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Dodge Ram: Problems & Solutions
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Comments
How many miles do you have on your truck so far? I have a friend who has one of the older Dodges with a diesel and four wheel drive with manual tranny that gets around 18 to 19 miles per gallon on the road. He has 45,000 or so miles on his now. I've never ridden with him so I don't know how he drives it.
Thanks for the input.
Regarding fuel filter changes, it's a very simple procedure. Just remember to bleed the fuel output line from the filter by temporarliy loosening the banjo fitting on the injector pump and then momentarily activating the starter. Also, it's MUCH cheaper to do it yourself. My dealer wanted over $60. to change the filter. By buying the filters from Geno's Garage in Atlanta, GA, and installing them myself, I save about $45 with every filter change. Geno's will even provide filter change information if you ask for it.
Just a side note, the torque generated by the Cummins HO is awesome. While the 6 speed tranny is cumbersome when trying to shift quickly when accelerating, my Ram climbs every mountain grade I've driven in Utah in sixth gear without downshifting. Also, keep in mind when you buy a diesel truck that while both Chevy and Ford diesels are rated "light, heavy" duty, the Cummins is rated "medium, heavy" duty.
I hear the gas engines in Dodges live a lot to be desired in gas mileage, but I guess most do. I like the diesel for its pulling power, which I need on the farm, and longevity. If I invest as much as a new truck costs I expect it to last and not cause me any problems.
How do you like the four wheel drive in the Dodge? Is it all electric, or manual? Ford, I think, offers a manual, and I like the idea of having that capability if problems occur.
I also like to do my own maintenance on my vehicles here on the farm. When the friend I mentioned bought his Dodge diesel I told him he needed to learn how to change the fuel filters himself, get a couple of extras to put under the seat, along with the tools it would take to change it in case he got on the road, got some bad fuel, and had to change it in the middle of nowhere. I've had that occur, so I like to know I can do that without a problem. He found out his was such a pain to change he takes it to the dealer each time.
Thanks for the input.
Bob
Dusty
I enjoy this truck greatly, love the power, response...i just changed the oil to Mobil 1 5W-30 SuperSyn at 1000 miles. Dipstick was full, which indicates a good break-in. Have owned nothing but trucks; F150's, Chevies and GMC since 1961.
Regards to all truck loving people
Andy
BABYBOOMER HOTRODDER
If indeed your comments are legitimate, please realize that any vehicle manufacturer can produce an occasional lemon. If you doubt that, check out the Edmund's Mercedez-Benz and Subaru Clubs. Both brands have enjoyed reputations for building quality vehicles, but many owners of those two brands complain about quality lapses.
With almost 50K trouble free miles on my '01 2500 Cummins Ram, I couldn't be happier that I selected a Dodge. In addition, Dodge pickups are the most frequently purchased pickups in this area of Utah where they are often used on notoriously terrible oil field roads. I've yet to hear another Dodge pickup owner here complain about their vehicle. The new Dodge pickups hold together well and provide very dependable transportation. DC has transformed a truck with a reputation of dismal quality, numerous squeaks and rattles, and a short life to a vehicle which most owners agree is a solid, dependable vehicle.
If you feel that you have a lemon, contact DC (Daimler-Chrysler). They have established a reputation of working with owners of troublesome vehicles - even vehicles with expired warranties.
We'll be using the pickup as a daily driver as well as a weekend hauler for a 6300 pound boat and trailer. Twice per year the truck will serve as the vehicle for a 600-mile road trip towing a 1500 pound trailer and a family of four down the East Coast from Maryland to South Carolina.
I've been helping my dad pick out the right truck and its been a struggle to convince him to see the light on a 5.4L V8 over a 4.6L V8 though I think I've been successful in that regard. However, 4WD isn't going to happen as he sees it as an unneccessary expense.
We're looking to find a truck for $25,000 or less after rebates and everything. What can we expect to pay for these trucks? Is Edmunds.com TMV pricing accurate, or is paying Invoice minus rebates reasonable, or do these trucks go for Less Than Invoice minus rebates?
Please share views on the Ford v Chevy v Dodge **for our application and finances** as well as recommendations on worthwhile options and engine choices, etc.
Thanks!
Ben
If you're going to be pulling that amount very often I would consider the Dodge RAM with the 5.7 Hemi motor. It will have a lot more steam in reserve than the 5.4 Ford, although the 5.4 is a good motor from what I can tell.
Regards,
Dusty
Interesting. I do know of one 2001 F150 5.4 that had a headgasket failure, but that's the only one I've heard of, at least around here.
I guess there's a history of ignition coil failures on both the 4.6 and 5.4. I know of four so far this year alone. One was a 2003. And, from what I can tell, there are a number of F150 owners complaining about excessive power steering pump noise. And I know of a number more with cracked sheetmetal on the doors.
All-in-all the F150's still a good, solid truck. I can't think of one case I've heard of locally where Ford had to buy back a F150, although I'm sure its happened. However, that's not the case with the GM twins!!!
Bests,
Dusty
happen on a 57 y block v8. its strange, the plug will screw right back in, no thread damage. Nor was the plug burned up as it would be if being loose
Otherwise I love the truck and the power is intoxicating.
If anyone has been having any really nasty problems with their Hemi platforms, I'd really like to know what they are. After driving the 4.7 in a Dakota and then the Hemi in a 1500, there is no way I'll go any other way buying a Dodge. Thanks a lot.
A fellow worker just bought a RAM Quad 5.7 and he says he runs 87 octane with no problems. Now that's unloaded. Since we are in a higher humidity part of the country I could see where 87 might not be a problem. You get in higher altitudes, drier areas with high temperatures, then detonation is possible I suppose. Reformulated fuels (ethanol, MTBE, etc.) have a reputation for detonation and preignition symptoms.
But Iowa's correct about the knock sensors. Unless the 5.7 engineers have designed the anti-knock circuitry to threshold at a point where 89 would normally be required, I would think that you'd be hard pressed to get the Hemi to knock.
Regards,
Dusty
It seems I'm always the "first" to have issues with the new DR's. My old 02 had the dreaded die at the stoplight and lurch forward symptom, along with the mirrors snapping off. Hopefully this will be the last experiment!
Steve
Sounds like a mode door in the heater box is not moving.
Regards,
Dusty
If it does not work, let me know. I had the same issues and they updated the CPM which involved updating the emission control. Was a timely process as they had to get approval to change this but maybe it will help you guys out.
However, I'll always take the most bang for the buck, so if I don't have problems with mileage or performance with 87, there is no way I'm going to pay the difference for 89 with a rather thirsty engine like my 'Stang or the Ram's Hemi.
If you do some research, you'll find that the hemispherical combustion chamber is less prone to spark knock than a wedge chamber.
Back in the late forties and early fifties, the original Firedome V8s were running 7.5 - 9.0 CRs when pump gas octane was much lower.
Regards,
Dusty
A '99 should have had ATF+3. The replacement now is ATF+4. It's expensive, and the fact that it was a body shop that did it I suspect they didn't know that there was a difference. Around here even the quick change oil places have been using the wrong stuff in Chrysler automatics, for which there are plenty of lawsuits going on.
It might be too late, but I still think that it's worth having a Chrysler specialist look at it. I know of one fellow who drove about 6000 miles on a Chrysler mini-van with the wrong ATF in it and after it was realized they did a complete flush. He's still driving it 45,000 miles later but it doesn't shift like it should.
Keep us posted on how you make out.
Best regards,
Dusty
P.S. Never been to Alaska but I know its a beautiful state. Maybe someday I'll get to see it. By the way, what's the temperature like there today?
Is this a serious problem? Should I take it back to the dealer? Other than this, the truck runs and rides great. What should I do, if anything?
There is a tolerance on body panel alignment. Ask your service manager about it and have him look up the specification in the service manual.
I do not have a RAM service manual, but the one for the Dakota lists a 6.0mm gap with a 2.0mm flush for the front door-to-roof spec.
The body alighnment specs are found in Section 23 of Dodge service manuals.
Regards,
Dusty
I'm trying to decide btwn Dodge, Ford and Chevy.
Been hearing lots of bad things about the new 6.0 Fords. Have not heard much on the Dodge and Chevys
Thanks
Also, the 3d Generation Dodges themselves are just really nice trucks - I've had almost no problems whatsoever with mine, and I've put 14000 miles on her in 10 months. Whether I'm commuting or on the highway, it's very comfortable.
Thanks
Thanks
Second, I don't care for GM products on general principles. Not that DC is much better quality wise, but I like an underdog. I don't really like the looks of the Chevy's (though I like the Avalanche-style headlights that are out now), and I just got the impression that their trucks weren't as nice as the Fords and Dodges. And Dodge was the only way to get that Cummins locomotive engine!
Regards,
Dusty