covetsthesun wrote:
1) rear end had to be replaced...twice...during warranty.
2) driver's seat adjusters had to be replaced (warranty).
3) actuators in the dash had to be replaced...3 times and once under warranty. ๐
4) new engine when it clattered like ball bearings in a blender coming down a GA mountain. :E
5) any number of odd bits and pieces over the years.
6) the tail gate is stuck closed.
What could possibly have gone wrong inside the tailgate? Is the fix relatively simple? DH is not...mechanically inclined.
Could be a corroded latch on one or both ends. Sometimes a plastic keeper is used to secure the latch rod to the the handle in the middle. Maybe one of those broke off and the rod came loose?
I'll echo the same question.....what make and model of truck? Just curious mostly. You can get a total dud from any manufacturer so I wouldn't say your problems are inherent to the brand. But.....WOW you sure endured a lot with this vehicle.
How many miles on this truck? Please don't take this the wrong way, but are you towing within the limits of the truck? Scattering bearings in an engine and 2 rebuilds of the rear axle are major failures. Most people don't even experience one of those after many years of ownership. You have had 3 major ones in the lifetime of your truck.
I'd say there are some probable explanations why your truck has had so many issues:
1) It is over loaded
2) Every component was assembled on a Friday afternoon or Monday morning
3) The truck was abused by the previous owner or was damaged in some way before you got it.
4) Shop performing your maintenance (fluid changes, etc.) isn't doing it properly or is using cheap, sub-standard materials.
Believe me, I understand reaching your final straw on the camel's back. My '04 chevy did fine for 10 years with a few issues: O2 sensors, knock sensors, gauge cluster stepper motors, exhaust manifold gaskets...all typical GM issues. My final straw was getting stuck in soft grass (AGAIN :M) towing the trailer a couple years ago. That was it! No more gas engine screaming up the hills, no more getting stuck in simple situations.....I sold it and got a diesel 4X4. Nicer truck, more capable towing, more comfortable towing, and no more getting stuck.
Sometimes you just have to decide you've dealt with enough and move on to a different vehicle. That is not to say you won't have issues with your next truck, but you need to wash your hands and move on. I'm thankful that I'm mechanically inclined so I can handle most, if not all repairs as needed. Most often I'm only facing parts costs. Even that can get expensive. But in your case where you have to pay parts and labor....that can be a real beast. At $100-$125 per hour you can rack up a bunch quickly on most repairs.
KJ
'14 Ram 2500|Crew Cab Long Bed|4X4|Cummins
Curt Q20 with Ram 5th Wheel Prep
2000 Crownline 205BR
1997 Ranger Comanche 461VS
'01 Polaris Virage TX PWC
'94 Polaris SLT750 PWC
3 Wonderful Sons (21, 15, & 13)
1 forgiving wife!!!
