1st ram purchase

[Ericnottelin]

Thanks. Yeah wife and I have discussed potential future issues. We're praying that any major component issues are discovered by the mechanic. We understand the overall nature of the transaction. We are reviewing the service record and if we didn't trust the neighbor, we would've even be touching the truck. So we'll see what next Friday brings. So far the tranny, rear end, car fax, last fluid/filter replacement dates / mileage, freely moving turbo veins, and vibration between 70-75 are areas to have a closer look.

 

[Ericnottelin]

There is a plate that holds the solenoids in the trans. It is a well known weak point. Wiped out my 2015 trans. Aftermarket upgraded plate is available for about $50 and is an easy install. I found out too late. This $50 part failure wound up costing me $6,200 for a new trans. Easy to do when you drop the pan to change trans fluid and filter.

Anyone know what plate this gentleman is referring to?

 

[Dusty]

Sorry guys. I haven't gotten any emails telling me I had replies.

I have an appointment to have the ppi done. Told the mechanic to give the truck one hell of an enema. Lol.

With that said, he agreed that the transmission was an area of concern and would pay special attention to it. I also asked them to check the rear gears.

I'm hoping the truck does well. 400k is a risk. But I'm really impressed with my buddies ram and he loves his truck. So I'm hoping this truck has proved itself for the last 400k and I can get another 100k with only normal issues to deal with.

Thank you guys for the warm welcome!!!

My good friend who repairs transmissions for a living will tell you that the 68RFE is properly matched to the Cummins' motor and will go the distance (300,000 miles or more) if correctly maintained and driven within the limits. What usually happens before any clutches wear out is either dirty and expended transmission fluid leading to a clogged valvebody, shift solenoid failure, or a warped valvebody. Problems addressed early usually prevent expensive rebuilds. He strongly advises against using a tuner.

Regards,
Dusty
2019 Ram 1500 Billet Silver Laramie Quad Cab 2WD, 5.7 Hemi, 8HP75, 3.21 axle, 33 gallon fuel tank, factory dual exhaust, 18” wheels. Build date: 03 June 2018. Now at: 062044 miles.

 

[Ericnottelin]

Thank you. I don't plan on tuning it. Only thing might be a delete but will keep the tune as close to stock as possible. Will be more interested in better economy than racing corvettes. Lol

 

[Dusty]

Anyone know what plate this gentleman is referring to?

RFEs generally have three plates: a Separator plate, a Transfer plate, and a TRS plate. Just guessing, but I suspect the person was referring to the Separator Plate since these are most commonly replaced every time a valvebody is removed.

Regards,
Dusty
2019 Ram 1500 Billet Silver Laramie Quad Cab 2WD, 5.7 Hemi, 8HP75, 3.21 axle, 33 gallon fuel tank, factory dual exhaust, 18” wheels. Build date: 03 June 2018. Now at: 062044 miles.

 

[Ericnottelin]

Thanks Dusty. I'll get to researching this if the truck passes inspection on Friday!! Will keep you all posted.

 

[Ericnottelin]

Today is the big day. Truck is going to the dealer for the inspection. Got the truck last night. Took for a long test drive. Ran really nice all things considered.

 

[Ericnottelin]

I do have a few questions as a result from the test drive. I noted that the speedo was off. Does the alphaopd2 allow you to correct speedo?
Also does the alphaopd2 allow you to change other system preferences such as seat belt chime, and other stuff? Thanks.

 

[Ericnottelin]

Well guys, will have to wait for the results of a PPI. Made an appointment with a local Ram dealership a week and ahf ago. I was 15 minutes early for the appointment. Service advisor was friendly. Processed the truck and away I went. Later that day, they began giving me the run around. Told me they would need the truck another day. Owner gave permission and then nothing. Called them in the afternoon on that following day and they said they would need to keep the truck until Monday. I told them no. I had an appointment and that 2 days should have been enough time to do an inspection, especially since I made an appointment. Asked them what they had up to this point. They hadn't even touched the truck!!! I'm like what was the point of the appointment then? I was informed that appointments are only to meet with the service advisors and that was the way it was everywhere. I'm like no it's not, I'll be by to pick up the truck. They told me they were sorry and I could bring it back next week. Laughed and said I'm not coming back. So now I'm going to try and make an appointment with a local diesel mechanic.

 

[tron67j]

I do have a few questions as a result from the test drive. I noted that the speedo was off. Does the alphaopd2 allow you to correct speedo?
Also does the alphaopd2 allow you to change other system preferences such as seat belt chime, and other stuff? Thanks.

Check tire size against stick size on door jamb, are they the same? Just wondering if there is a problem that is beyond a software fix.

 

[Ericnottelin]

Yeah meant to check that. But when the dealer screwed me, I got side tracked just trying to get the truck back to the owner.

New appointment with the local diesel mechanic for Friday.

 

[Ericnottelin]

Ok guys. Just keeping everyone updated. The truck passed the inspection at the diesel mechanic's. Only some issues that would be expected from a truck with that mileage. So I've given a counter offer. Waiting for his response. Keeping fingers crossed!!

 

[Ericnottelin]

One question I did have. While driving the truck, the transmission would kinda release allowing the engine to rev a few hundred (200 approx) rpm before the next geat engaged. Did it for 3-4 and 4-5 shifts. Under light acceleration. Hard accel, firm shifts.
Mechanic didn't say anything after his test drive. Is this normal for this trucks transmission?