FNG shopping for 14-18, make sure I've covered it all

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Atcer2018

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That’s really good info on the 2017-older for programming. I am a pretty steady tinkerer so that would certainly come in handy.
2018 and newer have CarPlay/Android Auto but would need the security bypass harness to use a programmer. Harness is sub $100. Older truck needing a 2018 or newer head unit so you could have CarPlay is upward of $1000.
 
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TotallyHucked

TotallyHucked

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2018 and newer have CarPlay/Android Auto but would need the security bypass harness to use a programmer. Harness is sub $100. Older truck needing a 2018 or newer head unit so you could have CarPlay is upward of $1000.
Hmmm, good to know. Thanks!
 

Nicholas Cove

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What's up guys, FNG checking in here. I've been lurking and researching for a few months now, looking to buy a used 4th gen in the next month or two. I come from the GM world, I've had several NBS 99-07 Z71 pickups or SUVs for DD's. Got tired of 12mpg, so I've been driving a '14 Fusion for a while but it's starting to get long in the tooth and I'm in a good financial spot so I'm ready to upgrade. My buddy is trying to talk me into another NBS but I want a nicer truck with more power/features/gears/etc and nothing in the Ford or GM camp interests me. I've read a ton of threads but want to make sure I'm not forgetting something before I pull the trigger.

Here's what I'm after:
- '14-up Sport
- Hemi/8-speed
- Crewcab
- 4x4
- R/T hood
- Highly prefer the 6.5' bed but for the right deal I could live with the 5.5
- Could take or leave the RamBoxes on a longer bed but can't do them on the shorty, too small of a box lol
- Proximity entry/remote start
- Alpine sound system
- Highly prefer the mesh seat insert to the full leather
- Flame red, White, Blue Streak Pearl, Hydro Blue or Ceramic Blue
- Trying to stay under 100k miles cuz I plan to keep this around for a good long time

I know about the Hemi tick, LS engines have the same issues. Either a broken manifold bolt or a sticky/failing lifter. From what I've read, '16-up got better lifters? I'll probably get some shorty headers and be done with it. My dad's '14 is going to need them soon. I'm a pretty good wrench so I'm not worried about that. Are there any other failure points to be aware of?

It also looks like '16-up had the better console insert (not really a big deal, I could always swap it if I bought a 14/15). How does the mesh insert wear vs full leather? I really hate leather but with the butt fans, I could deal haha. Also would love to add CarPlay and I believe I read that an '18-up headunit is mostly a direct swap?

Gearing wise, I'd prefer 3.92 cuz it'll get 33 or 35 ATs at some point (though not till we move closer to work. I have a ~70 mile round trip commute now so I'd like it to stay 17-18mpg or so) and I tow an occasional car trailer or loaded down landscaping trailer. Though I've read the 3.21 is still plenty fine so I guess that wouldn't be a deal breaker.

What about rust? Are they like anything else, rockers/cab corners/box sides? I'm noticing it's very hard to find a CC 6.5' Sport, I've only found maybe 20-25 nationwide and 99% of them seem to have gone to Canada originally and then migrated to the NE or midwest. I'm in Ga and I travel alot for work, so unless there's one in a town I'm going to, it's going to be hard for me to drive out to look prior to buying. Hopefully I'll find a dealer/sales person willing to throw it on a rack and do a video call or something. I've found one blue one that went from Cali to Denver and now Missouri that's top of my list right now, though it's a little higher mileage at 120k.

Talking about mileage, would you guys say it's worth 5-7 extra grand to stay under 100k? My dad paid ~24k for his Laramie with 142k on it, I feel like as much as I drive, I'd be smart to pay more to stay around 75-90k miles. Or are these Hemi's pretty much like an LS, as long as they don't have lifter problems they'll go to the moon and back?

Just looking for some thoughts from the veteran Ram guys. I'm excited to get into a newer truck. Thanks guys!

Also threw in a picture of my project, it's a fun little LS swapped squarebody :anitoof:
With the options you're looking for being so highly specific you might be better off ordering a new classic.... cough...warlock... cough
 

tron67j

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What's up guys, FNG checking in here. I've been lurking and researching for a few months now, looking to buy a used 4th gen in the next month or two. I come from the GM world, I've had several NBS 99-07 Z71 pickups or SUVs for DD's. Got tired of 12mpg, so I've been driving a '14 Fusion for a while but it's starting to get long in the tooth and I'm in a good financial spot so I'm ready to upgrade. My buddy is trying to talk me into another NBS but I want a nicer truck with more power/features/gears/etc and nothing in the Ford or GM camp interests me. I've read a ton of threads but want to make sure I'm not forgetting something before I pull the trigger.

Here's what I'm after:
- '14-up Sport
- Hemi/8-speed
- Crewcab
- 4x4
- R/T hood
- Highly prefer the 6.5' bed but for the right deal I could live with the 5.5
- Could take or leave the RamBoxes on a longer bed but can't do them on the shorty, too small of a box lol
- Proximity entry/remote start
- Alpine sound system
- Highly prefer the mesh seat insert to the full leather
- Flame red, White, Blue Streak Pearl, Hydro Blue or Ceramic Blue
- Trying to stay under 100k miles cuz I plan to keep this around for a good long time

I know about the Hemi tick, LS engines have the same issues. Either a broken manifold bolt or a sticky/failing lifter. From what I've read, '16-up got better lifters? I'll probably get some shorty headers and be done with it. My dad's '14 is going to need them soon. I'm a pretty good wrench so I'm not worried about that. Are there any other failure points to be aware of?

It also looks like '16-up had the better console insert (not really a big deal, I could always swap it if I bought a 14/15). How does the mesh insert wear vs full leather? I really hate leather but with the butt fans, I could deal haha. Also would love to add CarPlay and I believe I read that an '18-up headunit is mostly a direct swap?

Gearing wise, I'd prefer 3.92 cuz it'll get 33 or 35 ATs at some point (though not till we move closer to work. I have a ~70 mile round trip commute now so I'd like it to stay 17-18mpg or so) and I tow an occasional car trailer or loaded down landscaping trailer. Though I've read the 3.21 is still plenty fine so I guess that wouldn't be a deal breaker.

What about rust? Are they like anything else, rockers/cab corners/box sides? I'm noticing it's very hard to find a CC 6.5' Sport, I've only found maybe 20-25 nationwide and 99% of them seem to have gone to Canada originally and then migrated to the NE or midwest. I'm in Ga and I travel alot for work, so unless there's one in a town I'm going to, it's going to be hard for me to drive out to look prior to buying. Hopefully I'll find a dealer/sales person willing to throw it on a rack and do a video call or something. I've found one blue one that went from Cali to Denver and now Missouri that's top of my list right now, though it's a little higher mileage at 120k.

Talking about mileage, would you guys say it's worth 5-7 extra grand to stay under 100k? My dad paid ~24k for his Laramie with 142k on it, I feel like as much as I drive, I'd be smart to pay more to stay around 75-90k miles. Or are these Hemi's pretty much like an LS, as long as they don't have lifter problems they'll go to the moon and back?

Just looking for some thoughts from the veteran Ram guys. I'm excited to get into a newer truck. Thanks guys!

Also threw in a picture of my project, it's a fun little LS swapped squarebody :anitoof:
View attachment 514442
Like that project, very cool looking!
 

hunterdan

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Honestly, I'd stay clear of the 18 models with the car play/android auto, unless they can prove the radio has been replaced with the updated version with a screen that doesn't delaminate.
 

A_mod_too_far

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18 year sports have the cool rare grill. Not sure if that matters at all but that's what I'd go for if I was gunna get another 4th gen
 
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TotallyHucked

TotallyHucked

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With the options you're looking for being so highly specific you might be better off ordering a new classic.... cough...warlock... cough
Haha I might if I liked the way they looked. Plus that’s a little out of the budget, hoping to stay 30k-ish or below. Might come up a touch for the right truck though
Like that project, very cool looking!
Thanks!
 
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TotallyHucked

TotallyHucked

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Honestly, I'd stay clear of the 18 models with the car play/android auto, unless they can prove the radio has been replaced with the updated version with a screen that doesn't delaminate.
Yeah I’ve definitely read about that. Replacing a headunit isn’t the end of the world but they’re certainly not cheap
 
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TotallyHucked

TotallyHucked

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18 year sports have the cool rare grill. Not sure if that matters at all but that's what I'd go for if I was gunna get another 4th gen
I’ve noticed that too. Can’t say I’m a fan, I’d backdate the grill if I got an 18 honestly
 
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