Hey guys, I've read up on some ancient history regarding '03/'04 5.7's with valve spring issues and just thought I'd ask about a few things that someone might have some experience with and perhaps some updated feedback from a couple years ago. I've got an '03 Hemi out of a Ram 2500 with I believe 110k+ miles and completely stock that I'm about to do a head gasket job on and have succumbed to fear and decided to change out the valve springs.

1. Is it still commonplace to use the 6.1 Exhaust Springs? The local dealers are quoting anywhere from $7-11 a spring, which sounds like the aftermarket is the only way I can justify that.

2. Is it possible to use an ordinary valve spring compressor on these heads? I don't remember if there were those buckets at the bottom of the spring or if it were a special instance where they weren't used.

And lastly, I understand it is a hit and miss but are the springs more prone to failure higher in mileage or was it pretty much regardless and more a manufacturing flaw? I might feel better about it if they did a better QA job on the 2500s.

Apologies if it all sounds like deja vu, I've just abandoned the magnum and got into glorious hemis this year and already tried to kill it on accident. Appreciate the help!

 

If you search the internet they have them for as low as 3 bucks for the 6.1 valave springs.

 

Hmm, haven't found a deal that good yet. They could have gone up from having newer revisions so good chance I just have to deal with the times.

 

Lol i just checked the web and found these...... first search
http://www.moparsupercenter.com/6-1l...5037477ac.html

 

Lol, I've been an IT technician for a long time.

That said, I've seen it and that's about a $25 difference and about the same as the dealer after shipping.

Anyone have an idea on what could have changed from the 5037477AC to 5037477AD?

 

I need to see pics of this Hemi Dakota! Please add an album to your profile!

 

Well judging from the part numbers it could very well be for a totally different engine.... they might have different spring rates or the length may be longer, or an extra coil is in there...

Almost impossible to tell without getting one of each and comparing...

 

That's what I'm worried about, but I'm doubting they could be that far off. The oldest 6.1 exhaust spring will work for me if they didn't break in the same manner as these year hemis.

I'll get those on here soon. I'm VinZHemi on dakota-durango.com, but not very active on forums. Working on it!

http://s1260.beta.photobucket.com/us...i/library/Hemi

 

Neat little truck

 

Thanks, it really should go to a more responsible owner but I don't want to part ways until it's finished.