of weird ordering something that I have never driven, but everything I hear, is great!
    I've always lived in the Bay area, but my last 15-years have been down in the Silicon Valley area. Tired of living in the city that I work in, my wife and I moved out to Felton (near Santa Cruz) 4-years ago. My commute is 29-miles over a narrow mountain road (highway 9) each way. I will be using the new RAM as my commute vehicle so I am very concerned about the wear I might put on the service brakes--hopefully the 6-speed will be enough otherwise I will be adding a Jake.
    I'm going to continue looking at the campers and will probably buy one up in Oregon as I hear there is less of a mark-up and a substantial savings in sales tax.

    -ddd
  • bmckenziebmckenzie Member Posts: 118
    Dave,
    I know that road, it used to suck on the crowded summer weekends around Santa Cruz, I used to play sand volleyball out there on the weekends, I left just after the 1989 Earthquake....Bill
  • dresslereddresslered Member Posts: 60
    You might be thinking of highway 17 which is the more common route to Santa Cruz. Highway 17 is more crowded and often closed down due to frequent accidents. Highway 17 is two lanes in each direction. Highway 9 is less traveled but only one lane in each direction (and is considered the back way through the trees).
    You do seem to get around. I think that once we get our truck we will do the same. We are planning on hitting all the national parks (Grand Canyon, Glacier, Yellowstone, etc.)

    -ddd
  • dresslereddresslered Member Posts: 60
    Did you order the High Output Cummins? If so, it sounds like you might be the first on this board to try that baby out! I heard that not only does it have a different head, but a much larger turbo housing. Sorry, I can't help you about the delays.

    -ddd
  • anonymousanonymous Member Posts: 314
    Yo ddd,

    I did not order the HO Cummins. I went with the standard ETC with the Auto so it should no be much of a delay. We'll see.

    Thanks,
  • bmckenziebmckenzie Member Posts: 118
    Dave,
    I would like to start hitting some of those places but I need the camper first, I will be moving to the Ventura area in April for a two maybe three years, hopefully it will be my last job for my first retirement. We used to do that every summer when we were kids, mostly Canada trips...............Bill
  • daves4x4daves4x4 Member Posts: 4
    Just got a price on a 2001 2500, quad, 4 x 4, Cummins (ETH), 6 speed, everything but leather and snowplow. (Standard pwr/heat mirrors). I was quoted by one of the local Ft. Worth TX. dealers $34,250., with a delivery of 6-8 wks. How does that sound??
    Includes all but tax,title,license.
  • dresslereddresslered Member Posts: 60
    See post 155 for my invoice. I think you got a great deal (at least by California standards). I believe that I got a comparable price (as I went for the leather), but had to do some real searchin'. If you really do get this in 6-8 weeks, please post how you like it.
    I too, will be getting the Jake if the manual isn't enough for the mountain roads. Take note that the new HO engine requires a new Jake as the Turbo has been enlarged (see http://www.turbodieselregister.com/ for more details and some good discussions).

    -ddd
  • dresslereddresslered Member Posts: 60
    I have a friend that has the Auto and just loves it! I probably would have gone that route (wife pressured) except I was worried about the hills wearing out the service brakes. My friend drives the flat and only got 20k before he had to do a $750.00 brake job. We do live in an area of lots of stop-and-go traffic though. Let us know when you get it and if it was really on schedule.

    -ddd
  • dresslereddresslered Member Posts: 60
    Isn't Ventura down in LA? I work for The Boeing Company and often have to travel to Anaheim. Your retirement sure didn't last long!

    -ddd
  • daluebedaluebe Member Posts: 4
    I have a 1500 Y2K Ram QuadCab- 4x4- long box --
    5.9ltr - 3.55 gears - automatic - loaded (Built in Mexico). Everything is working great so far! -- The only thing I am not happy with is the mileage - the best I have gotten so far is about 13 mpg (65mph on hwy for about 250 miles on cruise) Can I expect better yet???? I would have thought the engine would be broken in by now and should be getting better mileage. Anyone please let me know if I can expect better mileage in the near future???? I am taking it on a long trip out west in about a week and am hoping to get better mpg!
  • barbarajobarbarajo Member Posts: 27
    I have a 1500 Y2K Ram QuadCab 4x4 Short Box; 5.9L; 4.10 rear; Auto; SLT; Off-road pkg with just under 4k miles and am getting 12.8 mpg at best.
  • RichinKsRichinKs Member Posts: 412
    Today is 18 weeks since my truck order was placed (sept 14). Status is again BG and I have a new hold now that I've not had before, the V10 engine is on restriction. Previous holds have been on lack of dealer allocation, paint and 4x4. The 800 number I guess is taking pity on me and is creating a corporate file for me to reference when I call in instead of my VON number. Also the corporate office is suppost to review my order weekly with the dealer. .... Rich
  • bmckenziebmckenzie Member Posts: 118
    Dave,
    Yes, Ventura is just one hour north on L.A. just 10 minutes south of Santa Barbara. If I want I can retire (first time) in two years from April 2000, I am still indecisive, not sure what I want to do when I grow up. My Sister-in-Law works for Boeing in the Seattle area, she has been with them for years, she is a computer geek programmer type, lots of layoffs recently in Boeing, where do you travel to in Anaheim? John Wayne Airport area?
    It is a relief to read MPG questions about 1500 Gas Rams and be glad I traded for a Diesel, the best I ever got out of my 5.9 Gas Ram was
    16 MPG @70MPH(all highway), the norm was
    10.5 to 13 MPG. Just went to Springfield and back last weekend and got 17 MPG @75MPH out of my Cummins................Bill
  • daves4x4daves4x4 Member Posts: 4
    I just ordered the 2001, 2500, Cummins, 6 speed, quad, SLT, 4 x 4, SWB, loaded (no leather) from AUTONATION Dodge in Arlington, TX. (DFW area) for $32,629. plus tax, tags, license. 6-8 wk. delivery.
  • dresslereddresslered Member Posts: 60
    Actually, I think that I finally have the traveling on hold for now. I was commuting down to Anaheim on Tuesdays and then returning on Thursdays. I would fly in through John Wayne-one of the nicer airports in California. Got a little old living out of a Suitcase.
    Layoffs? Boeing? I work for Boeing Sunnyvale, and we were at 1500 employees when they acquired us. We are sitting at about 120 now. I missed the layoffs so I still have to work.
    It's great to hear that you are getting 17 mpg! A couple of posts (Barbara Jo tell me you're joking) were starting to worry me. I'm hoping that the 6-speed and 3.54 will be a little kinder-although I am dragging two extra wheels!

    -ddd
  • barbarajobarbarajo Member Posts: 27
    I wish I was joking about the mileage. I drive 25 miles each way to work, most of it highway, so putting $30+ in gas in every 5-6 days is hurting a little. I couldn't justify the cost of the Cummins, since I'll be getting a gas-sipper to drive back and forth to work in about 18 months.

    I'm contemplating getting the Jacobs Omni-pak (www.jacobselectronics.com) to help boost mileage and smooth out acceleration, but would prefer to have someone else install it for me. Being 5'4" makes it a little hard to get into the engine compartment of my 4x4, especially with the off-road package installed on it. Does anyone know where I can go to get the Omni-pak installed?
  • dresslereddresslered Member Posts: 60
    I at least feel a little better, as I thought you were driving a diesel. I think the combination of the 4.10, heavy foot, (and what does your off-road package consist of?) might be the major factors. Bigger tires would bring up your gear ratio and slightly improve your mileage. But then you would defeat the whole purpose you bought the 4.10 for anyway. How many miles on your new truck-are you beyond break-in? I would be a little skeptical about miracle electronics improving the gas mileage. If it did, the factory sure would have done it to better their CAFE requirements. My advise would be to skip the "sipper," and enjoy the ride knowing you are commuting in something at least as big as the guy next to you.

    -ddd
  • barbarajobarbarajo Member Posts: 27
    Well, I know my low gas mileage isn't because of having a heavy foot. I'm a rather conservative driver, and have always been able to get MUCH better mileage out of a vehicle than the average person.

    The Off-road package has the 4.10 gears and LT275/70R17 tires on it, so you'd think they offset each other enough to bring the ratio back up to "normal." I also know having the auto tranny doesn't help the numbers.

    Thanks for the info, bmckenzie... I'll have to look into it further. The last thing I want to do is void my warranty. An additional 2-4 MPG would be enough to make me happy.

    I'm still going for the gas sipper, though. I want this truck to last long enough for me to be buried in it. The only way that's going to happen is if I get a "throwaway" car to put 100k on every 5 years, and save the truck for dropping the jaws of the guys at Lowe's and the boat docks on the weekends.
  • dresslereddresslered Member Posts: 60
    Just got off the phone with Daimler-Chrysler who told me that the DEE 6-Speed transmission was on restriction again. They could not comment on why, but even told me that it should be off restriction by August! This seriously effects my 10-week promised delivery date. So, barbarajo, enjoy your low gas mileage and Bill, enjoy your 5-speed--I will be walkin' in the mean time!

    -ddd
  • bmckenziebmckenzie Member Posts: 118
    Dave,
    I think I would be hot enough to Pluck, you got more will power then I do, that is why I have a
    5 spd. That makes me wonder about the 6 spd. being durable or not, or maybe just manufacturing plant problems again............Bill
  • dresslereddresslered Member Posts: 60
    I "plucked" to the dealer and he claims that my truck has "C" status (sub firm), meaning not to worry??? He claims that it will be here as scheduled. He also claims, whether this is true or not, that it is merely a supply issue. I find it hard to believe that DC hadn't prepared for this as I've heard a lot of talk about people wanting the ETH engine (this is only available with the 6-speed). When are you comin' to California?

    -ddd
  • bmckenziebmckenzie Member Posts: 118
    Dave,
    Since you are purchasing your truck in California, are the Horsepower and Torque ratings lower because of all the extra emissions stuff? What is the difference between the ETH and the
    24V ISB (statistics). I transfer to Cowabunga in April, my wife will follow in May after school is out, then I am off to Okinawa in October for 7 months...............Bill
  • bmckenziebmckenzie Member Posts: 118
    Dave,
    Just tell Dodge I will pick your truck up for you in Fenton MO. (just down the road from here) when it is ready. LOL.........Bill
  • dresslereddresslered Member Posts: 60
    As far as the combination ETH HO Cummins and the DEE 6-speed tranny is concerned, I am not sure that anybody knows for sure-at least I haven't found anybody yet. I believe that the California version has 245 hp and 505 lbs of torque. (It would be kind of neat if there were such a beast). As far as the specific engine differences are concerned, again, I believe that the ETH has larger plungers in the injector pump, different injectors, pistons, turbo housing, and ECM. I thought that someone even said a different head. I know that there is a new Jacob's exhaust brake coming out to accommodate the new turbo housing. The 2000's and 2001's have the upgraded brakes (2500 has the same brakes as the 3500). The bad side is that I think the 2001's will be the last Rams with the Dana's!
    Aren't the 3500 Quads built in Mexico? Who's going to be watching your Ram while you're in Okinawa?

    -ddd
  • dresslereddresslered Member Posts: 60
    Since I've got all this time to wait, I've been running around looking for accessories for this truck. A Dodge parts person told me that the six cutouts in the top of the bed rails are no longer there, and that the tie-downs are provided on the inside of the rails. If this is true, how are bedliners installed without interfering with the tie-downs. Sure wish I knew what I ordered.

    -ddd
  • wwhite2wwhite2 Member Posts: 535
    Anybody out there have one ? I think they are a myth. KCRAM said the only change to make an ETC to a ETH was a new computer. Which makes sense because the engine already makes much more HP and torque in motorhomes
  • dresslereddresslered Member Posts: 60
    So far the ETH is less sited than bigfoot. The dealer was sure willing to take my money though! There is quite a bit of talk over at http://www.turbodieselregister.com/ concerning the ETH and other topics on the Cummins.

    -ddd
  • bmckenziebmckenzie Member Posts: 118
    Dave,
    I don't think Dodge pickup beds would change that much from 2000 to 2001, mine still has stake pockets, one in each corner, and the tie downs are, one in each front corner in the bed floor, covered with rubber plugs, and one each in the rear corners approx. 3" up from the bed floor. I have the under rail bed liner that has rubber plugs in the Bed Liner covering the tie down points, don't get over the rail they warp to much from the sun, my does not even move from the wind when driving, the one from Dodge fits very well, I have had then on both my Dodge Rams. My wife will take care of my Ram while I am in Okinawa. I remember seeing 3500 Rams on display outside the plant in Fenton, unless they moved that production to Mexico, my 2500 was made in Mexico even though Fenton is only 1 1/2 hours away. I just got the latest Dodge magazine and it talks about the new Cummins Ram and the new R/T Durango
    (5.9 rocket)........Bill
  • dresslereddresslered Member Posts: 60
    If you learn anything new from the latest Dodge magazine, please let me know. Do you have a short bed? I think the long beds use to have two additional stake pockets in the center. Went to a different dealer this weekend, and he said that all the 2000's he had seen didn't have stake pockets. The tie downs are now on the inside of the rail and the Bed Liners have little plugs now to accommodate them. I think this sounds a little less convenient than the stake pockets. Anyway, I think that I better wait to get the truck before I start to buy all the accessories-just wanted to get some hardware in my garage. This dealer also said that the DEE (6-speed) was back off of restriction. He said that it is merely a supply issue and that DC opens little windows for ordering the DEE and then restricts it again when the supply is consumed. Hopefully that is good news for me. I am presently sitting in 'C' status (sub firm schedule).

    (fine 5.9) -ddd
  • bmckenziebmckenzie Member Posts: 118
    Dave,
    I think that dealer is not aware of his surroundings, why would mine be the only 2000 Ram with stake pockets? I think the long beds do have 3 vice 2 stake pockets. Incorporated in those recessed tie downs in my bed are also drain ports for water, I don't think Ram has changed the configuration of tie downs, and that dealer needs to look a little closer at what he sells, it is a pain to access the rear tie downs sometimes with a bed liner because of the plugs and size of the cut out, I just connect small shackles to the tie downs and leave them without the plugs in place.
    The ratings in the latest Dodge owners Magazine
    for the Cummins are: 245 HP @ 2,700 RPM and 505 ft. lbs. @ 1,400 RPM, up from 235 HP and 460 ft. lbs. w/6 spd. the Cummins w/auto tranny gets bumped to 235 HP and 460 ft. lbs. from 215 HP and 420 ft. lbs. your truck is going to rock with that much torque. have you ever been on the Grapevine section of road in Southern California, down by Six Flags Magic Moutain? I am sure I could easily pull that at 85 MPH unloaded, just think about an additional 45 ft. lbs of torque........Bill
  • dresslereddresslered Member Posts: 60
    This is very interesting, Bill. If you look at the brand new Mopar Accessory brochure, they show their accessories on trucks that have the stake pockets AND on trucks that have the smooth rails (no pockets). It seems to me that now when you want to order parts for your truck, you not only have to specify the year of the truck, but also the configuration. I think given the choice, I would opt for the stake pockets.
    I know the Grapevine very well. I use to go to school at UCSD when I was a kid and I would make that run in a 1965, 40 hp VW bug. With the bug loaded up, I could pull 35mph no problem. Thanks for confirming the rumored 245 hp.

    -ddd
  • kbutcher1kbutcher1 Member Posts: 27
    I ordered a 2000 Ram with the Cummins/Auto that rolled over to a 2001 (Built on 1/13/00. Do I understand that my truck will now have the 234/460 motor rather than the 215/420. Please say yes! How can I confirm this. It would help make the wait worth while.

    Hope someone can confirm this for me.
  • wiz1wiz1 Member Posts: 18
    KB,
    Thats correct. The auto will have 235/460. There was a 2001 2500 quad cab with auto at my dealers over the weekend. On the build sheet it was 235/460. This was an ordered vehicle, not one to sit on the lot. I would expect you should be getting yours soon.
  • bmckenziebmckenzie Member Posts: 118
    Dave,
    My oldest sister and her husband went to Univesity of California San Diego also. I have never seen stake pockets as an option on either one my Rams list of standard features, I hope you get Stake Pockets..........Bill
  • dresslereddresslered Member Posts: 60
    Just got a message from a guy over at the TDR site who just received his 2001 model Ram and he says that he got the stake pockets. But even looking at the newest Dodge Ram brochure (pg. 26-27) it clearly shows a 3500 with smooth rails! I just hope I get the holes.
    By the way, what mirrors did you get? I really like the looks of the new towing mirrors, but since they are neither electric or heated, I opted for the standard mirrors. I will just add extensions when I'm towing.

    -ddd
  • bmckenziebmckenzie Member Posts: 118
    Dave,
    I saw some good looking extensions on a Ram the other day, they clipped on and around the mirror. Which Brochure are you looking at? the ones I have (2000 and Commercial trucks) show stake pockets. I love my electric heated mirrors, just push the button and no more fogged mirrors.....Bill
  • dresslereddresslered Member Posts: 60
    I thought that I was looking at the latest Ram Pickup catalog (8/99). I am not familiar with the one labeled "2000 and Commercial trucks." I'm just going to hold off on the liner until I know for sure.
    I also think that the electric heated mirrors are probably the best choice. I think that I will be doing more commuting in it than towing. I would be interested in knowing some brands of extensions, if you come across them. Is the camper on hold for now?

    -ddd
  • eric16eric16 Member Posts: 38
    I have a 2001 2500 Qcab short bed, it has two stake pockets on each side. One up front and one at the back nun in the middle.

    Eric16
  • dresslereddresslered Member Posts: 60
    Well let's just hope that the stake pockets going away is just a rumor and someone has "touched-up" the pictures in the catalog. I have a 2001 on order and expect to see stake pockets!

    -ddd
  • dresslereddresslered Member Posts: 60
    According to Cummins the changes made to the 24V ISB to make it an ETH are:

    o New Head with Valve seats
    o New Injectors
    o Modified old pump (plungers etc)
    o Reprogrammed ECM of course.

    Should increase Fuel mileage if you do not "use" the extra HP, according to Cummins.

    -ddd
  • davidb10davidb10 Member Posts: 8
    well i've had them all freinds,chevys,dodges and fords..my 97 dodge has had many problems,about the only good thing is the cummings deisel,its a
    97 3500Ram club cab 53000miles.My 96ford 250club cab4+4 powerstroke 110000miles has givin me no
    major problems..in fact i use it the most because
    it seams to do the work better...But i'm not pro-ford,dodge or chevy..the ford just holds up better
    as far as new trucks look at the facts,you get alot more with the ford compared to the dodge and the fit and finish on the new dodges ar very poor
    like i said the cummings deisel is ok its just the rest of the truck thats the problem!nuff said
  • barbarajobarbarajo Member Posts: 27
    Well, y'all... Here in Virginia, we were nailed with an unexpected blizzard yesterday (along with most of the East Coast). Between twelve and eighteen inches of snow was on the ground before it finally stopped.

    I am incredibly impressed with how my Ram handled the snow. It was not phased by the deep, wet stuff, and didn't blink to drive over the walls of snow, created by the plows. While still snowing heavily, I volunteered to drive snow-bound emergency workers from their homes to the local hospital. My Ram has been paid for by the gratitude of the hospital workers, as far as I'm concerned.

    I have only one question... why in the heck did Dodge design the wiper blades in such a way that you can't flip them up and out of the way to clean under them? Clearing the snow out was very difficult.
  • dresslereddresslered Member Posts: 60
    Sorry I can't help you with the wipers, but what about that gas sipper you were talkin' about??? I bet while you were dropping the jaws of the emergency workers, you weren't thinkin' about them mpg's a bit! Can't wait for mine as it's still 9-weeks away.

    -ddd
  • bmckenziebmckenzie Member Posts: 118
    Dave,
    They said that about the engine I have, it shouls get better mileage, but alot of my friends with 12V's seem to get better then alot of 24V's.
    but I have alot more pulling power then a 12V, and you will have a stupid amount of power compared to mine. I think the mirrors would be good for your area with the possible fog, just push the button on the dash, and the mirrors are clear. When I return from Okinawa and determine my plans for the first retirement, I will look at buying a camper, but I sure want one now!

    davidb 10,
    I think it is unfortunate that your Cummins truck is somewhat of a lemon, I am on my second Ram and both have been for the most part maintenance free. I would have never bought a Ram in the past, Ford, Chevys, or other for me, but after owning these two Dodge's I will not go back, unless someone drops a Cat engine in a truck.

    Barbarajo,
    If you look at the hood design on the Ram you can see it was not possible to design the wipers like that, maybe because of the engine's (V-10 and Cummins) they shoehorn in. I wish it had different wipers also because it sucks when you have to scrape ice, but the Block Heater sure is bad in the winter........Bill
  • jerryg5jerryg5 Member Posts: 29
    Has anyone ever used the $500 Farm Bureau rebate for the purchase of a new Ram? Both the Farm Bureau and Dodge websites mention the rebate is available but niether give any details. Any information would be appreciated.
    Thanks
    Jerryg
  • dresslereddresslered Member Posts: 60
    Jerry-
    I recall reading a lot of info on the Farm Bureau rabates much earlier in this topic (or perhaps on the previous 2000 Dodge Ram topic. I think that you have to join the Bureau for at least 30-days prior to being eligieable. I didn't persue as I think that there was a question as to whether it would be available for the 2001's. Try the search feature for more info.

    -ddd
  • davidb10davidb10 Member Posts: 8
    well how about a cat fuel system?thats whats on the navistar powerstroke! hey I still like dodge trucks,and the cummings deisel..the ford just offers more for the money! and i still can't get over the large wheel wells on the dodge? and what about the absance of a crew cab,rear disc brakes and other things cheep wheel covers,cheep looking dash and seats that could use more suport..Oh and a sticker price higher than the superduty!I'm sorry Dodge is know were near the superdutyFord!!
    But don't take my word for it go compare like i did....nuff said..
  • wiz1wiz1 Member Posts: 18
    I just looked at a 2001 2500 Quad Cab, short box last night, and they HAVE the stake pockets. No apparent changes in the bed.
This discussion has been closed.