Greetings everyone. Looking for some advice. My 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 SLT Quad with a 5.7 Hemi, and 82K miles moves no more. I noticed a "shutter" while going to work thursday, then another, then it started running like it had a "cam" in it. I nursed it to our local dodge dealer, and they looked at it that day. Initially, they said it needed two O2 sensors, 400 bones...I gave them the ok. (this truck has had many issues through the years). They call me back a hour or so later and say "the motor is knocking now" They want 4-5 hours to "tear it down" and see where the knock is coming from. 500 bucks. I bend over, and say go for it. They call me back a couple hours later, and said, "well, we went to move it, and whatever was knocking, has let loose" Motor is blown. At this point I am numb from bad news...and said I would come down to the dealer to talk to them and see what they can give me.
Option 1- used motor with 90K miles - 4K no warranty.
Option 2- used motor with 40K miles - 5300 1 year 12K miles warranty
Option 3- new motor 12/12 warranty 7300

As stated before, I have had lots of problems with this truck. Front end went out, (lower ball joint and rack). Power windows went out,
I think I can recall 8 or 9 signficant events (wont start, etc), that this truck has had.

What would you do? I doubt they would give me much for it now, and we have to talk to them on Monday (3-7-11), I just don't know which way to turn. Lots of smart Dodge folks here, looking for some advice.

Thanks to all. Sorry about the lenghy post. My way of venting and healing I guess.

 

I would locate my own used engine the junk yard and have a private station install it or go for a rebuilt. Replacing yourself the engine is not that big a deal. Rent a hoist, get a friend to help. A professional will complete the task in 9-10 hours, so figure double to do it yourself.

Here on the east coast, Jasper Rebuilt Engines are warranted for 36/36 and you could most likely get installed for about 5 grand. Not sure the extra dollars with no core.

 

Man, sorry to hear about that. If it were me, I wouldn't let the dealer install anything unless it was under warranty and it was free. Try to find someone outside the dealership, my experience with dealers is that they are constantly looking for ways to rip you off. I don't know where you are located, but I found a good mechanic by using yelp.com. You have to sort through the reviews to weed out the people who like thier mechanic because he was nice and courteous, but you should be able to find a mechanic who is looking to keep you as a customer rather than the dealer who is looking to bullsh*t you.

 

Thanks for both the Reply's. I am from Wisconsin, the dealer has made lots of $ from me on this truck over the years. Dealer is in La Crosse, WI. Pitschke Motors. I am trying to hunt down alternatives. Anyone think Dodge would be worth talking to?

Thanks again.

 

I wish I could be more help on the technical aspect of your engine, but that's the best I think I could do for myself if I wanted to keep my truck and the dealer was telling me to replace the engine. There are a lot of folks here who can tell you more. I would have it towed somewhere else, I don't trust dealerships as far as I could kick them, and trust me, I would kick pretty damn hard with my steel toes lol.

 

find a used motor from a salvage yard..or check craigs list in your area for motors that people sell from when they wreck their trucks..I've found 3 motors that way as I'm planning to stroke mine and also do a hemi swap into a dakota...the most i paid for any of these was $400 i think..

 

Thanks again for all the reply's

 

A 5.7 is easy to build. If I didnt find one ready to drop in i would certainly be putting the block on a stand and building it from the pan up.

 

I rec'd a call from Chrysler today. I called to complain....
They are going to speak with the service manager at the dealership its sitting at. Been kind of a lemon since about 30k miles on up. Its sitting with 82,108 miles on it now. I will let everyone know what the response is from Chrysler, just for their information...

Thanks again.

 

Anything yet?