I literally just registered on here but wanted to tell everyone my experience with my '14 Ram 1500 Lonestar 2WD 5.7. I've only had the truck 7 months and 10k miles later, I'm already replacing the motor. Don't feel sorry for me, when I bought it in May 2019, I could hear the ticking so I knew I would eventually have issues down the road but this wasn't my primary vehicle. Anyways, here is the short and sweet.

May 2019 - I bought the truck with 150k, all original, nothing aftermarket.
Aug 2019 - Hit a tree head on at 70-80mph with my Lexus (totaled).
Sept 2019 - Started driving truck everyday.
Dec 2019 - At WOT, my check engine light started flashing and engine was at less than 50% operative. Pulled over, inserted Bluedriver and P0308 (Cylinder 8 Misfire Detected).
After Christmas was over, I swapped both spark plugs and ignition coil with cylinder No.6. Reset engine codes and the check engine light lite up with the same P0308 code.
I removed the valve cover and immediately noticed No,8 loose rocker/rod. Also, no compression. I was going to just upgrade/build motor.
Dec 30th - I received a job offer in another state. Knowing I would leave in 2 months, I didn't have time to spend on my truck. Plus, being a single full-time father of 2 kids and packing/moving, no way!
So I researched other options and found that some companies out there were making re-manufacturing, highly durable crate engine that was stronger than OEM.
I could also purchase it with a 5 yr/100,000 mile warranty...DONE.
Jan 10 - Fraser delivered crate motor with all new seals, o-rings, gaskets, and other stuff.
Jan 11/12 - Old motor removed, many new parts ordered.
Jan 18/19 - New/old parts installed onto motor (and torqued to specs)
New intake manifold, spark plugs, 4 MDS solenoids, VVT control solenoid, thermostat, water pump, oil pump, etc
Original valve covers, ignition coils, fuel rail with injectors, timing chain cover, pulley tensioner, exhaust manifold (now powered coated), harmonic balancer, oil pickup tube, oil dip stick tube, and oil pan, etc

I'm sure there's things I'm missing but you get the idea. I've tried taking pics/vids but I'm doing this myself and borrowing a friends shop. Plus the 30-40 outside temps in a shop with no insulation is tough. I have heaters but they can only do so much. Anyways, I'm in Conway, Arkansas...just 25 minutes north of Little Rock. Anyone around my area?

-Mikel

 

Better read the fine print on your warranty..... I think they require the engine to be installed by a shop in order to validate the full warranty. They should also list the 'required' replacement parts to maintain the warranty as well.

Sounds like you got your plate quite full. Good Luck!

 

Yeah, i had intentions of having it done at my friends shop for warranty purposes but they couldn't get to my truck for another 3-4 weeks. Time isnt on my side. So, he has been overlooking my progress to ensure everything is being done right with correct specs. I'm prior military (C-130 Flying Crew Chief) and have been working on engines for 20 years. This is the newest engine I've done tho, aside from all the sensors, it's still just a motor. And I've already replaced everything they recommend plus more. It's all adding up quick but after I'm done, I'll see what the total expense is.

Side notes: motor mounts are about $100 per side and all new engine stands made now mostly suck. Ha

I'm not rushing with this motor and yeah, they probably will not cover the warranty but I saved probably $1500 at least doing it myself.

Thanks man! . -Mikel

 

Maybe you should be an "employee" of the shop temporarily.