I'm looking to buy a 4th generation Dodge Ram 4x4 but hearing from different sources that they are having problems with the lifters wearing out and taking the cam with it.. Are there many of you out there having this problem? If so, shouldn't this be a recall from Dodge? This is important to me as I love the Ram trucks but shelling out $20,000 for a truck with future engine problems is a serious PROBLEM! Could anyone enlighten me on this subject?

Thank you!

 

The roller on the lifter seizes up, and eats the cam lobe, distributing crap throughout the motor.... Doesn't happen to everyone, but, does indeed happen far too often. Lots of threads about it around here. I haven't seen any accurate stats on just how many folks actually experience that though. Some have wiped out cams in less than 10,000 miles, others have over 200K on their original motor. No clue why some folks never have an issue, but others do. I suspect it has a lot to do with how the engine was treated/maintained..... Though even cream puffs occasionally blow up.

As it isn't a 'safety' issue, there won't be a recall. At least, not until enough folks get together and file a class action lawsuit against dodge, and even then, there are no guarantees..... I think I read something about some folks doing just that, but, then never heard another peep about it. (google may know something.) Dodge's take on it seems to be: If it's under warranty, they'll fix it. If you are out of warranty, hope your wallet is fat...... Kinda of a crummy attitude, but, they probably aren't thrilled with the idea of replacing a boatload of motors, or cranking out the cash to reimburse folks that have already paid for repairs.......

That said, it DOES give some advanced warning before it totally destroy the cam..... Getting it properly diagnosed is the fun part.

 

I have an 03 pushing 200,000 kilos and so far so good...although I dont believe these oldies were as susceptible.
Helped my nephew do cam and lifters in his 2012 with about 220,000 kilos. Has about another 10000 on now with no issues so far. But doing the work did have me thinking about future vehicle purchases...

My wife needed a new vehicle. What did I talk her into? A new Durango R/T with a hemi! 🙂
Hope I did the right thing. Lol. Plan to be very religous and keep the oil changes done very regular with good quality oil. Fingers crossed.

 

HeyYou,

Thanks for the reply.. So this is a big gamble for me. I just can not see myself spending $20K on a vehicle with 70-80 miles on it then having to tear down the motor. It is a big risk just like throwing chips on the table. I'm not a gambler but my heart is set on these trucks. Does the same apply for the 4.7L motors? Do they use the same parts as the 5.7?

 

The 4.7 is a completely different motor, with it's own issues. For a truck, I'd rather have the 5.7. If the motor is quiet on cold start, and has been taken care of, it's a lot less of a gamble.

 

I agree TrueDogman, the older Dodge 5.7 seem to run forever without much problems.. The 4th generation ones scare me. Lol. My father still has his 1999 Dodge 1500 with the 318 with almost 200k and it's been the best vehicle and still is. I have a 1996 Dodge Ram van with the 318, it never skips a beat. Now that I want a 4th gen truck I hear nothing but lifter failures... Best of luck with your wife's new ride, they are a sweet truck and hopefully things are on your side when it comes to that ''scary'' motor. Lol.

 

Thanks HeyYou!