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.

 

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

 

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?

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

 

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.

 

An old timer described what used to be considered a good engineer and what constitutes a good engineer today.

"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."

 

if you hate the vp, put a P pump on it then.

 

buy a 12v

 

I'm not going to disagree with you about any of your frustrations but ALL vehicles have quirks. Some by "whatever" chance have little to no issues throughout their time on the road and some have nothing but issues from day one. Thats why there is such a thing as the "Lemon Law". But I have to ask.....you cant just throw such a statement out there and not give some details as to why or what your problem is with the VP. Again, not discrediting your complaints here but anytime I hear someone bash about how crappy the VP is, there is always an untold story which gives clear reason why that person had so many problems. So lets hear why you went through 4 VP's in 200k.

 

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

 

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.

 

amen, I came here from a duramax (duralemon), had it 9mo, cost me a ton and blew up, poor mileage. Lovin my cummins!

 

vp's seem to be hit and miss, mine is still going strong with 142k on it. Whats with the heat valves? Mine work great