ram 2500 5.7 longevity
We upgraded to a larger 5th wheel. It's at the top of our tow capacity. It pulls fine except for steep hills. We would like to get at least two more years on our present truck before moving up to a m...
Forum Discussion
Op, I work for a ram dealer and I think the hemi is one of the best engines being made. There's Four different sizes used in cars and trucks and they're all built nearly identical but have different bore sizes and strokes to make different displacement.
Overall extremely reliable. Here are problems I see with them: rear exhaust manifold bolts break causing ticking from engine. The hemi is a noisy engine especially when started cold. They don't knock, just make a lot of noise customers have to get used to. New 6.4L especially guilty of this for some reason, but it's normal. Most serious problem I see about once every two months is camshaft lobes ground down. I have seen it on very, very well maintained vehicles (maintained by us!), and engines that are in trucks that just get used hard, there seems to be no pattern or way to avoid or predict which engines will experience worn cam lobes, just happens. However, my understanding is other manufacturers, such as GM 5.3 and 6.0 have this happen as well. It's expensive.
I think people really need to think hard on these new diesels. The emissions components are expensive and somewhat prone to failure. But nothing will pull a trailer easier than a diesel. The trans behind the new 6.4l and the new 6.7l diesel are same design--a 66rfe and a 68rfe. 68 has shafts rated for higher torque. Seriously consider your mood when towing and how patient you are with heavy trailer in headwind or long climb or something and if you can be a little more patient I recommend the 6.4l. If you won't tolerate being slowed down 10mph during those times, I guess the diesel is way to go.
Overall extremely reliable. Here are problems I see with them: rear exhaust manifold bolts break causing ticking from engine. The hemi is a noisy engine especially when started cold. They don't knock, just make a lot of noise customers have to get used to. New 6.4L especially guilty of this for some reason, but it's normal. Most serious problem I see about once every two months is camshaft lobes ground down. I have seen it on very, very well maintained vehicles (maintained by us!), and engines that are in trucks that just get used hard, there seems to be no pattern or way to avoid or predict which engines will experience worn cam lobes, just happens. However, my understanding is other manufacturers, such as GM 5.3 and 6.0 have this happen as well. It's expensive.
I think people really need to think hard on these new diesels. The emissions components are expensive and somewhat prone to failure. But nothing will pull a trailer easier than a diesel. The trans behind the new 6.4l and the new 6.7l diesel are same design--a 66rfe and a 68rfe. 68 has shafts rated for higher torque. Seriously consider your mood when towing and how patient you are with heavy trailer in headwind or long climb or something and if you can be a little more patient I recommend the 6.4l. If you won't tolerate being slowed down 10mph during those times, I guess the diesel is way to go.
