question to those that have over 100,000 on their ram
11-12-2002, 04:32 PM
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question to those that have over 100,000 on their ram
i've got a dilemma. in a couple of months i plan to buy a used 3/4 to 1 ton diesel with a manual 5 or 6 speed to pull a 97 30ft 5er that i just bought. i would like to buy a 98 to 2000 dodge 3500 with a 4.10, but i'm a little confused. i've been reading the forum for a while and i keep seeing reaccuring problems that owners have outside of the engine, like track bars, lift pumps, injector pumps, automatic transmission and lots of odds and ends that happen during the 1st to 100,000 miles. like most brands, i see a lot of love - hate relationships with their truck. the reason i'd like a dodge is because of the extemely long lasting cummins engine.
my question to those who own ram diesels that are over 100,000 miles is, do you see these same problems repeating themselves or are there a lot of new ones. i guess what i'm asking is, with a well maintained vehicle, what problems are you seeing. thanks...
my question to those who own ram diesels that are over 100,000 miles is, do you see these same problems repeating themselves or are there a lot of new ones. i guess what i'm asking is, with a well maintained vehicle, what problems are you seeing. thanks...
11-12-2002, 04:46 PM
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Re:question to those that have over 100,000 on their ram
I have a 99 2500. Have 150000 miles. Pull a GN with load of about 12-15000# regularly. The only problems I have had is with the auto tranny. I am very preventative maintenance oriented, but the trannies in the trucks just won't take it. I finally had a DTT tranny installed, and am very happy with the outcome. Have not heard of anyone tearing one up yet. I have also had the proverbial lift pump failures.
11-12-2002, 05:17 PM
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Re:question to those that have over 100,000 on their ram
I'ts really the luck of the draw.<br>Some have problems, fix them, get them again, over and over.<br>Others have no problems, even with many miles.<br><br>As with any other vehicle, take care of it, don't drive like a maniac, and it'll last years and years (maybe).<br><br>phox
11-12-2002, 08:28 PM
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Re:question to those that have over 100,000 on their ram
I would say "the problems repeat, but not that often".<br><br>At 110k, I've had one replacement lift pump; new rear axle seals and rear brake shoes (once), had my clock spring fixed (warranty recall), one new track bar, one new steering gear box. New shocks, new steering stabilizer. All other work has been optional or maintenance. <br><br>The steering wander never really got "fixed", so how can it "reappear"???<br><br>Good news? Original clutch, I'm on only my second set of tires with more than one-half of their life still left, original batteries, heck, really almost everything is still original except for the items I mentioned above. It gets better mpg now than at 50,000, or at least it would if I ditched the bigger more aggressive tires. I have no intention of shopping for a newer Cummins (oops, I mean Dodge) until the new fuel system and new not-Dana axles have a chance to prove themselves further.<br><br>If I had it to do over again, I'd buy the same truck, no doubt about it.
11-13-2002, 07:55 AM
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Re:question to those that have over 100,000 on their ram
I have 130k on my 94 ctd and everything is factory except the track bar. The only reason I have replaced that is because i had a wreck and bent it to heck and back. :-X<br>my 93 has 170k and everything is factory even the tranny. we use it to pull very heavy loads and even with the pump tweacked it still shifts fine.<br>But these are all 12v not the overvalved 24's ;D 
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11-13-2002, 01:11 PM
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Re:question to those that have over 100,000 on their ram
Bought mine in June of 2000 with 58K on it. I drive it daily and also use it for my part time rodeo career pulling horses to and fro. I now have 122K+ on it. Have had to replace clutch, a/c compressor, front brake pads, pinion seal and right rear axle seal, lift pump, injector pump, and in the near future, rear brake shoes. Some I'm sure were probably caused by previous owner (clutch), some by faulty design or parts (lift & injector pumps), some by wear and tear (brakes, seals) and some by whatever [undecided] (a/c compressor). Of course none of it was caused by me. :
With all that being said, I am really pleased with the truck and would not want to get rid of it for anything. In fact, I grow more and more attached to it each day. DTR and BOMBing (minor or major) will do that to ya. I've come to understand from the things I've read on here that with the miles I've got now it is just broken in good. If the DC part will hold up I would like to keep this truck just to see how many miles I can get out of it. That's one reason I am on this site getting what info I can that will help in that cause. <br><br>CR
With all that being said, I am really pleased with the truck and would not want to get rid of it for anything. In fact, I grow more and more attached to it each day. DTR and BOMBing (minor or major) will do that to ya. I've come to understand from the things I've read on here that with the miles I've got now it is just broken in good. If the DC part will hold up I would like to keep this truck just to see how many miles I can get out of it. That's one reason I am on this site getting what info I can that will help in that cause. <br><br>CR
11-13-2002, 10:38 PM
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Re:question to those that have over 100,000 on their ram
155,000<br>clutch<br>lift pump (did not go bad, just sop)<br>shocks<br>two front pad sets<br>two rear shoe sets<br>left rear seal<br>rear speed sensor<br>fuel tank sender<br>batteries<br>bunch of fuel and tires :<br>enough oil to pave a freeway, 66 gallons<br><br>That is maintenance parts, the engine was replaced at 70,000 but that was due to a block crack under warranty.
<br>enough oil to pave a freeway, 66 gallons<br><br>That is maintenance parts, the engine was replaced at 70,000 but that was due to a block crack under warranty.
11-14-2002, 08:40 AM
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Re:question to those that have over 100,000 on their ram
I bought my truck new in 94 and I have to say I must have got a good one. My original brakes almost look new. Front end all original and tight, drives great. The original shocks weren't any good, so Rancho 9000 all around. I started upping the hp at 80,000 miles with no problems. I have to admit this truck is not a work truck and is babied. The Dodge diesel trucks have some common problems, but this is the same with any brand truck. Just couldn't imagine not having my truck.<br>Michael
11-14-2002, 08:56 AM
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Re:question to those that have over 100,000 on their ram
Harris, to answer your question properly, one must address a few variables that your question brings forth. First, up until the 98.5 model year trucks, the Cummins (6BT) uses the Bosch P7100 inline mechanical pump. The 98.5-02 trucks use the Bosch VP44 rotary electronic pump on the Cummins ISB model. Obviously, there is a larger potential for failure with the VP44 since it is electronic. The lift pump you refer to is the Achilles' heal of the newer trucks. When this overstressed little gem goes out, it will eventually cause injection pump (VP44) failure.The mechanical 6BTs dont suffer from this problem. Yes, there is a lift pump with these, but it is not overworked beyond standard operating parameters. The problem with the lift pumps on the newer trucks is two fold: 1) it is designed to push fuel ( a max of 2-3 feet from the source), not pull it; as it is, it pulls fuel from up to 10 feet away since it is right underneath the injection pump (approximately). 2) again, it is electronic.<br>Track bars are bound to go out eventually. With a dry weight of 970 pounds with a fully dressed out weight at 1100+, the Cummins puts just a little stress on the front end. <br>The auto tranny is another beast all into itself. Most of us have modified the output of our Cummins' engines. The stock trannies (specifically the torque convertor) are not designed to handle too much more torque that stock. As it stands, quite a few of us are in the 600+ lb ft range, with lots more in the 8-900 and 1000+ clubs. Obviously, something must give. However, stock trannies can last quite a few miles (100k+) with proper maintenance when behind the stock output.<br>Maintenance is key.<br>
<br>The auto tranny is another beast all into itself. Most of us have modified the output of our Cummins' engines. The stock trannies (specifically the torque convertor) are not designed to handle too much more torque that stock. As it stands, quite a few of us are in the 600+ lb ft range, with lots more in the 8-900 and 1000+ clubs. Obviously, something must give. However, stock trannies can last quite a few miles (100k+) with proper maintenance when behind the stock output.<br>Maintenance is key.<br>
11-14-2002, 10:06 AM
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Re:question to those that have over 100,000 on their ram
I replaced my clutch at 100k. But it still had a nother 80k at least I would say. In fact my friend took it and put it in his truck after his went out at 179k. I had to replace mine because it would not hold. <br>Other than that:<br>three front break sets<br>two sets of batteries <br>more tires than can count<br>one track bar<br>well thats it<br>guess I hav a good one. And no this is not babied at all. the track bar was broke when mudding two years ago.
11-14-2002, 09:05 PM
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Re:question to those that have over 100,000 on their ram
1995, 3500, 5 speed, daily driver with 180K+ pulls 8500# once a month or so. New clutch, shocks, borgeson steering shaft, new U-joints @ 150K, Trans diff fluid, @ 150K (Castrol), all ball joints and steering ends @ 160K, velvet rides, bilsteins, EGT & boost gauge, # 8 plate, 5 micron 800 CFM air filter (own design), new stock (180) injectors, DELO every 3-4 K, tabbed Dowel pin. Never left me stranded. I will be going on a road trip next fall, 4500 mile, with no hesitation. <br><br>12 valvers are it! Many forget why the 24 is with us. Your tax dollars at work!<br><br>Keep a THOROUGH log on all maintenance and repairs. Truck is NEVER babyed 19 to 20.5 MPG "combo", 16 MPG towing. The only thing I want is an exhaust brake...not that desparate.<br><br>Michael
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