First things first. I have finally registered on the site and want to thank you all for the information I have been cyphoning off for the last year. I finally purchased my ram (Oct 03) after being convinced by you that it is the best truck on the market. I have taken my truck to the dealer for the infamous 2K vibration. With A/C on it is most noticeable. They told me the TSB was not applicable to my VIN and that my truck was smooth compared to other 4X4s. I called another dealer and they stated they couldn't do the TSB to my truck because it is a 2004 and the TSB applies to 2003s. I emailed Chrysler Corp. and asked them to include the early 2004s in the TSB. My truck was built Sep 03 and the TSB is dated Nov 03. They told me to talk to the dealer, they couldn't do anything for me. The vib is not so bad I would give up this truck (lemon law) so I need a little advise. Is there anyone else out there with a 2004 with the vib? I did a search and found where "STAR" approved a fix, how do I get to "STAR"?

 

Does your power steering hose that goes up to the brake booster have a horse shoe weight on it? if it does you already have the new hose and the TSB is effectively done. If that's the case, the vibration is way less and will all but disappear by 25k.
There is more than one vibration in our third gen trucks. The worse vibes in the 4X4s isn't the same vibe. The dealer should'a known that...

 

Mine was built 9/03 was no TSB on it either but they put the hydroboost line on the power steering anyway. It helped a little and I also put a few zip ties on the hoses. I believe there are many varieables involved and I feel the road more because of the E rated tires and the 65 lbs. of air I run, that and the hydroformed frame being as stiff as it is, we feel more than the Fords or Chevys.

 

THanks for the replies. I have checked and rechecked for the weighted hydroboost line, it is not there. I even got a picture off of an old post to make sure I was looking at the right hose. I zip tied the pressure and return hose together and it helped but didn't eliminate it. I can spend $60 and fix it myself but would rather have warranty take care of it. I know it is an engine vibration, not road and not 4X4. The vib makes me want to shift around 1900-1950 as I feel the vibration in the pedals.
45auto, how did you get them to put it on your truck?

 

I TOLD them it's the same problem as the 03 that HAS a TSB on it. I figured since mine is an 04 that it would have come off the assembly line WITH it already on. I don't think they really care.
Since NO ONE can or has given an explaination as to why thousands of Dodge trucks have this senario I am going with my previous explanation in past posts, not only here but at Dieselram.com. I believe being Dodge is in a class of it's own and the only mfg. that uses an I-6 engine , having the stiffest frame in the industry along with many other variables involved that this is a common and typical phenominon(sp?) associated with the Cummins in a Dodge. My friends 01 does the same things...

 

Yeah, my dad took his 03 4x4 in to the "Five Star" dealer and they told him the wobble was from the stering stabilizer. Could this be true, surely not.

 

I thought I read on TDR were the TSB was DONE on several 04s.Tell the dealer to call STAR or their REP.It should be a WEIGHTED Hydro boost hose and some 04s came through without it!

 

If you don't have the weight on the p/s hose (I thought that all 2004's would have that..?) then definitely insist that it be installed before you tear into the truck further. I had a very definite vibration at 2100 rpm/70 mph (on my 2003 2WD) that was worse with the A/C on (just as described in the TSB) and the new hose cured the problem entirely. Merely tie-wraping things together won't help at all, you need the new p/s hose. After the weighted hose is installed see how much improvement you get and take it from there...

 

In fact I'm almost positive there were posts were 04s DID NOT come with the updated hose.This vibration is RPM releated.Not SPEED releated.Try reving in neutral and it should come on like a switch turned on at 1950/2000 rpm.My neighbor thought it was a electric fan coing on!

 

My early 04 did not have the weighted boost hose. I took it in to my dealer with a copy of the TSB and they ordered it with no problem. It helped greatly. I would pay the $60.00 if they will not do it under warranty.

Bryan

 

I would'nt! Its COVERED!

 

How about looking at one of the newer trucks on their lot, then pointing out to the service guy that it has the updated hose, and yours doesn't?

If they still won't do it, take it to another dealer.

 

Tell them to call STAR if yours has the old style hose.Or their REP.

 

Thanks for all the replies. I am still working the issue. I am going to print out this thread and take it to them.