I just need to vent about the sub par quality of certain drivetrain parts on these Dodge Rams. I have a 2004 2500 4X4 diesel. It has 51,000 miles, that's it. 100% road miles. I have had to replace both hubs, both front axle u-joints, the double joint on the front driveshaft and both u-joints on the rear driveshaft. Really? This is quality? This is my second Dodge Ram. I had a 3500 diesel that at 80,000, I had to replace every single working part on the front end including the steering box itself, plus rebuild the trans. Again, all road miles. I love the Dodges but man are they a nightmare to keep in one piece. Ok, that felt better!

 

MY '06 is going through the same issues, but at 180,000kms. The U joints are being replaced as they fail, front axle U's are done. Front hubs have been done.. Ball Joints, TRE's, a little bit of everything..

Thank God the engine is holding together, or this thing would eat me out of house and home.

 

Vehicles aren't built to last these days. They're made to last a few years and then make you want to trade it in for a newer model. Dodge uses a lot of non greaseable parts in the Rams which causes wear and replacement alot faster so that even if you keep the truck you have to pay for new, non greaseable parts just so you can do it all over again in another few years. It really all depends on how you treat the truck. If you use it like an actual truck you're gonna be mad because you'll have to replace parts often. But if you use it like a mini van it'll last quite awhile

 

I think it is hit and miss. Some vehicles just last longer than others. There is no science behind it IMO.

 

Those are some bad roads you drive on..

 

i had a ****ty 01 ford ranger and had to replace the lower b-joint at 31k. same thing non greasable ****. i feel for ya.

 

what makes lemons and cream puffs?
lemnons get all the junk or rejected parts that make it past the qc personal.
cream puffs get all the super parts.
just the way it goes some times.

 

If you plan on keeping the truck and running to the ground, I would not replace any parts with OEM. Go to company like Carli Suspension and Kore and buy their ball joints etc. They will last forever. As stuff goes bad, upgrade. NExt thing you know, you'll have one bullet proof truck.

 

With the price of these trucks now a days, they should already be bulletproof.

 

I agree.
I have bought a 94, 97, and a 02 Ram all new and every one has had more issues than the one before it. Not sure they know how to make a good solid work truck anymore?