First off, I am new to the Dodge Forums, thought I would say hey... Second, I just bought my 2000 Dodge Ram 1500 a week ago. I am enjoying it so far, but I have noticed a few things. First of all, the dash cracked. Not just a little, but about 5 different places. It looks like the dash in this is REALLY thin and brittle. Anyone know of a place to order a new dash from that will come in the correct color? I have seen some on ebay, but I'm not going to paint it myself!! No telling what it will turn out looking like! Second, The tranny seems to shift really fast. I'm in overdrive pretty quick, and you really have to mash the petal to get it to kick into passing gear at cruising speeds. Any ideas??



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welcome to DF! Thanks for the pic... nice truck.

the tranny shifting quick is the same way mine is... drives me nuts. in OD going 35 mph. stupid to say the least. I think they're intent was to help mpg by doing it that way.

Not sure what to tell you on the dash. I've painted a few pieces in the past but they were black. they turned out ok.

 

as for the dash...they all suck and im not sure where to get them. prob the dealership. if you just got the truck maybe you should look into getting you tranny serviced and checked out. mine was ****ing way to late and taking forever and hanging on gears and it was a bad valve in the transmission.

 

I don't have the link on this computer, but I read something about adjusting the transmission **** points by this little wire near the throttle body. I will try to find the link, not sure if this will fix your problem.

 

Definatly look into getting the transmission check out/serviced. As for the dash, that is too bad, but instead of replaceing the dash, maybe consider a cheaper route and look at getting a dash mat or a dash cover, like the ones in ooh say a Cabela's magazine....im looking at them right now, and they are available in a few different colors, molded to the exact contours of your dash, and are only $34.99-$54.99.......might look pretty good actually, better than a cracked up dash!!!

 

Check out this link, maybe it will help, never tried it:

Adjusting Shift Points

 

I've tried it... it does work but it's really there to adjust for a sloppy TV cable.

 

yea i was gonna say adjust the tv cable..

as for the dash..i havnt had that problem but i know from reading some posts that the stealerships chrage a BUTTLOAD of money for a new dahs.... if you really want a new dash and not a cover..scour the local junk yard or pick and pull.. you might find a decent on in a cracked up ram somewhere... ya never know!!!!!!!

btw WELOME TO DF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! hope ya stick around!!! lots to learn about your new ram!!!!!

 

If you end up buying a replacement dash from the dealer, you're going to end up with the same thing

The diesel guys swear that this is the best fix for the dash cracking problem: http://www.genosgarage.com/CoastalDa...D=1667&CATID=1

It only comes in black, but you could probably take it to a body shop and have it painted the color that you need.

 

As far as the dash, this guy has replacement covers. http://www.genosgarage.com/CoastalDa...D=1669&CATID=6
I'm sure others do too.

The trans shifting into OD is as easy as pushing the OD off button until you are at the speed you want it to come in.

I'm sure once I get my gears switched out I might adjust the cable, but I haven't used OD in so long I turn the OD off as I take the truck out of park.