Well, the time's coming in the next couple of weeks (or so they say) for me to be taking delivery of my new 3500.

After reading the posts about the 70mph vibration on the SB 4x4 48re models (guess what mine is??), I have decided that I will ask to do a "test run" on the truck before finalizing the deal, take it up to 75mph and see if it has "the problem". My understanding is that they either do it or they don't. Is that accurate? Now, what the heck do I do if it has it? I've (not so) patiently waited for this puppy for 8 weeks and counting. I'd feel pretty stupid if I reject it because of this and then read a week later that there's a simple fix .

Are there any things similar to this I should check out on the test drive? I know there's a delivery checklist posted somewhere on one of the boards, but I'm thinking of the more major issues that can be flushed out during a short test run (too bad I can't check the mileage ).

Thanks,
Neil

 

Remember, you can check the hours.

 

Check your coolant level. On my truck, it was barely up to the minimum cold mark, I made the dealer fill it to the maximum. I noticed this on another new truck too. Must ship 'em like that.

 

Check the Rear End fluid level while you are at it. They have a problem with sending them LOW I guess they are triing to save money

 

Neil, here's a TSB that's supposed to address that issue by replacing the power steering hose with one that has a weight/dampener on it:

http://dodgeram.info/tsb/2003/19-008-03.htm

Here's a thread on the TDR that has some members experiences with it.

http://www.turbodieselregister.com/f...5&pagenumber=1

One of the posters says it applies to 04's as well if they don't have the weight. I'll be checking mine sometime today if I make it out to the parkeing lot.

 

As far as the vibration goes, be sure to get it on the freeway (turn the radio off and tell the salesperson to shut up) and hit 70mph and hold for a few minutes... then back it off to about 60 and then back up to 70 to see if it vibrates, do this several times and on varying grades if possible. Do the same thing from 70 to 75. If it vibrates, I'd make them fix it right then and there BEFORE you sign anything. You are in the power position at this point, be sure to take advantage of that because after they get your money, you'll be in the same boat as the rest of us that are stuck with our 70mph vibra-matics.

When I took my test drive, I was unaware of this potential problem so I only took it up to 65 and didn't notice anything unusual... but right after I bought the thing, driving it home @ 70-75mph for 80 miles was miserable. The vibration was instant... started the moment I hit 70 for the first time and is still doing it today. I never knew about this problem until I drove mine and then hearing about others experiencing the same thing on this site. Initially, I thought it would go away with some driving, but so far that is not the case.

Who knows, maybe you'll be lucky and not get the bad vibes... mostly I've seen 2500's have it so you may have dodged a bullet with the 3500. Just be thorough in your test drive and keep us posted. If you get the vibes, be sure to tell us what the dealer says and how they fix it, or at least plan to fix it.

Good Luck!

 

BiggRigg hit the nail right on the head, make an issue of it before you take delivery, it'll be a much higher priority for them to fix at that point. I was fortunate in that the dealer got right on the problem when I brought it to their attention, even though the truck was a week old at the time. Don't count on luck.

Another thing to keep in mind is to drive it on different road surfaces, my initial test drive was on I-17 near downtown Phoenix, I was able to run it up to about 75 mph, and I was listening for vibrations, after having read about the issue, but I still didn't notice anything because the section of highway I was on is concrete slabs with expansion joints between them, the thumping from going over them at 70-75 mph masked the vibration, it wasn't until later in the week, whe I made a run down a freshly paved (super smooth) section of rubberized asphalt on the 101 that the vibration became apparent.

Remember, you're in the driver's seat on this deal, don't do it if you're not completely comfortable with it.

 

Squidward,

What did they do to fix it?

I don't mind doing the test drive and attempting to force a fix before taking delivery. I realize I'm in the driver's seat (pun intended) to an extent. I can't stall taking delivery for over 5 days or I believe that I will lose out on the 0%/48mo financing option. There may be an exception if the delay is for "cause". I also don't want them to sell the truck to someone else in the meantime if they perceive that I'm being unreasonable. It will obviously be helpful to have a list of fixes printed and in-hand to give their technicians something to work with.

In any case, I'm putting the cart well before the horse. I need to find out if it's even an issue with my truck.

Neil

 

It very well might be. Your truck on order looks a lot like mine. I thought it was an '03 problem so really didn't thoroughly test it at the dealer. Driving back from Oregon to SoCal we stayed in the 80-90 range (where it is very smooth BTW ).

I'm pretty sure I have it though mine is not that extreme. So as BiggRigg and Squidward said, test it on a smooth piece of pavement in the sweet spot.

My focus now is getting a semi smooth ride on these SoCal expansion joints. They will mask out any vibration you have as well as loosening all your fillings

Good Luck. You're almost there. Nothing like a little pre birth jitters

 

Mine has it too had it serviced last week and changed the fuel filter seemed to be smoother for a while. Read a post somewhere somebody thought it was the hamonic balancer with fresh oil it might lessen for while but it is not right. Makes my foot go to sleep.

 

Mine has been at one inch below the min mark for over 40k. Was like that when I picked it up.

Rest assured if your truck has been PDI'd it has had the snot ran outa it..

 

Here's some more vibration feedback from TDR with a picture of the "fix"

http://www.turbodieselregister.com/f...threadid=94646

 

Just checked my 04.5 3500 and the fix was put on at the factory. The weight is there on the power steering hose. My build date was 3/9.

 

NJMurvin:
The fix on my truck was a rear driveshaft replacement.

 

I get to do the mother of all pre-delivery test drives! I am picking up my truck from a dealer 600 miles away as a part of a dealer transfer. I think that will be a great bug run before laying down the cash! I go on Weds. and ends a long saga of ups and downs that I will comment in full after the deal is finally complete.