I have a 2011 Ram 2500 with a 5.7L Hemi (has approx. 168k miles on the truck) that developed the shudder I've read about, then developed a rattle. My mechanic took a look and said I have a rod bearing that is causing the rattle (something internal caused a lack of oil circulation) and I have a couple of cylinders not working as well. We pull horse trailers and travel trailers frequently and most of my adult life I've driven diesels (older 7.3L and 5.9L) so I've never really had to deal with internal motor issues with those (just replacing injectors, pumps, or turbos). The last gas rig I pulled a trailer with was an 80's model Chevy crew cab with a good ol 454. So I'm not sure if I caused the motor issue with my Dodge Hemi by driving it the same way I drive the diesels (I still have two older Dodges - '04 and '02 with 5.9L Cummins) or if it was just simple mechanical failure. Anyway, we've been kicking around several possible solutions (replacing motor with one that has less miles, rebuild current motor, replacing the Hemi with a 5.9L Cummins), but none of the solutions are cheap ($5k - $6k and up). I've looked on several threads here and it looks like there's a lot of knowledge I can draw from, so I have a question to pose. I recently found a good running V10 from a '95 Ram 2500 (has right around 100k miles) for decent money (<$1k) and am curious if that would swap with the 5.7L currently in my truck? I know the electronics and such would have to be retrofitted, but would like to get more opinions.

 

The 8.0 won't bolt to your trans either. There would be a LOT of issues trying to get that to work. Why are the used motors so expensive? Seems to me, you could pick up a NEW long block for 5K..... (probably less...)

 

Me and my pa went through this with his 06 Hemi (rod through the block). A local junkyard wanted $3500 for a Hemi with 100,000 miles, which was more expensive then a 12V ($650 @ 75,000 miles) or a 24V ($790 @ 56,000 miles) diesel. For some reason people think they are worth their weight in gold. He ended up getting the truck sit for about a year (wouldn't pay that much for "Mexico junk") and found a 2500 block for $500.

 

Thanks for your replies MoparFanatic21 and HeyYou. I wish I knew why these used motors are so expensive as well, makes no sense to me. My mechanic did tell me (and I've also found some other info online) that even if I found a cheaper alternative that would fit physically, doing all the electronic adaptations will drive the cost up. Mine has been sitting basically since first part of May as I'm not willing just to fork over that much money without exploring all my options. I'll keep being patient.

 

Have a look here. Longblock for 3200. If the rest of the truck is in good condition, this may actually be worth while.

 

HeyYou, thank you for the info. You're right, this is better than buying a used motor for the same money. And yes, the rest of the truck is good enough I would want to keep it and drive it. I probably don't like it as well as the two Cummins I have, but this truck is quite a bit newer and other than this little hiccup has been much cheaper as far as routine maintenance goes. I'm curious, though, about some comments I've seen from guys who pull trailers with the hemis and that they don't use cruise control because of the MDS (I think that's what I read). Is that a big factor with these trucks? I'm accustomed to setting the cruise on 65 or 70 (maybe 75 depending on what I'm pulling) and not looking back when I'm in the diesel; maybe I may need to re-learn a few things if I'm going to stay with the hemi.

Appreciate the help. Have a great day.

 

The PCM won't engage MDS if it sees high engine load, which it would while towing. Cruise should be just fine.

 

I read that using Tow/Haul Mode also disables MDS.

 

That would make REALLY good sense......