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Devocamper's avatar
Devocamper
Explorer
Nov 10, 2016

Ram truck problems ?

Not sure how to title this post but just looking for problems with ram trucks such as the stuff that GM chevys and Gmc have had over the years such as the current Chevy shake or vibration problems or some I have had myself like the transfer case pump rub, intermediate steering shaft issues,drive shaft spline binding , overheating LBZ duramax, brake and transmission lines rotting out . Or fords 6.0 problems . The only common issues I can find for ram / dodge are front end problems including tire wear I am guessing with the diesels , some earlier transmission problems and rear wheel well rot . Have been a GM guy for years but thinking back not sure why. Anyway just doing some research
Thanks
Mike

60 Replies

  • Interesting how people quote problems that occurred on 6.0 Ford diesels, Dodges with 4 spd transmissions, injector problems in Duramax diesels a couple of engine generations ago. The current crop of diesel trucks are pretty good. They have all experienced a learning curve and have become pretty good as a result. Buy what you like there isn't much difference from one to another anymore.

    B.O.
  • 2010 Ram 3500 SRW 4x4 CTD mega cab with 57k miles since new. All recalls done and no problems until last month when batteries were dead from sitting for 3 months during my open heart surgery recovery. Put chargers on batteries for 2 days and got it started but wipers came on, stuck in 4th gear on 68rfe auto, CEL came on, check trailer connection warning displayed, and no power stuck in limp mode. Next day batteries were .16 V and dead. New batteries and 7 problem codes cleared and runs great again. Miss the days of jumpstarting and driving away. My point is it has been great but NEVER let the batteries get low.
  • From a powertrain standpoint, my '05 3500 has been fine. Everything around the engine, not so much. Most annoying and frequent issue, water leaks, yes water leaks. Have occurred through the clearance lamps, and have had water running down the inside of both A posts and onto the floor by the kick panels. Have replaced and sealed clearance lamps, replaced door gaskets and still it happens, parked or running down the road. I have given up and just park under it under a tree in rainy weather. Seems to help...........
  • my 08 1 ton mega cab with the 6.7 diesel and the 68rfe 6 speed tranny. 2x4 with single rear tires and a 3.73 gear in the back. pulling a 32 foot trailer. i averaged around 18 towing and over 21 empty on the highway.
    the drivers seats padding was shot within 30,000 miles, it needed front brake pads at around 90,000 miles and a set of tires. ran good until it started to have erratic headlight brightness. looked like a honda goldwing. if i used high beam. found out that the wiring harness had corrosion at a junction in the frame cab area. over $2500 to fix. it required several computer updates over the 5 years i owned it.
    it was a great truck, plenty of power just had lousy seats and a faulty wiring harness.
  • 2014 Ram 2500 6.4 Hemi. A decent truck but have had some problems. Mainly, my transmission blew up at 38K and was rebuilt. It still feels as though something is wrong but I can't convince my dealer. I have the lifetime warranty so I'm kind of just in a holding pattern waiting to see if it fails again.

    Otherwise, I had to have the thermostat replaced, had a TPMS tire sensor go out and have needed some software updates to keep the radio from glitching out.

    I had far fewer problems with my 2006 Duramax but I'm not sure it's a fair comparison with all the technology of these newer trucks.
  • Our 2008 Ram crew cab 4X4 1/2 ton with 150k miles and small v8 has had 1 u joint fail and two break jobs; plus a couple of recalls. The trailer we pulled was 3680# on the scales and 7500# for the truck.
  • Interesting post. Consumer Reports lists trouble spots on the Ram 2500 as steering vibrations, emissions control and sensors, four-wheel-drive components, and power equipment. I couldn't find any comparable info on Heavy-Duty Fords or Chevys.
  • RAM had there act pretty well worked out by 2015. We have put 20K on out 2015 3500 Laramie SRW SB 4x4 and it has not yet had to go back the the dealer for service. Knock on wood. We love the truck and the Aisin HD tranny that we optioned for. The Aisin has lower 1st and 2nd gears compared to the RAM 68RFE tranny to get a load moving with the tall 3.42 gears. It is a freeway cruiser empty and tows our 16K fifth wheel very well in 5th gear at 60 MPH and 1700 RPM.

    Only thing I would change is a bit larger fuel tank.

    We got into 40 MPH side and head winds in Nevada and it handle our 39'4" full high profile 5th wheel without getting pushed around. Click Our Rig in signature Chris
  • I have a 2014 Ram 2500 4x4 with the 5.7 Hemi. Problems to date other than recalls include: Rear end gears replaced at 20k. I am on my 3rd Ignition switch. Exhaust manifold bolts breaking on both heads, one head had to be replaced at 35k as broken bolt couldn't be removed. Truck will not stay aligned. Truck start to lean to the left at 40k by about 2 inches before an adjustment was made. Rust forming around the windshield. As of yesterday, a coolant burning smell noticeable after turning off and exiting the truck. All this at 55k miles.

    My 2004 Ram had zero problems up until 160k
  • Early Ram autos, specifically the 47RE were prone to failures if they were hot rodded. The 48RE autos were pretty decent. Since mid year 2007 with the introduction of the 6.7L Cummins the 68RFE has been pretty bullet proof.
    Early 6.7L Cummins had some emission issues that have largely been resolved with software flashes. Real early Cummina 5.9s had some bolt failures.
    Pre about 2010 Ram 4X4s had what is commonly called death wobble. Easy fix using Moog ball joints.
    Ram is now the only truck available with three transmission choices plus several rear end ratios.