I would like to really thank all of you fellow members filling me in and giving me all your advice. I will be contacting the New Jersey Better Business later today. I have talked to "RAM" associates about this and the funny part I found was how come since the End of March, they wanted $1,000 for these front end parts, but the more I complained, all of a sudden they dropped the price to $700?? To me, it looks like someone is trying to re-coupe, or make money off me somewhere...

As far as the "Tech" that took the ride with me, he said the reason that Im feeling that funky 3-4 shift is because when the truck shifts, the first thing Im feeling is the converter un-locking, the second I'm feeling is the trans actually shifting, than the third I'm feeling is the converter locking back up after the shift. I'm on a sportsman crew for an NHRA/IHRA racer, we have and drive numerous cars from 7sec dragsters, to wheel standing super stockers, and not once has any transmission ever done this. Another funny thing is I stated that I really feel the funny shift when you put a load on the truck, or tow with it. The mechanic says to me, "I was told you feel the harshness when you tow, but by the looks at your tow receiver and the rust in it, you havn't towed in a while", so I say, "Well, that piece of paper taped to my windshield is a pass to get in and out of Englishtown Raceway for the National even I was just at, and which I just towed two cars in and out of with this truck", he looked at me like a deer in headlights when I said that!! I swear sometimes, these so called mechanics with these ASE certified credentials are a joke, Like my Father would say... Educated idiots!!

My confusion is now where to start or who to contact to try and start a case up, all numbers I have are all Chrysler based, and I feel I will get nowhere with them, so thats why I want to contact the N.J. BBB first. If anyone can steer me in the right direction, please do so. Thanks again everyone.

 

Dennis, you are very close to me, I live off of Decker Avenue on Orange Ave. I am leaving for a race tomm, but when I get back maybe we can get together and shoot the..... Thanks

 

Well, didnt get anywhere with Chrysler or RAM, and when the rep called me back to see of I was going to take their offer of $700 out of my pocket to do warranty work, and I said no, and then told him that I was starting a case with the BBB, he was shocked. Hey, I have nothing to lose, If a fellow member said he did his ball joints in his driveway in two hours, and than offered to do mine for a good meal, but yet a state of the art, certified service center said he would have to destroy parts to do the same job just doesnt sit right with me, so we'll see what happens as the process starts....

A big thank you to all you fellow members who have chimed in and offered advice!!

 

Just spray the back of your hub bearings down with some wd-40 for several days before you start taking it apart. Even if you mangled the backing plates while you take the hubs out you can beat them back out with a hammer. I had to do that on both of my trucks. I just put hubs in my truck three or four months ago, and given the low mileage of your truck I would say they should come out no problem.
Sorry about your problems with the dealer, it is bull that you pay extra for coverage to fix these things and you have to fight them tooth and nail to get it done.

 

Well, Just filed a complaint with the N.J. B.B.B. Wish there was some sort of way to also file something against Dodge or RAM themselves without having to get involved with a lawyer. Now we wait and see....

 

I certainly hope you win against these guys. I don't think I would have taken the 700 dollar bone they tossed you either. The BBB is big on arbitration and if it gets that far, watch out, those car people are not quite upstanding honest and the first thing they'll offer up is, "we offered to fix it but the customer declined." Be prepared for the Chrysler Corporate onslaught. They say and do anything to avoid keeping a once satisfied customer.

 

Removed both my hubs to replace ball joints and UJ's and did not damage a thing, did this in my driveway in about 5 hours to do both sides. Dealer is full of...........

 

I ran into the same treatment near the end of my extended warranty as well. Everything was good until the last few months. I kept getting the run around on minor things that should have been handled. My guess is the bean counters said they spent enough money on me.

Quick question, which warranty did you buy. There are several and the deductibles are different as well. It would probably be good to refresh your knowledge there and then just ask the dealer straight out why the run around. If the truck has a trans problem, which it seems to since it's shifting different, why won't you fix it? If the ball joints are bad, why aren't they covered. If you break parts getting it apart, why should I pay. You have the factory trained service department. Don't they teach you how to take it apart without using a BFH?

 

Staight forward and to the point. What next? Common sense?? Just joking.

This is the very reason I refuse to buy extended warrantees.
I'd rather find a local guy and pay his fees.

 

Well, Just got an E-mail from the BBB, and they turned me down, long story short, this is a portion of what they wrote....

"We regret to inform you that BBB cannot process your complaint. The case has been reviewed by one of our Complaint Specialists and was found to contain issues that are out of BBB's purview."

One of their recommendations was to contact the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs. Now I feel like I'm at a loss and have a feeling this is going to get swept under the rug. Next step is to contact them, and see what B.S. I'm told next.... I'm not done fighting yet!!....