2 reasons I hate my Dodge truck
#1
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2 reasons I hate my Dodge truck
Just replaced another VP44 (this will be the 4th in under 200K miles) and replacing the CAD side outer axle seal.
I've worked on a lot of 1 tons axles in my time and that axle seal (the whole CAD design really) is by far the worst design I have ever seen. Who in their right mind would design a seal that requires you to tear down the ENTIRE axle to replace? Drop the ring gear carrier for a SEAL??!!!! I built what I thought was a sweet puller that uses all thread to pull the seal in from the passenger side. Even had a steel puck machined that fit perfect. Still buggered 3 seals. The only write up on the net I could find the guy gutted the axle and tapped the seal in from DRIVERS SIDE!!!
Do the engineers that designed these abominations still get together over beers and snicker about how they ruined a lot of peoples days? I know all makes have there weaknesses but these two from Dodge just seem like a cruel joke!
I feel better now thanks.
I've worked on a lot of 1 tons axles in my time and that axle seal (the whole CAD design really) is by far the worst design I have ever seen. Who in their right mind would design a seal that requires you to tear down the ENTIRE axle to replace? Drop the ring gear carrier for a SEAL??!!!! I built what I thought was a sweet puller that uses all thread to pull the seal in from the passenger side. Even had a steel puck machined that fit perfect. Still buggered 3 seals. The only write up on the net I could find the guy gutted the axle and tapped the seal in from DRIVERS SIDE!!!
Do the engineers that designed these abominations still get together over beers and snicker about how they ruined a lot of peoples days? I know all makes have there weaknesses but these two from Dodge just seem like a cruel joke!
I feel better now thanks.
Last edited by BC847; 08-29-2011 at 09:40 PM. Reason: Shortcut to profanity
#2
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Designed by people who don't know which end of a screw driver to hold. Kind of like web designers and Catalogs.
Maybe it's job security for all the mechanics. (?)
What ever you do, don't make it simple and easy to maintain. Like oil filters on a cummins
Maybe it's job security for all the mechanics. (?)
What ever you do, don't make it simple and easy to maintain. Like oil filters on a cummins
#3
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Haha bingo! I have to break the cardinal rule and take it to a mechanic for a seal, crying shame I tell you!
They'll probably charge me 6 hours labor too! "We have to tear down the whole axle, sorry".
Changing the oil is nice, but the VP and that seal can stick it! In all fairness, I tapped the fuel wire on the last two VP's...I ain't going near that wire again! If it pukes again, well, maybe it's p-pump time?
They'll probably charge me 6 hours labor too! "We have to tear down the whole axle, sorry".
Changing the oil is nice, but the VP and that seal can stick it! In all fairness, I tapped the fuel wire on the last two VP's...I ain't going near that wire again! If it pukes again, well, maybe it's p-pump time?
#4
If you do it like the manual says it no problem, I have done several for other people(mine has never leaked).
I will agree with the VP thing, though, driving a time bomb.
I will agree with the VP thing, though, driving a time bomb.
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Did that very axle seal about two weeks ago. Book said remove axle seal, simple, ended up calling dodge mechanic buddy and saying, "do you have to drop the ring gear to change this axle seal?". He said, yep, on the passenger side you don't have to but the driver side you do. My next words were about like yours, "***? Simple darn seal and gut the hole front end?".
I agree, people have lost touch with the K.I.S.S method.
I agree, people have lost touch with the K.I.S.S method.
#6
Expanding on the thread topic: I hate my truck because every time I fix one thing, another breaks. The truck falls apart for no reason. at 160,000 mi it is a money pit. I drove a 3/4 ton Suburban to 214000 mi with only minor problems. No engine work, replaced ball joints once, truck steered, changed plugs a couple of times in lieu of the VP. Stupid me, I wanted a truck with the reliability of a diesel and sold the Burban
#7
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Cheap. They found the cheapest way to build the front end and get it off the lot at the highest profit, they don't really care about you, just your money.
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#8
"A good engineer used to design to the highest standards and quality possible with much thought given to inexpensive and easy maintenance.
A good engineer today is one that can have his design fail just outside the warranty period."
#11
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Just replaced another VP44 (this will be the 4th in under 200K miles) and replacing the CAD side outer axle seal.
I've worked on a lot of 1 tons axles in my time and that axle seal (the whole CAD design really) is by far the worst design I have ever seen. Who in their right mind would design a seal that requires you to tear down the ENTIRE axle to replace? Drop the ring gear carrier for a SEAL??!!!! I built what I thought was a sweet puller that uses all thread to pull the seal in from the passenger side. Even had a steel puck machined that fit perfect. Still buggered 3 seals. The only write up on the net I could find the guy gutted the axle and tapped the seal in from DRIVERS SIDE!!!
Do the engineers that designed these abominations still get together over beers and snicker about how they ruined a lot of peoples days? I know all makes have there weaknesses but these two from Dodge just seem like a cruel joke!
I feel better now thanks.
I've worked on a lot of 1 tons axles in my time and that axle seal (the whole CAD design really) is by far the worst design I have ever seen. Who in their right mind would design a seal that requires you to tear down the ENTIRE axle to replace? Drop the ring gear carrier for a SEAL??!!!! I built what I thought was a sweet puller that uses all thread to pull the seal in from the passenger side. Even had a steel puck machined that fit perfect. Still buggered 3 seals. The only write up on the net I could find the guy gutted the axle and tapped the seal in from DRIVERS SIDE!!!
Do the engineers that designed these abominations still get together over beers and snicker about how they ruined a lot of peoples days? I know all makes have there weaknesses but these two from Dodge just seem like a cruel joke!
I feel better now thanks.
#12
Registered User
I have to agree on the VP, I have 180,000 miles on my 01. I replaced the first VP at 100,000 and the second one is just now starting to give me 'Dead Pedal.
The second problem for me is the lousy Heat/AC valves. What was wrong with steel cables. These electronic servos are expensive and unreliable.
My 4th and last Dodge
new 79, 88, 92
used 01
The second problem for me is the lousy Heat/AC valves. What was wrong with steel cables. These electronic servos are expensive and unreliable.
My 4th and last Dodge
new 79, 88, 92
used 01
#13
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Why dont you guys join a Ford and GM diesel forum and see how many problems those guys deal with. There is no perfect truck, especially for some who wont be satisfied no matter what.