Just Cracked 100,000 miles, should I stock-up?

[ColdBlueRam]

Since my mileage is getting up there, should I think about maybe buying a water pump, starter, alternator or whatever before the Trump tariffs price increases kick-in in January? My experience with other vehicles is that around 100,000 miles the accessory systems start to wear out. Is this true for Rams?

 

[Atcer2018]

Since my mileage is getting up there, should I think about maybe buying a water pump, starter, alternator or whatever before the Trump tariffs price increases kick-in in January? My experience with other vehicles is that around 100,000 miles the accessory systems start to wear out. Is this true for Rams?

It’s your money so it’s not my place to tell you what to do with it. That said I personally would not “stock up” on components that may or may not need to be replaced any time soon. Too many variables to invest in possible future needs. There may or may not be tariffs. Components may be manufactured in countries without tariffs. Your alternator or starter could last another 100k miles. You may decide you want a new truck and trade it in before ever needing anything. Just my thoughts YMMV.

 

[larrymax]

Since my mileage is getting up there, should I think about maybe buying a water pump, starter, alternator or whatever before the Trump tariffs price increases kick-in in January? My experience with other vehicles is that around 100,000 miles the accessory systems start to wear out. Is this true for Rams?

I was the same way when it came to my Ford "Exploder". I bought a bunch of parts I'd thought I'd need sooner than later, never installed them, and sold it. I gave the parts to the guy who bought it for free.

I try my best to not use Craiglists or FB marketplace. I use to restore old arcade machines and the amount of people who never showed up or would show up short on the agreed price put me off on selling those parts.

I just hit 100k on my truck also and just so happens I know have a "sound" coming from the front passenger side wheel. I plan on keeping the truck for a long time so I'm currently waiting on the hubs, ball joints, rotors, u joints, and pads. I figured I might as well do it all while I have everything apart.

I'll also very soon change the alternator and fuel pump.

Guess I fell into that trap again

 

[CanuckRam1313]

Since my mileage is getting up there, should I think about maybe buying a water pump, starter, alternator or whatever before the Trump tariffs price increases kick-in in January? My experience with other vehicles is that around 100,000 miles the accessory systems start to wear out. Is this true for Rams?

If you're going to keep your truck long term, then use this 100K-mile benchmark to do the required maintenance and servicing.

I don't know your service and maintenance history, so here are some recommended ones at this mileage to consider.

- transmission fluid & filter, and if applicable look at also installing the @caulk04 transmission cooler bypass upgrade. Dropping trans temps in the 30C rage is a huge bonus for our trucks (use either MOPAR or Valvoline MaxLife fluid).

- spark plugs: Rock Auto is a very reliable source. Look at the NGK Ruthenium HX plugs.

- coolant flush and fill (MOPAR coolant is recommended).

- retorque all your intake manifold bolts as they are known to back off and cause drivability issues.

- full throttle body service. Remove it and give it a really good cleaning and with the age of the truck, purchase a new OEM gasket, too.

- remove the PCV valve and either thoroughly clean it, or just replaced it altogether.

- remove the serpentine belt and thoroughly inspect it & replace if required. At the same time while the belt is off, check for play and abnormal noises in the idler and tensioner pulleys, and water pump, and replace if needed.

- brake fluid flush & fill, and a good front & rear brake service, too.

- I'm uncertain if you have hydraulic power steering or electric. If hydraulic, perhaps a fluid swap is in order.

- front & rear diff fluid change, as well as the transfer case if you're 4X4.

This is like the full service catalogue for a 100K service............

 

[ColdBlueRam]

Hey thanks for the replies. It is a Laramie trim, so it has about everything options wise. I love the truck, and it looks great. I plan on driving it for a long time. A new one costs double what I paid for this one, not taking on that debt load. I have not had a truck payment in a long time, and plan to keep that way. I have done a lot of the things you mentioned CanuckRam1313, but some like the intake retorque, PVC valve and belt system inspections I did not know about. Thanks!

 

[GTyankee]

If you have a Mopar Extended Warranty
To keep it in effect, you have to do a 100,000 service check up

 

[mtofell]

Yes, buy them all... along with TP, soup, grains and diapers. Trump is going to ruin the country... hurry, hurry, hurry.

 

[chri5k]

Since my mileage is getting up there, should I think about maybe buying a water pump, starter, alternator or whatever before the Trump tariffs price increases kick-in in January? My experience with other vehicles is that around 100,000 miles the accessory systems start to wear out. Is this true for Rams?

Just stock up on cash or other liquid asset. If you need one of those parts you will have the money for it. All the parts you don’t need will have very little value when you move on to your next truck.

 

[larrymax]

Case in point, I've only changed ball joints on a '98 Explorer. I decided I would need a new press kit for the 2500 and went with this monstrosity. Probably don't need it but at least I have an extra suitcase when traveling...OMG!!!

 

[BenWade]

Or you could just wait until a part breaks and then replace it with an American made part

 

[larrymax]

Or you could just wait until a part breaks and then replace it with an American made part

Well that's no fun

 

[ColdBlueRam]

Just stock up on cash or other liquid asset. If you need one of those parts you will have the money for it. All the parts you don’t need will have very little value when you move on to your next truck.

Wise advice, that is why I asked. To get other's opinions. Just a heads up, I trade stocks and for many reasons the signs are not looking good for the market. I would explore taking steps before January with your investments.

 

[ColdBlueRam]

Case in point, I've only changed ball joints on a '98 Explorer. I decided I would need a new press kit for the 2500 and went with this monstrosity. Probably don't need it but at least I have an extra suitcase when traveling...OMG!!!

View attachment 554641

It is funny because we all have done it. We have all been trained to be consumers.

 

[ColdBlueRam]

Or you could just wait until a part breaks and then replace it with an American made part

That will be nice but unfortunately, it will cost more than now. We got used to cheap prices, now everything will cost more so you will have less to live on. It is too long to go into here, but short answer is inflation is coming back, and it is going to stay.

 

[ColdBlueRam]

If you have a Mopar Extended Warranty
To keep it in effect, you have to do a 100,000 service check up

I have been lucky, after the warranty I self-insure. Plus, I have tools and know how. Getting smarter though, watched a Youtube on changing air bags to coils. Thought about for a minute and said nope, I don't want to do that and paid somebody.

 

[BenWade]

That will be nice but unfortunately, it will cost more than now. We got used to cheap prices, now everything will cost more so you will have less to live on. It is too long to go into here, but short answer is inflation is coming back, and it is going to stay.

The price of everything doubled. Tariffs will lower the prices again just like they did in 2016. Cheap gas, affordable groceries, low cost auto parts... it's going to be GREAT AGAIN!!

 

[Jeepwalker]

It's not a bad idea to start thinking about that stuff. How long are you planning to keep your truck? Seems like a lot of guys say they're going to keep their tk "Forever" then trade it off in a yr or two, for something newer and shinier! LOL.

More than likely on my high mile vehicles, the Alt and Starter usually can make it past 150k miles probably closer to 200k miles. And usually then it's usually the brushes that wear out and maybe take one of the commutators with it. Of course, there are so many variables, and of course being mechanical it could literally fail tomorrow.

If you are planning to replace the alternator, then I'd get a factory new Chrysler/Mopar alternator. Or ...you could rebuild the Alt/Starter you have now. Reason I say that is the factory alternators are just better ....and I've NEVER had a rebuilt or even New aftermarket alternator that lasted NEARLY as long as an OEM alternator. They seem to use cheaper bearings and...IDK there's always something that causes them to crap out in a couple yrs. Sure most parts stores replace them for free, but what good is that when you're out of town, or don't feel like replacing for the third time?!

It's usually pretty easy to disassemble and re-do your truck's alternator/starter. The parts are cheap (Amazon/Ebay). That's another option. Usually brushes and the solenoid, maybe a new alternator pulley. And it's fun to do (well, I think so). I've rebuilt several. If you wait till the alt goes out, the brush springs often grind down the commutator...and then it's not easily home-rebuildable. But if you're not into that, I'd get a new Mopar Alt/Starter.

Just a guess here but I suspect that auto manufacturers will be exempt from any or as much tariff increases. Otherwise it would devastate the auto industry and cause car/truck prices to go up a huge amount. If that ends up being the case, a Mopar Alternator might not increase that much. Just a hunch...

 

[diymirage]

I wouldnt

Chances are some woman or an illegal alien is gonna run a stop sign tomorrow and total your truck out

Then all that money that could have gone to a new truck is now sitting in the garage in the shape of parts you got no use for

 

[Jeepwalker]

Chances are some woman or an illegal alien.....

Funny you say that. That exactly happened to my inlaws. Totaled out the car. The south-of-the-border driver and passengers in the other car took off on foot so fast, they were gone in an instant. Apparently there was a older grandma in the car and she suddenly became a good runner! Hopped over the divided highway fence pretty quick my inlaws said! LOL That was probably 10yrs ago though.

 

[2019_RPX_LTD]

Figure out the total cost of all the parts you want to replace, then buy that amount in Bitcoin and hold it...