Hi all,

2nd gen longtime Ram owner looking to upgrade to a 2012 Hemi 4x4 with a load of miles on it, in great condition. Buying it cheap, of course. What chronic issues should I be aware of with the drivetrain, interior etc.

How are the Hemis doing into the 2-300,000 mile range?

 

You shouldn't be so $$deep$$ in it that you will lose money if you have to put an engine in it. Buying a 200K truck, or any car for that matter, is a huge gamble especially if you typically pay someone to do your repairs.

 

I appreciate the info and have the business end of the deal covered.

Was more interested in how ball joints, lifters and interiors were wearing. Stuff like that.

 

Front hub assemblies, Ball joints, Tie rods, rotors etc are all things you will or could be replacing soon. Has the trans been flushed during it's previous ownership? Should have been flushed approx three time by now. Has the rear and front dif oil been changed? Should be changed every 50 to 100K depending how truck was used or abused. You could get 300K out of the engine if it was maintained well. Lifters are a weak link in the Hemi. Some have complained about them and others have no issues. I have 92 k on mine and no issues until this week. Drivers Hub is gone. Was it a daily driver or a tow vehicle? Has it ever been off road? A lot of variables.

 

I've seen about seven or eight high mileage Hemis (+150,000 miles) and their owners seem to have had little to no problems with them. Suspension components and electrical issues are the two things that stand out the most. Older Rams (3rd gen) appear to have had issues with the Power Distribution Module with taillight symptoms being somewhat common. One fellow told me the end seals were leaking on his rack, but he also was the one with just over 300K miles. I think four of them said the blend door broke on theirs.


As far as I can tell Hemis don't use oil and the 545RFE transmissions are exceptionally sturdy. None of the guys I've talked to had and tranny problems. A few said they replaced U-joints. One guy said his rear differential failed after 160K or so.


Haven't heard much of anything about 4th gen. Did have the coast down ticking problem on my 2010, but that appears to very rare as my dealer has only had one...me! The only component I replaced on my 2010 after 104,000 miles was a rear taillight assembly because water was getting into it.


Best regards,
Dusty


2014 Ram Big Horn 1500 Quad Cab 2WD, 5.7 Hemi, 8HP70, 3.92 LSD, factory dual exhaust, 20” wheels. Now at: 005200 miles.

 

Thanks Dusty, TNtech and Huntjunkie.

I decided to pass on the truck. My 01 Cummins is loud and rough but will last a long time still. Choosing to get a nice car/suv for my wife instead of the truck. Thanks for the input.

The truck was an escort for oversize/heavy haulers and has had some engine work, notably new lifters. Still has a cyl 2 misfire/mds problem so that tipped me over the edge towards a different rig.