Just bought a 04 2500 hd, 4x4, 5.7, auto, reg cab, long bed, 180k, with a tow package. Never had a plow on it. The motor does not knok. Plan on using it for a daily commuter mostly. Is there any one or two important items I need to look into before I start using the truck as for commom problems? Any help would be great, Thank you.

 

With 180k on it you would be smart to do a full tune up and i mean in detail!
Oil, Air filter,spark plugs, Both differental fluid, Tranny fluid change with filters, Take a look at u joints and ball joints, check brakes. You have a couple of moving parts in the motor like PVC Valve check that. O2 sensors if you want..

 

i also just bought a 2004 ram crew cab 2500 hd 4x4 with the 5.7 hemi and has been realy good except for a few problems with stalling and shuttering

 

is there anything i need to do?

 

gunbunny,

First off, congrats on the HD, you're gonna love it!
At 180K, I agree with willdikem66, get a full tune-up, make sure everything is up to par.
Seeing as you bought it used, I would bring it to your local Chrysler dealer and have it looked over, make sure everything is within spec and that there are no outstanding recalls.
That being said, you should also contact customer service at 1-800-465-2001 - Canada, 1-800-992-1997 - US, to change over the ownership in our system to make sure that any future recalls are sent to you.

Hope that helps and lets us know how you make out.

 

BullDog,

Same as advised to gunbunny, start with the basics and get your 2500 in to your local dealer to look in to the stalling and shuttering.
They are best suited to diagnose your concerns with factory training and the most up to date diagnostic equipment.

You should also contact customer assistance, if you haven't done so already, to up date the owner information and congrats to you as well!

 

We are Hijacking this thread a little but start simple do a tune up, plugs(Make sure you only use Copper). Any codes?

If you want you can start you own thread and it will be looked at alot more. Personal message me if you have any questions. And last but not least WELCOME!

 

Given the mileage, plug wires, serpetine belt, check the tension idler pulleys for the serpentine, if they even remotely sound noisey, replace them

Also---check the condition of the coils

ABOVE ALL------Go to Weedahoes Sig and Download the FSM----its free, and it takes the guess work out of working on your truck

Check the u-joints on the front drive shafts

 

Thanks all. whats the deal with copper only plugs. my pt curser said the same thing about the plugs?

 

The ignition systems like to see a certain resistance range on the plugs, so because the iridium, platinum, etc. etc. are outside of the range of copper they are prone to misfiring.

That is the best explanation I can give you, in short Dodge/Chrysler/Jeeps don't like anything except for Copper Plugs... lol