So I've put a deposit down on an '06 Power Wagon. It's out of state, and I'm flying in to inspect it before buying it and driving home. I'm pretty sure that it's going to be in good shape as it only has 36,000 miles on it. But just wondering what I can look for when I get there? What are some common problems, or things to check? He did say that he took it into the dealer for the factory 30k service. What else should I check?

 

Let me move this to 3rd gen general discussion for you, get you some answers.

 

Low mileage, so that's a good start. General outward appearance will tell you alot about the vehicle. As far a PW's go, you will have to crawl under it or put it on a lift. This is the most capable 4x4 vehicle on the market so it might have been abused (that's what they are made for) so look for things like a boulder or redwood sticking out from underneath. One of the other forums that rhymes with fodgewalk has a dedicated PW section with alot of info. I'm sure you'll get lot a responses here, but....go check 'em out. Be ready for 11 mpg's on the hwy.

 

check your rear view when your doing 100mph across farm land lol
but really, like gasguy said just look at it the condition of the truck (and sometimes the owner!!) usually tells a lot,
ask for services records if they got any,
obviously test drive it
test out the 4wd etc
open the oil cap and have a peek inside

 

does it look like this lol because that would be awesome

 

Nah, the one I'm buying is a little more comfortable than that! Hehe

 

Aside from gas mileage issues as stated, there are a lot of reported death wobble issues with them (even bone stock) which is a 2500 Ram issue and not JUST a PW issue. Premature wearing of most front axle components (none of which are greasable and must be replaced).

Also the AAM axles are not of the greatest strength when compared to Dana axles. Also even shallow water crossings have been known to get into the differentials, necessitating frequent changing.

I think the concept of the Power Wagon is awesome. Front and rear lockers and a winch stock is a great thing. Just a few of the suspension components could probably have been upgraded to better handle the environment this truck is obviously targeted for...

 

Check the under side of the gas peddle. Is it showing sigsn of being floored/ Like mine.

 

[QUOTE=HammerZ71;2218012]Aside from gas mileage issues as stated, there are a lot of reported death wobble issues with them (even bone stock) which is a 2500 Ram issue and not JUST a PW issue. Premature wearing of most front axle components (none of which are greasable and must be replaced).

Also the AAM axles are not of the greatest strength when compared to Dana axles. Also even shallow water crossings have been known to get into the differentials, necessitating frequent changing.

my 06 2500 is living proff of this, even in 2wd the fronr drive axles an u joints are turning at 100,000 km I have a new front to back drive line replaced under waranty, 80% of my mileage is highway. the stock PW gearing is going to give you gobs of toruque but for highway drivig a PW is gonna burry you with flue costs.

 

What sort of mileage do you guys get in them? From what I've read and been told, I can expect around 15 hwy. Is that accurate?

So if they have problems with water crossings, does anybody like Superior Axle make better tube seals for the axles? And what specifically is the strength flaws of the axles?