Question for Ram Diesel owners.

45Ricochet wrote:

transamz9 wrote:
This is cause by sliding in and out when getting in and out. Using step bars will fix this problem. Every brand will do it.

No dig related here but your right. Usually shorter drivers that are a bit heavy will do it every time. That and cloth seats. But on the bright side no can ring between the leg's :B
Actually Russ has like 250k on his Ram and that looks pretty good to me after that amount of mileage.

Two correct statements here.
1. Our truck didn't have running boards when we bought, DW insisted we get them to get in and out. Now no sliding across the seat to get in. The dealers quick fix before we bought lasted 36,000 miles. I am expecting this fix to last a couple hundred thousand miles.

2. Our 01 Ram just turned 270,000 miles.It is always happiest when pulling out slightly over weight 5er.

Russ

transamz9 wrote:
This is cause by sliding in and out when getting in and out. Using step bars will fix this problem. Every brand will do it.

No dig related here but your right. Usually shorter drivers that are a bit heavy will do it every time. That and cloth seats. But on the bright side no can ring between the leg's :B
Actually Russ has like 250k on his Ram and that looks pretty good to me after that amount of mileage.

This is cause by sliding in and out when getting in and out. Using step bars will fix this problem. Every brand will do it.

rhagfo wrote:

john&bet wrote:

Bluhorn wrote:
Thanks for the input guys. I am not overly worried about the tranny,just wanted to see other peoples experiences.
The tranny guy at the dealership said that it looks clean,and said most make it past 200k.I think I am just going to continue servicing it and see how things turn out.If it starts giving issues,then I will go for rebuild.I should be good till at least 200k. We shall see.I am very aware of how this truck runs and am not drive and ignore type. I know every little sound and would know if something is not right.
This truck just continues to impress me.After driving over 3000 miles now with a hand calculated average of 13.2 MPG pulling my trailer and just running as smooth as ever and not much as far as repairs,Im happy.Left NC, down the east coast of Florida, up the West coast,stops in GA,SC and on up into NJ.Staying here a while then hopefully to Maine.The only thing that needs fixin is the drivers seat(mine and the trucks!)the foam is wearing out on the edge which is uncomfortable to say the least. Might just take it to a guy that can reupholster it or just refoam it.Hopefully might see some of You on the road!

I hope you find a good cheep place to fix your seat because I did not. My body shop said it would be $$$ to replace foam and covers and so did an upholster shop. I need just a small fix on side if seat and it will be $120. and half a day.

The issue with the seats, is they are not 500,000 mile items either! That and the fabric is no longer available! If it is starting ti have an issue get it fixed early. Mine needed foam and the side panel replaced, they were able to save the seat cushion surface.

From This:



To This!

Mine is a Laramie with Leather.

ScottG wrote:
Make sure the shop that does the service not only changes the fluid and filter but that they also adjust the bands. Some people seem to have an attitude about this part but it is critical (esp at higher mileage) that those bands don't slip.

X2 if the pan is off a good idea to check and adjust the bands. Think the owners' manual says something about band adjustment at 15K or 30K miles depending on the maintenance schedule you're following (severe or regular duty). But if you're towing, once a year seems like good insurance.

john&bet wrote:

Bluhorn wrote:
Thanks for the input guys. I am not overly worried about the tranny,just wanted to see other peoples experiences.
The tranny guy at the dealership said that it looks clean,and said most make it past 200k.I think I am just going to continue servicing it and see how things turn out.If it starts giving issues,then I will go for rebuild.I should be good till at least 200k. We shall see.I am very aware of how this truck runs and am not drive and ignore type. I know every little sound and would know if something is not right.
This truck just continues to impress me.After driving over 3000 miles now with a hand calculated average of 13.2 MPG pulling my trailer and just running as smooth as ever and not much as far as repairs,Im happy.Left NC, down the east coast of Florida, up the West coast,stops in GA,SC and on up into NJ.Staying here a while then hopefully to Maine.The only thing that needs fixin is the drivers seat(mine and the trucks!)the foam is wearing out on the edge which is uncomfortable to say the least. Might just take it to a guy that can reupholster it or just refoam it.Hopefully might see some of You on the road!

I hope you find a good cheep place to fix your seat because I did not. My body shop said it would be $$$ to replace foam and covers and so did an upholster shop. I need just a small fix on side if seat and it will be $120. and half a day.

The issue with the seats, is they are not 500,000 mile items either! That and the fabric is no longer available! If it is starting ti have an issue get it fixed early. Mine needed foam and the side panel replaced, they were able to save the seat cushion surface.

From This:



To This!

Me Again wrote:
When you do rebuild it find a good builder that will toughen it up and get a triple disc torque converter and a custom towing valve body. Chris

I recall Suncoast can build a 48RE that will handle just about anything short of a Top Fuel motor.

phenrichs wrote:
Engine mods are where the trans goes south fast. The trans is built to just barely handle the stock engine output.

It really is too bad the 48RE isn't a little stronger as the OEM tuning is not very fuel efficient. A lot of power can be picked up without touching the fueling rate, in the arena of 55/100.

I have 200K on mine. All stock, no modifications, and original. I changed the trans fluid and filter last spring when I replaced the solenoids. Found a 2 inch piece of a snap ring in the bottom of the trans pan. Took out the piece and put her back together and filled her up. Still going strong. Trans makes noise and I know it is getting close to a rebuild. Will drive it till rebuild is required. It will then get built with parts that are upgrades only for longevity. I have had only one other issue and that was an injector. Aside from that she is beautiful and my goal is 500K or more. I have no intentions of modifying this truck. Engine mods are where the trans goes south fast. The trans is built to just barely handle the stock engine output.

My 2003 has the 47re tranny. New torque convertor and valve body at approx 100,000 miles. Full rebuild on the tranny at approx 220,000 miles. Serviced it at approx 280,000 miles and shop says it looks A-1. Will continue servicing it every 60,000 miles going forward. For about $180 the shop flushes the tranny and adjusts the bands. Truck has been loaded atleast 50% of the time since new.