Is there or have there been any comon problems with the 3rd gen 2500's. I'm looking to buy one with the "Jake"/ engine brake, 6 speed and 4x4. This is after alot of reading about ford and gm with similar equipment. I didn't like there common problems, but haven't heard much about Dodge. Just asking for a little info. By the way awesome site. Rock on

Lando

 

Best bet is to do some searching on the site. Some minor problems, but I think DC got it right first time with the 3rd gen.

 

Welcome Lando. You're not gonna find a Dodge Ram with an engine brake, but you can get an exhaust brake for them. Not sure how big you need to go to get a Jake. I think it takes some cylinder head work for a real Jake.

Other than that, I don't think you'll find any major issues from the 3rd gens.

 

I stand corrected exhaust brake is what I meant but am use to the engine brake, thanks though. I'l keep looking on here for info

lando

 

Lando,

The most common problems I remember were the early models needed a new alternator bracket, some dealers did not check the rear end fluid level before delivery causing a few bearing problems and a few little odd vibration/rattles that varied in source. Mostly small things - - not bad for such a major change over. There does not seem to be any big stuff like the other two have had.

Welcome to the site.

Bob

 

Lando I totally love my Ram 3500 that I bought almost a year ago. It's solid and quite refined over the last version of the Dodge Cummins. The Cummins engine is very bulletproof and unlike Ford and Chevy, the newest model with the Common Rail system has been a huge and nearly flawless success.

But like anything else in life even the best isn't perfect. There have been quite a few with drone or vibration issues at 2000-2100 RPM on the highway where a strong buzzing sensation is felt through the steering wheel. Others have had driveline vibes causing vibration through the truck. I think the 2004s have addressed this pretty well, at least I haven't seen as many complaints. Other than that just your typical rare window that stops working, dead lumbar support, steering box problem, you-name-it, etc. etc. that most any vehicle made has a problem with.

Bottom line, picking up a Dodge Cummins is a lot less of a gamble than going with the other two contenders.

Vaughn

 

Thats what has swayed my decision from Ford an GM the injector problems, plus the reputation cummings has is very good with alot of the other products (trucking back ground, even though I like CAT better). Thanks for all the help Rock on


lando

 

My ash tray won't stay shut....there's a loud rattle coming from the dash/hood area when there's a strong wind and I'm travelling over 65 MPH, ummm, thinking...I guess that's it.

 

My tailgate blew off. I had the tailgate down on a fairly windy day. The gate was horizontal and it blew out of the removal grommet and banged the corner of the gate and back of the truck. When I got outside it was one the ground vertical held by the straps with the above damage. This brings me to my next question. The truck is 2 months old. Would you warranty this. The grommet failed and thats why the gate fell off. Let me know what you think. I really like the simplicity of this truck and the ride but the failure to start, water in fuel and now this is a little much. I also don't like the underhood ergonomics. Having had all 3 late model diesels and a couple of gas, accessibility to filters for maint on the dodge is the worst. Remote a few of those things and build a smart tranny like and allison and you have got yourself a ride.

 

You think the Dodge fuel filter is harder to change than the Duramax?

 

Fireout2002,
Where you traveling down a bumpy road when the tailgate came off? This happened to a friend with a Chevy pickup going down a dirt road with the tailgate down. I keep a water pipe clamp around mine for this reason.
I find the Dodge easy to service. I feel sorry for Duramax owners having to change the fuel filter on side of the road.

MikeyB

 

Yeah, water in the fuel... cummins
I know it takes so much to get under the truck once every 7500 miles and put a rachet with an extension to work. And wow could they have hidden the fuel filter much more? That's the most difficult 5 minutes I spend every 15,000 miles

Wow dude, I'd hate to see you change the plugs on a Jeep 4.0. I can hear it now, "Honey can you bring me another box of tissues"


Sorry to rant, but dang

 

LMAO

 

No I wasn't going down a bumpy road. The truck was sitting parked. As far as the fuel filter, ya I think between the size of the truck, access with the intercoolers and radiators right there for you to smash and the fuel filter low and to the rear, this compared to the ford and dmax is a poor design. Its the little stuff that gets you. Having a new vehicle addiction as my sig other puts it, I've had a few and appreciate the erg's and engineering a lot. You ought to be able to service your own vehicle wether you 17 or 75. Thats my '02 and thats also why I love diesels. You have a fighting chance at working on them.

 

Huh? Last I heard the Durapad filter is a pain. Easiest way to just to take off the front wheel for easier access. Then you have to bleed air from the system with the bleeder screw which is fragile. Also have to deal with diesel fuel running down the frame and stripping the wax coating off.
The PS isn't so bad, just have to remove the beauty cover before accessing the filter.
I use a fender protector and just lean over to access the filter.

MikeyB