Looking at a 2004 2500, need feedback.

[Trap_Shooter]

Okay fellas I need some feedback. I found a 2004 Dodge 2500 5.7 auto with VERY low miles (34,000). I’m really considering it as an everyday driver/farm truck. My dad owns a 2020 Ram 2500 6.4 that we could tow heavier and longer with, and I figured the 5.7 would work fine for local towing and hard to get into places. What’s everyone’s thoughts? Is that generation 5.7 pretty reliable? I owned a 2005 Cummins in the past, but for a daily driver I think a gas is the way to go. Thanks in advance.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[392DevilDog]

Wish our 03 only had 34k on it. Ours has either 145 or 154k on it. Can not remember...will have to pay attention.

I feel the then new Hemi is a pretty reliable engine. It works well and has some decent power..

Good luck getting the truck...hope it is still there when you make your decision.

 

[MoPowered]

Low mileage isn’t an indicator that’s it’s a good reliable motor it’s an indication that they only put 34k on it. Why and how is the question. The early 5.7 had some problems with cam and lifters as are prevalent as we all know. Drive it do a compression test and check the history as to use. Was it plow vehicle, a fleet use etc....find out some more before you pull the trigger.

 

[Fast69Mopar]

Okay fellas I need some feedback. I found a 2004 Dodge 2500 5.7 auto with VERY low miles (34,000). I’m really considering it as an everyday driver/farm truck. My dad owns a 2020 Ram 2500 6.4 that we could tow heavier and longer with, and I figured the 5.7 would work fine for local towing and hard to get into places. What’s everyone’s thoughts? Is that generation 5.7 pretty reliable? I owned a 2005 Cummins in the past, but for a daily driver I think a gas is the way to go. Thanks in advance.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The biggest issue with the early HEMI from 2003-2008 was not with cam and lifters but the valve springs. Lifters were and issue back then too but the main repair I performed under warranty and for customer pay repairs was broken valve springs. I had some that were so bad that I would replace a broken spring under warranty and after getting the motor running it would break another spring while it was warming up. Warranty didn't let us replace all of the valve springs at one time. It only allowed us to replace the broken ones.

If I were to buy this truck the first thing I would do is get a new set of valve springs on this motor. If you have some mechanical knowledge and some tools you can do it yourself.

 

[HemiLonestar]

Supposedly busted valvesprings on the earlier ones (like 03-04), though I am still running my 160,000+ originals in my 03 lol (and I don't baby it).....and valve seats that liked to fall out if overheated up through about 2006. If it only has 34,000 original miles I wouldn't get too worked up about valvesprings right away. That truck will work just fine for what you want it for.

 

[MADDOG]

My 3rd gen Ram with the 5.7L in it was very reliable.

No lifter issues ever came up in 140K miles.

 

[Snake15eyes1998]

If its not broke, don't fix it. I wouldn't worry about the valve springs and seats, cam or lifters. Iv got 128,??? On mine, and no issues. The one thing I would worry about. What hurts vehicles the most is not driving them. All the seals get dry, and things aren't moving. Then you get the truck, and start putting it to work. Things, not the engine. But other components could start failing. You might find oil seals starting to leak. Small issues, but they could end up being a handful if you don't stay on top of it. I wouldn't worry about the engine though. But definitely do more digging on the rig. Only 34,000 miles, it definitely sat more then it drove.

 

[Dodge 1500 4X4]

I would for sure replace the cracked valve springs like fast69Mopar said value his opinion, you can change them yourself, by removing spark plugs one at a time and putting compressed air in the cylinder, I use my compression tester hose, you can buy the 2 jaw puller for valve springs, make sure you hit the valve spring hat with a socket and soft blow hammer to release the keepers, Its not a bad job and will be good for the future, Also check the Oil and Filter thread from Mr. Burla he also knows almost everything on the proper oil and filter to use to save that low mileage 5.7.

 

[Snake15eyes1998]

I would for sure replace the cracked valve springs like fast69Mopar said value his opinion, you can change them yourself, by removing spark plugs one at a time and putting compressed air in the cylinder, I use my compression tester hose, you can buy the 2 jaw puller for valve springs, make sure you hit the valve spring hat with a socket and soft blow hammer to release the keepers, Its not a bad job and will be good for the future, Also check the Oil and Filter thread from Mr. Burla he also knows almost everything on the proper oil and filter to use to save that low mileage 5.7.

He doesn't even know if their cracked. Chances are, their perfectly fine.

 

[tron67j]

My 2003 5.7, bought new, ran like a top and is still going strong, parents started driving it last year when I bought new truck. A couple broken header bolts, replaced front bearing, but nothing else major. 165,000 miles, towed a lot of those miles, rides great. Good luck.

 

[pajeepman]

I would imagine you will not get very good MPG if you drive alot.
I drive 17 miles to work, no highway and get in the 10 mpg with my 04 QC 1500 4x4 with 86,000 on it. Best I got was 14 on the highway.
3.92's, 305/45-22, K&N, cat back, old tuner from 2004.

Sent from my SM-A205U using Tapatalk

 

[NWhunt]

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[MikeG71]

Bought my 06 3 yrs. ago (around Father’s Day) with 64K on it. I haven’t put a huge amount of miles on it. It pulls our 7400+ pound TT just fine. Other than the “Hemi Tick” I’ve had no engine issues. She’s sitting at 107k + currently.