I have a 2012 ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn 5.7 4x4 with 98k miles on it. Unfortunately it recently overheated and I was told it needed a new engine. I was quoted between $8 and 9k for new engine and install. Basically trying to decide if it’s worth putting in a new motor or not? Obviously new trucks are not affordable, but don’t want this to be throwing away money. The mechanic told me the engine he would put in, has the problem fixed that caused these engines to fail. I don’t know much about them or what engine to look at. The truck is in great condition inside and out. Any thoughts or opinions would be appreciated!

 

That seems kinda steep.... A "new" (remanufactured) engine runs right in the neighborhood of 4K..... I really don't see another 4 or 5 k in labor to install it....... Can you get a breakdown of just what he is charging you for? I would also check with a couple other shops, including the dealership... These days, the dealer isn't that much more expensive than the independent shops, and dealers are EVERYWHERE......

 

I haven’t asked for a breakdown, but that is something I will follow up on. From what I gathered it was just new engine and install. He mentioned a 3yr/100k mile warranty which makes me think it’s a Jasper engine from my little research? I forgot to ask what kind of engine he was using, as I was in sticker shock. I’m still trying to educate myself on engine options.

 

50 years ago, Jasper was a so so rebuilder. They really have their act together now and I've put several in over the last few years. They bore all the cylnder and correct flaws that are known to cut down on warranty claims.

Considering what a truck payment will run you, even a late model used truck, I'd find a good engine to put in. If the truck is otherwise in good shape, it's definitely worth another engine. I don't know about the price you were quoted though.

 

Even so, if the engine is even 5 grand, that's still 3 to 4 k for misc stuff, and labor. There will likely be a couple hundred in misc.... (fluids, clamps, water pump maybe) still, Engine R&R is at most 12 hours, even at 100 bucks an hour, that's 1200 bucks. Not 3K...... He must have a pretty serious markup on the engine..... or is gouging you for labor and incidentals.

 

Labor seems way too high...

 

Appreciate the feedback yall. Called another mechanic and confirmed way too high.

 

It would depend all on the location and shop.

I could see a dealership easily being that high, I would expect dealer labor north of 100hr. When I quit my on highway diesel mechanic job 3 years ago they were north of 130hr (not sure how comparable). One man operations around here are creeping over 80hr.

What's a reman engine run direct from Chrysler? What all would they force down your neck for "warranty coverage"

My current hemi project I priced a Jasper, I thought they were north of 5k even, depending on the "level" you could get up to 8k into an engine, performance level builds I'm guessing.

That being said, yes I agree that's quit the price, just saying it didn't shock me either.

I had a friend just put a reman hemi in his 2012 2500 pickup from Oreilly for around 3500, engine only, self intstalled.

To repair my lifter issues, just ordering off rock auto, I was over 2k in parts. That's just the essentials for lifter/cam replacement in my opinion. Add on top of that bearing/ring kit, machine work. I'm surprised they can sell remans for 3500 honestly. Volume discounts and inhouse labor I guess.

 

In May 2023 I spun a main bearing on Interstate 80 east of Fernley, Nevada. I had the truck with camper on the bed towed to a shop in Fallon NV. I got a Jasper remanufactured engine and all the requisite belt and fluids for $7,500. I have a 2006 2500. I'd replaced the suspension and steering in the previous year. The truck was owned by an older single woman for 11 years before I bought it. As you said, new and new used trucks are outrageously expensive. If you know what your truck is going to need and are willing to do as much of the work yourself as you can, keeping it seems like a no brainer.

 

You nailed it. There's hardly any reason to upgrade to a new truck unless the current one is not feasible to maintain, and the price of repairs is too high.