Cold Feet

[7777xm]

09-13, roughly 1.5 million sold in the US and Canada. Most of them are just doing just fine, no issues. When issues do appear, many will post on a forum. This may give a misleading impression that they are junk. All the manufacturers forums look like this.

TPMS, if you want, tune it off. Those sensors on all make are fussy. But, gooberment mandates is.

As far as MDS, seems pretty solid over the years.

Even my F350 had a mysterious clunk that was felt in the floorboard.

The third brake light, take it home, seal it up, call it a day. There had been a few issues with them, but not many reports of serious rusting or interior issues.

I've owned ford, Chevy, and dodges. All can have potential issues, but ultimately, I came back to Dodge. There issues seemed relatively small.

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

 

[Steamboat87]

I bought my 2500 on a whim. Went to buy a 1500, saw the 2500 sitting next to it and in every way it looked bigger and badder. I bought it. Year later and I love it. Absolutely love it. Except I shoulda got the Cummins.


Austin

 

[mtu1293]

No complaints with my 6.4, especially of the ones you asked about.
As for leaks, pfft, my Gen III was horribly with the drain tube from the sunroof leaking out of the grab handle, the rear window seal, etc.

No MDS issues with mine, though I have the 4.10 gears. I thought if you wanted though to downshift to gear six to disable MDS? For the rear suspension, yeah it's different, but look at any major offroad rig now-adays, and they are all starting to get rid of leafs.

I haven't had the clunk in the front of mine, yet - lol.

THough I will addmit I didn't really do much research when I bought mine, was hesistant till after testing driving for a few hours, and then a no brainer. Though I didn't have to finance much so that helped with the decision.

As for TPMS you all know the trick right? I have yet to confirm this, but if you put all your TPMS's in your spare tire, and keep it to set pressure, no light or alarm....... I have also heard of people keeping them in a pressurized canister as well.

 

[tjfdesmo]

My 2500 6.4 is not here yet, but it will be soon. I have owned lots, I mean lots of Fords, a few Chevys, and an '05 Dodge. After the 1970s the Fords got progressively worse and worse. Every Chevy I owned was a big disappointment, the last ending in a Lemon Law case. The Dodge was hands-down the best truck I've owned. Perfect? No, but better than the rest.

 

[Ratket]

I have 373"s... My mds activates all the God dam time, my front end makes zero noises. My 3rd brake light doesn't leak. Thinking about lifting and going to 37"s.. If I do I will go with 5:xx gears....but this motor has plenty of horse to pull any of the stock tires. My tmps doesn't act up. Don't get cold feet over a things you read on the Internet... Buy the " lifetime" warranty and bring you're worries up to your dealer before u buy it and have him write something up. Yup I said lifetime... No matter the miles.. As long as it is in your name... Helps me to sleep. On a second note I saw a commercial where the Toyota tundra pulled the freaking space shuttle!!! And for a second I was gonna buy * cause I tow space shuttles for a living daily* . But the next video I saw was some strong man stuff with some raided up guy pulling a big ass 747 jumbo jet... Made me pass on the Toyota. Ok back to being serious... Go drive some 3/4 ton trucks.. Figure out what options you have to have... Decide what price you can live with.. And go from there. Since you are worried about future issues ask ford and gm about their lifetime warranty and what it cost.. Best of luck bub.

 

[w6pea]

I just checked some build sheets and I made an error, according to the RAM site, its $825 more for the leaf/3500 at the base-price. (Tradesman level) Sorry 'bout that, my bad.

About the MDS, I was alluding to persons saying the MDS was a nuisance with 3.73s as it dropped in and out often (even on flat ground) because the 6.4 is cam'd to like a bit more RPM to stay in the meat of the power range. I think the best a person could do is get the 4.10s and hope that helps with that. I do know this, in the old days all big-block trucks had at least a 4.10 or 4.11 gear, I dont recall ever seeing HD type trucks (390-to-460 cubes) that had gear in the 3.xx range. (Im sure they may have been some, but I never heard of any) I think Chrysler has done this (along with the stupid electric axle nonsense) to try to milk every last bit of fuel consumption ratings to please stinkin' Fed/EPA.

I didnt mean to say the coil springs are noisy, just that that entire design in particular is new and hasnt much time in the field. As with any new design, usually it gets tweaked after a few years of units in the field. They have been using leafs in the back for decades.

As for the 'clunk', from what Ive read nobody knows for certain what that is, some are speculating its body mounts ? When I test drove a 2500 4x4 a few days ago, that same thing happened to me and it sounded (and felt at my feet) like someone hit the floor board from underneath HARD. I thought maybe I had hit a big pothole I didnt see, but looked in the mirror and the road was clear.

Don't feel left out. I have been wondering why I went from Dark Auburn colored hair, to almost totally white. (since Nov. when I started looking to buy a new truck)

I was going to deal with True Car, I got a copy of a build sheet from the dealer I am dealing with, I talked to my credit union and they seem to get a better price. I sent them the build sheet, boy did they open my eyes. I was thinking of buying a Power Wagon. I can build myself a Big Horn for almost 6500 S&H Green Stamps or Ducats, aka Dollars Less than the Power Wagon get the Big Horn 6.4L Hemi. Crew Cab 8ft bed 168.3 in WB, and install a Winch like comes on the Power Wagon.
Choices choices I some times feel like a kid in a candy store. Or being let loose in Ham Radio Outlet with a lot of money and I can have anything I want.

 

[TWILLIAMS9]

I have 373"s... My mds activates all the God dam time, my front end makes zero noises. My 3rd brake light doesn't leak. Thinking about lifting and going to 37"s.. If I do I will go with 5:xx gears....but this motor has plenty of horse to pull any of the stock tires. My tmps doesn't act up. Don't get cold feet over a things you read on the Internet... Buy the " lifetime" warranty and bring you're worries up to your dealer before u buy it and have him write something up. Yup I said lifetime... No matter the miles.. As long as it is in your name... Helps me to sleep. On a second note I saw a commercial where the Toyota tundra pulled the freaking space shuttle!!! And for a second I was gonna buy * cause I tow space shuttles for a living daily* . But the next video I saw was some strong man stuff with some raided up guy pulling a big ass 747 jumbo jet... Made me pass on the Toyota. Ok back to being serious... Go drive some 3/4 ton trucks.. Figure out what options you have to have... Decide what price you can live with.. And go from there. Since you are worried about future issues ask ford and gm about their lifetime warranty and what it cost.. Best of luck bub.

Biggest gear set we can get is 4.56 with our 9.25 AAM front axle.

 

[Sportznut]

Just wait a year. But remember....owners that have zero issues rarely post. So how many posts from disgruntled owners have you actually read?

I have zero issues so far but only have 3k on my rig.

Good luck!

 

[cptwing]

My tradesman came with the 3.0 radio, which I have since replaced with the 8.4an. I have a 3500 DRW 4x4, and mine thrird brake light leaked as well at 4000 mi, seriously why hasn't Fiat addressed this??? As far a coils I have leafs with no air suspension and on smooth roads decent ride, so so roads going over railroad tracks etc, its gets rough have to go slow, ride is much improved with a couple thousand pounds in the bed though.

My truck does not have TPMS in the same sense as most of you, mine will show me the pressure of all six tires, but has no idiot light or buzzer etc. I wish it did though as one time I pick up a pallet of wood pellets and unknown to me I was driving on a flat tire (drywall screw ARRRR) inside passenger rear. I found out by accident a couple days later playing with the Evic.

As far as the MDS, I have the 6.4 with 3.73 I really don't notice it much at all, sometimes the motors makes a sort of groaning sound if I baby the throttle.

As far as ordering one with the 3.0 radio and no XM, mine had the 3.0 with XM its built into the radio, (all of the ram radios). I have never seen a 13, 14 or 15 that does not have XM. You get it free for a year anyway I believe XM has a contract with Fiat that all their trucks will have XM. Does anyone here have a 13 and up Ram that doesn't have XM????

 

[SouthernBoy]

Thanks you guys who are sharing your real-world experience. Its like this, Im not over-reacting to anything, Im only trying to be smart. Ive PM'd several guys here who already have a HD RAM and they understand the thinking process Im using here, and also some guys who likewise are looking at ordering too and likewise just trying to be smart and look before you leap. These kinda forums all contain the same usual cast of characters, some guys who are brand-faithful fan-boys and turn a blind-eye to problems, some just gotta have the latest and greatest and cycle thru trucks like changing socks, you got guys who arent too bright and buy stuff without using their head and will go to great lengths to rationalize their own purchase by telling others they outta do what they did, and you got guys who are pragmatic and use their head, not only about trucks, but everything they do. That doesnt mean that any of the viewpoints are bad or anyones is any better than the other, we are all entitled to an opinion and I appreciate everyone who has chimed in. I just happen to be one of those dudes in the latter group who researches and thinks everything through on anything I do, Im not trying to be a nuisance. Im actually a Mopar guy if you get right down to it, I own a '09 QC 6.7 now and have a long history of owning and racing Mopar products. But even though I bleed Hemi orange, Im gonna do the research and make sure if I go and order something Im not gonna get hung with problematic model, because all brands make a **** now and then. I mean, while you ordering, why not use your head and steer away from a headache? Warranty or not, I hate being hassled with dealing with buggy vehicles and going to/from the dealer ironing out petty issues that I might be able to avoid by doing my homework. I live in the country and its not like city folks who have everything just a few blocks away. Its a trek to get to the city. All brands put new features on at times, (MDS, electronic axles, coil rear suspension in this particular case) that benefit from time in the field to be bug free. Its always been that way. (remember the first incarnation of the 2007.5 Cummins 6.7 emissions? They finally conceded and went DEF anyway)

Anywho, I really appreciate each of you fellas for chiming in, Im not discounting anyones opinion and grateful for your taking time to reply. We are headed out now to go test drive a few more and see if they 'clunk' too. LOL Have a great weekend.

 

[Crazy4info]

Just wait a year. But remember....owners that have zero issues rarely post. So how many posts from disgruntled owners have you actually read?

I have zero issues so far but only have 3k on my rig.

Good luck!

This^. While I don't have a HD, my 1500 has the leaky oil filter problem and the third brake light. Both small issues.

Both issues other makes have. Next oil change they will get fixed.

 

[loveracing1988]

My tradesman came with the 3.0 radio, which I have since replaced with the 8.4an. I have a 3500 DRW 4x4, and mine thrird brake light leaked as well at 4000 mi, seriously why hasn't Fiat addressed this??? As far a coils I have leafs with no air suspension and on smooth roads decent ride, so so roads going over railroad tracks etc, its gets rough have to go slow, ride is much improved with a couple thousand pounds in the bed though.

My truck does not have TPMS in the same sense as most of you, mine will show me the pressure of all six tires, but has no idiot light or buzzer etc. I wish it did though as one time I pick up a pallet of wood pellets and unknown to me I was driving on a flat tire (drywall screw ARRRR) inside passenger rear. I found out by accident a couple days later playing with the Evic.

As far as the MDS, I have the 6.4 with 3.73 I really don't notice it much at all, sometimes the motors makes a sort of groaning sound if I baby the throttle.

As far as ordering one with the 3.0 radio and no XM, mine had the 3.0 with XM its built into the radio, (all of the ram radios). I have never seen a 13, 14 or 15 that does not have XM. You get it free for a year anyway I believe XM has a contract with Fiat that all their trucks will have XM. Does anyone here have a 13 and up Ram that doesn't have XM????

If you get a truck without the popular equipment group you can get one without sirius. You then lose keyless entry and cloth seats among other things though.

 

[ramforme]

I have a 2004 2500 RAM that has had only two small issues in its 150K miles, a fuel pump (that was covered by a recall) and one injector. I have a 2013 RAM 1500 with 30K miles that has had ZERO issues. I have had 2 Fords, a F150 and a F250 both with major problems under 40K and one Chevy 2500 that blew up around 30K.
That is why its RAMforME.

 

[cptwing]

Wow, I found one with no sat, plain Jane 1500 2wheeler asking price $21, 600, can't like get one much cheaper than this.

http://www.valentichryslerdodgejeep.com/new/Ram/2014-Ram-1500-7b826db00a0a0002716cfd217ee64eb5.htm

Window sticker

http://www.chrysler.com/hostd/windowsticker/getWindowStickerPdf.do?vin=3C6JR6ATXEG331569

 

[KarL45]

Thoughts on Ram 2500

Well, after having owned mine for near a year and close to 16k on odometer, can truthfully say for the most part, Very Happy. Guess my only problem was the standard (at least in my part of the country) gearing. I thought 3.73 was very high but then I wanted to haul and tow. My choice as to diesel or gas. Went with gas, 6.4. As for rattles, leaks, clunks, and such, NONE. Have driven it in a diverse climates, elevations, empty, hauling, snow, heat, pretty much all around. Actually most with the 3.73 gear. Mileage empty, probably average around 15. Haven't gotten the 18 that some say, but really haven't driven empty in the lower elevations. As for hauling, about 5000 miles pulling 13k, have pulled the flats of eastern SD and the mountains of western CO. Both with 3.73 gears. My opinion waaaay to high. Would suggest if you want or need a truck, 4.10, minimum. As for suspension, hauling, running over 3200# pin weight on 5'23 plus another 500# in bed counting slider hitch and 8k generator. Drops the bed height about 2". Handles the load wonderful in mountains or pulling at hi way speeds. Also, engine braking down the grades works very well. Even better with the lower gear, 4.56. Guess final thought, "Do you have confidence and a good working relationship with your dealer. All vehicles, regardless of make, will have a few issues. My thoughts.

 

[cptwing]

Did you swap out the 3:73??? to 4:56???

 

[KarL45]

gear swap

Yes, I had the Ram dealer do the swap. Could have no doubt gotten it done cheaper at an independent garage but by using them was able to maintain my warranty. They also did an excellent job. No problem since. Sure wish Ram would offer 2500's with that gear. Doubt it will happen though. Again, having a good repour with your dealer is a key point. Even if you may have to buy or service in another city within a reasonable range.

 

[cptwing]

How much did that run you if I can ask? Are the 4:56 avail for 3500 DRW? Since I have never seen anything lower than 4:10 in the ram pamphlets? Oh and is yours 2 wheel or 4 wheel?

 

[loveracing1988]

How much did that run you if I can ask? Are the 4:56 avail for 3500 DRW? Since I have never seen anything lower than 4:10 in the ram pamphlets? Oh and is yours 2 wheel or 4 wheel?

What year is your truck?

 

[cptwing]

2014 3500 drw 6.4l 4 x 4