Good morning all, Not sure were to start. Its a 05 Dodge ram 1500 quad cab 4X4 with a Hemi. It has about 65k miles on it. The other day, I tried to start my truck and it would just turn kind of like a winding sound. I thought maybe the battery was getting low so I put the charger on and showed 100 %. So I tried again and let it crank over for a bit and then I gave it some gas. After about 20 - 30 seconds it started and was not wanting to stay started so I gave more gas. After that, it seems to run fine. I let it run for a few minutes, shut it off and started back up fine. All the gauges look fine and no check engine lights. Ever since its been fine. Any Ideas what might of caused that?

Second issue is when I make a sharp turn left or a u turn I get a popping sound from the left wheel area. Its done it since I bought it, I had the dealer ship look at it and they didn't see anything wrong. Its now getting worse. What do you think it may be? Im not a mechanic, but I'm willing to give things a try.

Third is I have not changed the spark plugs in it. Is this an easy task? I hear there are 16 plugs to change? I have changed in my last truck which was an 04 chevy 1500.

And finally Any tips on getting any better gas milage out of this beast? I get around 10 towing my boat and about 10 - 11 in city and maybe 14 - 15 highway.

Thanks all for any advise you can provide.

 

Maybe some bad gas? With the popping, I would take it to a different shop and get them to check the CV axle. Can you see a rip in the boot? If it is ripped, there is probably grease missing and may cause the problem you're having. As far as plugs, yes, there are 16 of them! Get the Champion coppers. They work best with these Hemi's. Some people get the expensive platinum or iridiums, only to find that it runs worse and get worse gas mileage.

Better gas mileage? Well, it is an almost 6000lb truck. The best you can do is keep it maintained(plugs, PCV, clean the TB, fluids, etc...) Most of the guys on here are getting about 12-14 MPG in the city. Some are better, some are worse. If you're in that range, it's pretty normal

Forgot to mention, the plugs aren't too bad to change. The back 2 on the drivers side can be a PITA, but get a swivel rachet end, and you'll be fine. There is DIY write up somewhere here on the forum. Just do a search.

 

Hey Blacksport,im gettin 640 km to 125 liters of reg gas in the city,yup plugs and air pressure are important and im using castrol full syn 5 20,synthic filter,it seems to make a difference and how far u push the hammer down

 

Fuel economy is about average for a QC 4x4, maybe just a tad on the low side. Proper tune-up, synthetic fluids and proper tire inflation are about your best bet for fuel economy. Following the recommended maintenance intervals goes a long way - like plugs every 30k.

Popping in the front end of an IFS 4x4 can usually be traced back to a CV axle, especially if it's been leveled. Don't count out a bad hub bearing either, although bad hub bearings have more of a whine than a popping.

 

That's about 12.5MPG, so you're in the norm.

 

Do you have an aftermarket autostart on it by anychance? My Grand Cherokee did the same thing every now and then until I had the autostart removed.

 

I don't know why but on my 05 I have found that the battery terminals are prone to corrosion and clean terminals seem to be critical to good starting on it. I used to run old beater Dodges in the 73 to 88 range and the terminals got crusty on the outside but were still making good connection, the05 seem to corrode between the terminal and the clamp. Basically if I can see corrosion I had better clean them or it will act up.

 

Well here is a little info on mine with MPG. 04 Hemi QC 2x4 last fill was 15mpg all stock no mods. I've been thinking about doing a few mods exhaust/ intake might improve?