Dont know jack about a Dodge

CharlieMurphy · #1 07-05-2009, 03:37 PM

I am looking to buy a 04-06 1500 Hemi 4x4 and I have some questions for you guys as I have owned almost every make of truck but Dodge. What are some of the more serious common problems that I should be looking for, I know every make/model has them, some more than others. One thing that I was told about Dodge is the trannys across the board from a Ram to a Stratus are horrible. Ive heard stories of people taking thier ride in 5 of 6 times with tranny issues. Again, I dont know Im asking here. I thought you guys would be a good source of info about the cons of these trucks, I allready know the Pros thats why Im looking into buying one, just dont want to walk into somthing I could've avoided if I had known what to look for. Thanks

This ad is not displayed to registered and logged-in members.
Register your free account today and become a member on Dodge Forums!

kev2 · #2 07-05-2009, 03:54 PM

I will agree they all have their achilles heal ...

My first thought why do you WANT a truck, especially the hemi'ette?
OFTEN a insurance premium .price premium, hard driven.
better combos at less money

True about the transmission... A little knowledge and some tips should get you past that.

Always CARFAX and a inspection BY an independent technician,
KISS.. STOCK, to be clear STOCK avoid the "modifications" ... if you must modify first enjoy it be sure its sound then do as YOU please knowing the foundation is good NOT someones headache.

I would shop the dealers they are hurting and moving used truck should get you a deal AND maybe some warranty

CharlieMurphy · #3 07-05-2009, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kev2

I will agree they all have their achilles heal ...

My first thought why do you WANT a truck, especially the hemi'ette?
OFTEN a insurance premium .price premium, hard driven.
better combos at less money

This may sound old school but, I believe men should drive trucks...just the way I was raised I guess. Does not need to be a Hemi but def a v-8. Was not aware of the insurance issue, Is it that much more than a similar Chevy or Ford?

True about the transmission... A little knowledge and some tips should get you past that.

I was afraid this was true..damnit

Always CARFAX and a inspection BY an independent technician,
KISS.. STOCK, to be clear STOCK avoid the "modifications" ... if you must modify first enjoy it be sure its sound then do as YOU please knowing the foundation is good NOT someones headache.

Totally agree about the mods, but part of me says if I find the truck I want, with the mods that I would've done myself, (lift, wheels/tires, exhaust ect..) knowing this really does not add to the resale value much it seems like im getting these mods for a huge discount if not nearly free. But as you stated need to be carefull with these types of things.

I would shop the dealers they are hurting and moving used truck should get you a deal AND maybe some warranty

Heres the problem...love warranties, hate dealers.

Pyro · #4 07-05-2009, 04:47 PM

The transmission is a known troublespot, but a well maintained vehicle will generally avoid those issues. One of the more common issues with the Ram is powersteering pumps burning out and the rack & pinion leaking.

CharlieMurphy · #5 07-05-2009, 04:53 PM

Did not know about the PS problems. Thanks. Im just making a mental list of things to look out for and questions to ask. I know a good bit about vehicles in gerneral but I am not that familiar with these trucks yet.

cyclone429 · #6 07-05-2009, 09:24 PM

I would aviod any half ton truck, no matter who builds it.

Half tons are passenger cars with boxs, thier okay if your driving from point A to B, or the home depot, or towing your utility trailer, if you don't need a truck, aviod even consdiering a Half ton.

Automatic transmissons, rack and pion, C clip issues on the 1500 Ram rear diff, champion spark plugs, rear diff fluid ( quick change interviles ) are week links in the 1500 RAM.

Tires are a week link as well ( same as all half ton brands )

New half tons are designed for ride, appearance, hauling, the old half tons put hauling, appearance and ride in order ...

A 2500 Ram aviods all the 1500 week links, but its a truck, a Real truck that rides like atruck ...

TheFist · #7 07-05-2009, 11:01 PM

I don't think all half tons are as weak as the guy above says, even the 2500 has issues with its front end.

cyclone429 · #8 07-06-2009, 12:37 AM

Yes, Thiers a recall on the 07+ 2500 Rams for the front drag link.

Dodge went backwards from the 06 and prior models, But I still prefer a 2500 to a 1500 Ram, Suspension and drive train is better than a 1500 Ram

bigmiah22 · #9 07-06-2009, 03:16 AM

I think it all depends what generation of truck you buy. I havent heard of a lot of tranny problems with the 3rd gen rams anywhere close to what i have with 2nd gens. The PS pump is definitely an issue to look out for and is very common. Really it all comes down to what you want to do with the truck, if you plan on beating the hell out of it everyday pulling a million pounds then youre going to encounter a lot more problems than driving to and from work and your main concern is to look good driving, which by the way, a ram is your best choice of a truck for that

wera176 · #10 07-06-2009, 08:27 PM

+1 on the rack and pinion, mine was replaced at about 65000.

The LSD rear end is a WEAK link on these. Put a DTT or Auburn in it (I wish I had) or just get the 2500 (which is what I plan to do!)

BTW, mine is a 2003 Hemi QC 4x4.