2001 Dodge Ram

nascar6 · May 2000

I've been burning up the 1-800 number, and everyday there's another status change. Today another delay, naturally. Truck went into JS status (shipped to storage). Dude on the phone investigated this current delay for me. After 5-10 min. on hold, he comes back to tell me that the factory pulled it to the side to do their random quality control check. Lucky me! He said this could take a week.

11 weeks this thursday.....
nascar6

mmontes · May 2000

When did you order your V-10? I tried to order a 2001 2500 QC 4x4 V-10 5sp. on 4-27, but my dealer told me DC stopped taking orders on V-10's as of 4-20. He said the next V-10's built will be in Aug. or Sept. sometime because they have to "retool". The dealer is a big 5-star and deals with alot of trucks. I ended up ordering a 1500 QC 4x4 5.9L "Off-Road". The price of the two trucks were within $100 of each other, so I can't imagine that he was trying to steer me to the half ton. I still got a great truck, but did have my heart set on the V-10. Any thoughts?

dekingk · May 2000

I've had my new 2500 Quad Diesel for almost a week now, and so far I'm very pleased with it.
There are a few things, however that I would have different if I could. For one thing, my '98 1500 Quad was built in Mexico and it was perfect, not a body panel that did not fit perfectly and not a squeak or rattle anywhere. My new truck was built in Missouri, and the fit and finish is not up to the standards of the Mexican truck. The hood is not a perfect fit, and There are a couple of minor squeaks in the dash and under the seat. Also, I ordered this truck with the camper package, so that puts the rear end up higher than the front already, so why in the world would they have put 2 1/2 inches of blocks over the axle to raise it even farther? This is a 4x2 and the back of sits like a 4x4. I guess I'll take it to a spring shop to get it set up right.
Ken

firemandave · May 2000

I know what you're talking about with the finish not being perfect. My '01 2500, Cummins, QC, 4x4 (forest Green) has a few imperfections too (also a St. Louis build). Specifically, there are a few thin spots on the inside of the tailgate. No problem, though - I covered it up with my bedrug anyway. Also, it came with scratches on the passenger front window. The dealer replaced that today. Otherwise, I'm very pleased with the outer appearance. I wish I would have put mud flaps on sooner, though (on order now). I already found a couple of stone chips on the lower front doors (down to the metal, too - ouch!!) Picked up the touch-up paint today.

As far as the camper package goes (I have it too), you may be glad you have those blocks when you put a heavy trailer in the back of your truck. Just a thought.

Sorry Rich and Mike: I know we must sound like whining babies when you guys are still waiting.

I had the front end aligned today. My service manager said the caster had to be adjusted - common on these trucks. He also said the steering box was changed by DC for the '99 and newer models, and it sometimes has to be replaced. The truck handles better now, but it still likes to wander a bit at highway speeds. I figure that's somewhat normal for a truck of this size and configuration (big tires, 4x4, heavy diesel engine, tall suspension).

Almost 1400 miles on it now. I put my 4th tank of fuel in it today. It's getting 18mpg with a combination of highway and start/stop driving.

Dave

RichinKs · May 2000

I've read where identical trucks can sit different hieghts at first until the springs settle in. I would wait a month or two before making adjustments or you may end up with the rear lower than the front. ... Rich

dekingk · May 2000

It's always good to get other opinions before you make any drastic moves, I know. I'll wait 'til I've hauled the camper some miles before I do anything. 1600 lbs of kingpin weight should help it settle in.
I got my DeeZee bright diamond plate boards put on today, and they look great with the white truck. (My opinion of course). Now I just have to wait awhile for the paint to cure before I put on the pinstriping.

rowycobob · May 2000

hello to all.ive been reading messages and calling dc for about a week.i ordered a v-10
quad cab in jan. my ship date was to be 5/10. i talked to dc today and was told my truck was built but is waiting on some small part along with every one elses.does anyone have a different
answer or more info.i was told 2 days for part.
maybe this means we all will have our trucks soon!

nascar6 · May 2000

My truck is just sitting at the plant "in storage" waiting to board a train to take it to the other side of St. Louis. It's at the North St. Louis assembly plant. They have to load it up onto a railcar to ship it down to Fenton, which is a Southern suburb of St. Louis. Then, have to unload it only to load it up on a 18-wheeler hauler to bring it here. That just sounds a little retarded to me that it's sitting there waiting for an available railcar to take it for a 20 or so mile trip.

nascar6

rowycobob · May 2000

i called back on 5/12 and now they tell me it was shipped on 5/11. i'm told mine has to go to chicago by truck then catch a train to newark del. finally a short trip to md. dealer told me 10 days from ship date.

bobsyvee · May 2000

I'm wondering who is in charge of the transportation in St. Louis.
Move 1 vehicle by rail to the other side of town, then load it on a truck.
Move another vehicle by truck about 400 miles, then load it on a railcar ?

qhlisa · May 2000

I ordered my V10 on April 3rd. The V10 was on restriction until last week. I ended up switching to a diesel (and took delivery on Saturday!) They had told me that the V10 might be built in June, and that delivery schedules could be long. I didn't want to wait, so I opted for the diesel. The truck is beautiful! (Only got to drive it for an hour, though, because I had to drop it off to have the hitch installed in my bed!) Can't wait to get it back. Takes a bit getting used to the width of the dually! Not as much room between those lines. Good luck with your truck.

RichinKs · May 2000

Just called the 800 number and my truck is in "E" status (frame). I was told the system is updated daily but is usually a day late so I'm probably in "F" today (paint) and it should ship tomorrow. I'm afraid to get to excided until I really see it. Driving home from St. Louis through KC last night my wife saw two car haulers with Dodges on board. One was like ours. She was sure it was on the way. Now that would have been a nice surprise. I guess I'll call again Wednesday.

rlkrueger · May 2000

Hi,
I need to verify some rear-end/final drive ratio information. My understanding is that when Dodge increased the tire size on the 3/4 ton's for the 2000 model year, that they also changed the actual tire diameter. The last information that I had was that a 4:10 rear end in this truck with the new tires would give you an effective final drive ratio of 3:77 to 1. Is this true?

Thanks,
rk

rowycobob · May 2000

we'll everyone waiting for that v-10 can get excited. i called today and was told it's already
in ill. and was being loaded on the train.it
finally seems to be changing status every time i call.hopefully i'll see mine within a week.

ramman2001 · May 2000

Well I finally got my computer up and going again.
I have had to catch up on all the posts.

Nascar6 I waited 13 weeks for my truck so you are rapidly approaching that, but it sounds like you should have it soon. Good luck to you I hope you are driving it soon. I have put 1600 miles on mine already. I put a bug deflector on it which turned out real nice. I am going to put nerf bars put on it tomorrow so I will only have the Rhino lining left to do.

nascar6 · May 2000

Welcome back Ramman2001. I bet I'll meet or beat your 13 week time table. I talked to 1-800 today during lunch, and the guy I talked to didn't have a clue. He told me that it would go by rail to some town in Tennessee before getting trucked here to Louisville. Hey, there's a direct route for ya. Anyone have a road atlas to see how rediculous that would be? I asked him where in Tennessee, and he didn't know. He said the code read CAST FNTN. He said he didn't know what city in TN was abbrieviated FN. I was at the point where I could've just slapped him if he was in reach. I told him that CAST stood for Cassens Transportation Company and that the FNTN stood for Fenton, Missouri. He told me oh yeah, that makes sense. Then he said the truck status is still JS. (Dammit) My next call was to the dealership. The sales manager took my phone # and said he would find out what the delay was and call me back. 20 minutes later he calls and says that my truck was 1 of 900 to be pick for a quality-control examination. Which means they check to see if the people that check the fit/finish are doing their jobs. He said they're going to test drive it and really check it over. It's going to be another week. He also said that when they do this sort of check, the truck will be perfect; and that sold orders get top priority too.

Hey Rich, glad to see progress finally. You'll probably get yours before me, but hey, that's cool with me. You've been through a lot more than I have. Dealer told me that USUALLY they load 'em up and ship 'em out right out from the factory, so you might have already seen your truck on that car hauler. I'm sure you'll let us know when you take delivery.

nascar6
12 weeks thursday

tmiguel · May 2000

Sunday I drove over some desert Jeep trails for the first time with my 2500 V-10 5 spd 3.54 rear 265 stock tires. Just was working the 4 wheel engagement up and down hills. I also own a CJ-5 since 1972 that has a 4 spd 6 cyl off-road oversized tires that have been from here to there.

I was truly surprised in how much less bumpy the Ram was. The gearing was on the high side, but certainly adequate for run of the mill off-road.
The Ram is too long and heavy for taking chances in real jeep country, or for heavy mud/sand. Anyhow, for off road while camping, it fits my bill. I could switch in and out of 4 wheels (high and low) with ease. I like the light on the dash showing when I was in or out of 4 wheel.

The big problem I now have is to clean that beautiful red paint job. Incidently, no rattles other than spring related. Back on the hwy, quiet as a mouse. I'm now ready to start pulling my boat trailer. I'm sure glad I waited for my rig.

MercuryNJ · May 2000

First and foremost, allow me to express my appreciation to all of you who participate and provide priceless first hand information about the Ram PU, there are no words that can truly do justice to the excellent information that you provide. Thank you!!! Thank you!!! Thank you!!!

I have decided to buy a 2001 Ram 1500 SLT 4WD QC LB, I need it for light work & pleasure and would like to know if any of you might help me with the info. that I need to make my final decision as to the Sport Group bumpers quality. Are they made of composite covering metal, or just composite?
I know the query may seem silly, but I would appreciate your indulgement. Thanks.

firemandave · May 2000

Just wanted to let you know I'm still out here rooting for you guys. You're getting close!
Mike: I wouldn't be surprised if your info is not up to the minute - perhaps you're closer than they say. I know they were behind in their info in my case. I still wonder if they're really putting it on a train at all. I would think you'd be in the same geographic situation as I was - semi transport all the way.
Hang in there guys!

nascar6 · May 2000

Well you would think that it wouldn't touch a railcar at all, but sometimes things just don't make any sense. Good to know your still able to be separated from your truck. How hard is that to do?

Mike

RichinKs · May 2000

Just checked and now the dealer number that was good no longer works. I hope my dealer hasn't went out of business. Still havn't heard from the salesman. I asked him to call me when he heard it was on the way. I'll call the 800 number in the morning. Hopefully they will have good news for me. ... Rich

bushnell · May 2000

Very interesting, rlkrueger! Where did you get that information? I noticed that when I'm crusing down the hiway at 65mph in OD on my autotrans that I'm only turning 2k, which doesn't seem too bad. Check out my questions on the Dodge Ram II conference.

RichinKs · May 2000

The 800 number gave me "KZ" status this morning. That was as of yesterday. "KZ" means it has been released by the plant and invoiced. I was also told it would be trucked all the way by Cassens. He also varified my dealers customer number has not changed so it should work with Cassens online tracking system. But my dealer number still doen't show on Cassens. It hopefully won't be long now. ... Rich

markcord · May 2000

MercuryNJ: As far as I know the older type sport bumper was a colored cover over steel. But I don't know about the 99+ front end.

Hey Rich: All I can say is GOOD FOR YOU MAN! IT"S ABOUT TIME!

nascar6 · May 2000

I got a call from my dealer, and he said he had something rather large and red, flame red in fact, on his lot with my name on it. That is one phone call I'm glad I didn't miss. I'm going to the dealership right now to see it. It'll be ready tomorrow afternoon. Can you say giddy!

nascar6

nascar6 · May 2000

Got back from the dealer. Man, what an awesome truck. I can't believe it really exists! Fit and finish of the exterior looks to be really nice. It's huge. I started it, and was that Cummins loud outside. But it's a good loud. My front springs are #039 on the right and #046 on left. It's just too cool! Now I know what you guys that have yours mean. It seems to say "drive me". It took Rich's truck to push it though the whole process.

nascar6- New Owner
2001 Ram/Cummins, Quad Cab, 6 Speed, 4X4, HD Transfer Case, Trailer Tow, Sport, Sliding Rear Window, SLT+, Camper Group, Limited Slip Differential, Long Bed, Flame Red!!!

firemandave · May 2000

Congrats Mike! Now, if you can just bear to wait until tomorrow to pick it up! Hey, why don't you bring it up to WI for a shakedown cruise this weekend! Have fun with it, buddy. Now we just have to get Rich into his.
Dave

RichinKs · May 2000

Mikes good news and everyone else. Still cann't get Cassens site to work and haven't heard from the dealer. Need to finish getting my truck ready for the trade-in. Been putting it off.

nascar6 · May 2000

You might not find that site any help, Rich. I checked it the night before my dealer called and there was no trace of mine. I checked it right after he called, and still no trace.

The truck had only 4 miles on it when I saw it last night. I wonder how I'll sleep tonight. And also how productive I'll be at work tomorrow. What I think is cool, which I knew beforehand, is they say that the truck was built for me on the sticker. It's parked between 2 duallies on the lot. They have regular window stickers on them, but mine has a couple of extra stickers on it that say "sold". I feel like a little kid the night before a big day at an amusement park.

Maybe we could meet at some truck function. I would like to see your trucks. Dave, send me your E-mail address.

Mike
aka nascar6 (the newest owner)

ramman2001 · May 2000

Hey Mike glad to see you got your truck. That flame red sure looks good on the truck if I may say so myself. I know how you must have felt having to wait until today to pick it up. Mine came in on a Thursday and I had to wait until Friday afternoon to pick it up. That night was the longest night of my life. I hope you enjoy your truck. I put chrome Westin step bars on mine they really look good.

Rich I sure hope you get yours soon. I think your finally coming to the end of a very long wait.

Brent (Ramman2001)

firemandave · May 2000

Mine came in on a Sat., and I had to wait until Mon. night to pick it up. (They wanted to make me wait until Wed., but I whined them into Mon.)
Mine had 10 miles on it when I got it. A few of those miles was the dealer filling it up with fuel.

nascar6 · May 2000

I drove it away from the dealer with 8 miles on it. Now it has over 40. It gets up and goes for a 6000# truck. Took me a little while to keep finding 3rd gear, but I got the hang of it now. It's really load outside, but really not an issue inside. The stereo really sounds great. It's the RAZ-code radio. Travel gadget says I'm getting 13mpg. I've had my foot in it a few times

Very happy with the whole purchase.
More tomorrow.

Mike
Louisville, KY

RichinKs · May 2000

Sales manager called last night about 9pm to say the dealership has received the invoice. About 10:30pm my wife checked Cassens and there is an entry for my truck! Has the vin, dealer number and dealer name. But ship date and time and terminal name are blank. I am guessing Cassens has received it for shipment but is waiting for a full load coming this way. There are 3 Dodge dealers in Wichita so I assume they could send a mix for the three dealers. It could include cars too as I've seen trucks headed west from St. Louis with both cars on trucks on board. There have been no storms in the St. Louis area this week and none forcast for Missouri or Kansas (My luck to get hail damage.)

nascar6 · May 2000

When you get your truck, plan on to be busy driving it around to show it off to family/friends. I haven't even had time to browse through the owners manual yet. Today I'm off to buy some side step bars. Seems as though everyone that climbs aboard comments on the BIG step up.:)
When you park in a parking lot (in the back of course) you can't help but to turn around after about 100' to look at it from a distance. Have fun with it!

Mike

akwes · May 2000

I had ordered my Dodge SLT1500 QC longbed for $99.00 over dealers cost. I received it in six weeks. It had 6 miles with a full tank of fuel. I live in Northern California and the salesman told me about 8 to 10 weeks. Boy were we both surprised when it came in 6 weeks. I now got about 840 miles on it and it is averaging about 15 mpg. The engine is the 5.2 liter or 318 cid with the 5 speed manual. Just love the truck and make the guys a work drool over it. Good luck on you purchase and delivery.
Marv

dekingk · May 2000

Just got back from our first trip out pulling our 5th wheel with the new truck. The Cummins is a joy to listen to when cruising down the 2 lane at 65 mph and the tach is reading 1700 rpm and putting out all that torque. I wrote a while back about the rear springs being a little too stiff, and I still feel the same. With 1600+ lbs of weight on the hitch the truck still sits high in the rear. On level ground the overload springs are still not quite touching the rubber. I'll wait til we've made a couple more runs before I decide for sure but I'm leaning toward having a leaf taken out along with the spacer that lifts the rear even higher.
We camped for a week in Sampson St. Park on Seneca Lake in New York, and had at least five days of rain. When it came time to leave some of the other campers came to watch me try to get out with my 4x2 in the mud. I just put it drive and gave it just enough pedal to make it creap out and never spun a wheel. The anti spin axle doea a good job.

qhlisa · May 2000

I pulled my trailer yesterday for the first time with my brand new (GORGEOUS!!) 3500 SLT QuadCab Diesel. The engine purred along - the truck handled great (hard to even tell the trailer was there!)

slick16 · May 2000

I've been following your conversations for several weeks now and just thought I would let you know I ordered a 3500 Regular Cab, Diesel, 4WD (black), fully loaded, leather, automatic on March 22 and it arrived at my dealer on May 18. It is as nice as I thought it would be. It was built in Mexico and is a real beauty. I picked it up today and put 120 miles on it already! Planning on hauling my Harley's with it to the various bike rallies around the country.

I tried to keep tabs on my trucks progress through the 800 number and the info I received about the build date and ship date was fairly accurate. The dealer originally told me it would be 6-8 weeks and it came in right under 8 weeks.

Believe me, it was well worth the wait!

nascar6 · May 2000

After 310 miles, I decided to fuel up for the 1st time. Took 18.5 gallons, so that works down to 16.8 mpg. That's what the travel gadget thing said I was getting too. I figure that's pretty good for it not being broken in yet.

The truck is a 2001 3/4ton, Cummins, 6-speed, 4X4, 3.54:1 LSD

nascar6

davids1 · May 2000

Didn't know those trucks came with LSD. Cool!!!

nascar6 · May 2000

It's the new hippie option!

********Peace********

RichinKs · May 2000

It shipped this morning at 9:04am according to the Cassen web site! It should be in town this evening I would guess unless it goes to the KC terminal tobe reloaded. What horrible timing. We are leaving in the morning to go to a shooting tournament this weekend. I would wait for it if I didn't have to have a bedcover for my gear. So it looks promising I will have it next Tuesday, about 8 1/2 months. Glad no body else on here has had to wait this long. ... Rich

tmiguel · May 2000

Just finished round trip to Oxnard from LA. 162 miles, under 65 mph, flat (hwy 1), sealevel. Milage 14.8mpg, still breaking in. City milage 10.5 mpg.

2500,V-10,5spd,4x4,reg cab,265 tires,3.54 rear
I drive with an easy foot and within the speed limit.

RichinKs · May 2000

Got home late last night from Texas and found two messages on the answering machine from my salesman. Didn't say why, just said to call. Checked the Cassens site and it shows our truck was delivered Thursday about the time we were leaving home on our trip. My wife and I are going to go see if we can find it on the lot today, (dealer is closed) and get my old truck cleaned out and ready to trade. About 27 hours and we should have it! ... Rich

firemandave · May 2000

Great news Rich! You must be the most patient person who ever bought a Ram (they didn't give you any other choice, did they). I'll be checking to see how you like it. Keep us posted.
Dave

RichinKs · May 2000

Thanks Dave. Just got home from the dealers. Looked around at the back of the rows of new trucks with no luck. My wife finally found it at the back of the lot sitting behind a building. It has a sold sign on it with my last name written on the sold sign. Forest Green Pearl coat, 2500, quad cab, 4x4 slt plus, short bed, sliding rear window, 4.10 rear, Michelin LT265's (my wife thinks they look too small) and all the towing/camper options. Rear sway bar and extra leaf springs. The underneath suspension looks massive compared to my 1/2 Chevy. And V10, 310 hp 450 fpt, auto. Now my one big worry. Its sticker price is about a thousand higher than when I ordered it. And of course my trade-in is older with more miles. But still in good condition and everything works. I feel they should honor the deal they made and they should have had factory price protection. Afterall, they are the ones that didn't have the allocation for it without telling me. .... Rich

firemandave · May 2000

Rich:
The window sticker shouldn't have anything to do with your deal. It should just show everything listed at manufacturer's suggested retail price. Mine was the same way - I think that's how they all come. Absolutely yes - they should honor your trade-in agreement - especially after all you've been through. Don't let them try to BS you - they'll still make their money on the deal. You had absolutely no control over when the truck finally came in.
By the way, did you notice the line on the sticker that says "Built Especially for Rich..."?
I thought that was cool when I saw it on mine. (My truck is the same color as yours - it's sharp!)
Happy motoring and let us know how it feels behind the wheel!
Dave

RichinKs · May 2000

No I didn't notice. I was just looking at options to see if everything I remembered ordering was there. I'll call the dealership at 9am in the morning and see if the salesman is in yet. Ready to get this deal done. Then off to the accessary shop. I have a Roll-N-Lock cover on my current truck. I am thinking of getting the Specialties Covers electric rollup bed cover. My wife had trouble with the roll-n-lock. Also a bedliner, duraliner or pentaliner. Then some Nerf bars (heh-heh). Stainless are longer lasting I know but I think I'll get chrome. Large diameter ones like I had on my 94 blazer. See if they still have them. Then my wife wants a chrome brush guard. By the way, I saw some white Rams this past weekend with black nerf tubes and brush guard. Looked neat. But with a dark color I think the chrome will look better. Also need to get my fifth wheel hitch installed. But I want to get 500 miles or so on it before towing anyhow. I'll have to see if the manual recommends more but I think at least 500 to get the differentail gears etc broke in. .... I'll post tomorrow after we pick it up. Rich

nascar6 · May 2000

Can you believe this day has come? How many weeks was it? It was almost like a full term pregnancy wasn't it? So is it a boy or a girl? Check on the right half of the window sticker, and near the top it should say "this vehicle was especially built for..." you. Plan on getting mud flaps of some kind. Those tire treads are like rock magnets. The rocks get wedged in the treads, then when you get going fast enough, they fly out and can chip your paint. One of my favorite options are the radio buttons on the steering wheel. I use them a lot. It's almost like channel surfing with the remote for cable tv.
Make a copy of the check list from dodgeram.com to check out the truck. I'm so glad you finally got this truck. Now this topic probably won't get many posts anymore. You were one of the first posts way back. I'll be waiting to read more info tomorrow (Tues.)

Mike

RichinKs · May 2000

4 hours at the dealer today and we finally got our truck. They rewrote the contract showing the new window sticker price and knocked several thousand dollars off my trade-in. Which is exactly as they looked at it last September except 10K more miles and thinner tires. After several hours of bickering I finally asked for my deposite back. Then the General Manager came in. Finally we got our price if we agreed to give them a good rating on the survey we will receive from Dodge. It kind of took the fun out of getting the new truck. But its home now and we are going for a ride shortly. I think it will be better after I drive it a while and get over this negociation thing. So far it seems great but its been hard to appreciate so far. Tomorrow hopefully will be a better day. ... Rich

2001 Dodge Ram

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