New to Me 2020 Classic, Now What??

[NockSteady]

Good morning,

I just purchased a 2020 1500 Classic Tradesman 4x4 v8 with 45K miles. I want to ensure I am properly caring for the truck; so what maintenance actions or inspections should I perform? I am already replacing the front and rear struts with Bilstein 1500s. Here’s what I got from Gemini:


1. Immediate "Second Owner" Baselines
Since service history can be a mystery, start here:
* Oil & Filter Change: Even if the dealer said they did it, starting your own clock with a high-quality full synthetic oil (5W-20 for the Hemi) ensures you know exactly what’s in there.
* Engine & Cabin Air Filters: These are often filthy by 45k miles. They are cheap, easy DIY swaps that improve MPG and AC performance.
* Recall Check: Visit the Mopar Recall Site and enter your VIN. 2020 models had recalls for things like tailgate latches and windshield wiper linkages.
2. 4x4 & Drivetrain Service
The 40,000–50,000 mile mark is the "golden window" for 4x4 maintenance, especially if the truck was used for towing.
* Differential Fluids: Inspect the front and rear axle fluids. If the oil looks like chocolate milk or is very dark, change it. Ram 4x4s benefit greatly from fresh gear oil at this stage.
* Transfer Case Fluid: Inspect the fluid level and clarity. Most "severe duty" schedules recommend a change at 60k, but doing it now at 45k is cheap insurance for your 4WD system.
* Transmission Inspection: The ZF 8-speed transmission is excellent but expensive to replace. Check for any leaks around the plastic transmission pan (a common weep point).
3. The "Hemi" Specific Inspections
* Exhaust Manifold Bolts: Listen for a "tapping" or "clicking" sound when you first start the truck cold. Hemis are notorious for breaking rear manifold bolts. If the sound goes away after the engine warms up, you likely have a broken bolt.
* Throttle Body: At 45k miles, carbon can build up on the butterfly valve. Cleaning it with a $5 can of throttle body cleaner can smooth out your idle.
4. Mechanical & Safety Inspections
| Component | What to Look For
| Brake Pads | At 45k, the original front pads are likely at 25-30% life. Check for thinning. |
| Serpentine Belt | Look for glazing or small cracks. It should still be good, but worth a visual check. |
| Suspension | Inspect the tie rod ends and upper control arm ball joints. Ram front ends work hard; look for torn grease boots. |
| Tires | Check for "cupping" or uneven wear, which indicates an alignment issue common in 4x4 trucks.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Daw14]

5w30 has also been approved, I have been running Redline 5 W 30 oil for 11 years with great results.

Redline 5w30 help to reduce and or prevent ticks in hemis, lots on this forum swear by it .

The only tics from my 5.7 are the faint clicking of the fuel injectors.

Check your intake manifold bolts , these are self loosening and should be checked when changing your oil . 108 inch pounds. Start in the middle and work your way out in a circle.
It is an 8 mm socket or 5/16 can be substituted.
108 inch pounds is not a lot , be sure to not overdo.

A turkey baaster is a good way to remove the brake fluid from the master cylinder, then bleed the rest of the old fluid from the lines ,and that wiil be fresh.

Your list looks pretty good, maybe others might have some suggestions.


Also we have a good search function on our forum , so you can see what others have done, and maybe experienced.

Transmission service recommended by the manufacturer at 60,000 miles for the eight speed .get a new aluminum pan with replaceable filter.
Again look at search for information about leveling the transmission properly.

 

[EdGs]

^^^^Excellent advice^^^^

Any extended warranty in play?

My OE brake pads still had about 3/16 of pad left at 106k miles.

Definately oil change, RedLine 5W-30 is called Hemi Honey.

Trans service and brake fluid check are definately worthy of checking, especially if any severe duty conditions.

OP, whats your Idle and Run time at?

 

[El_Dude]

a lot of our trucks have a water leak either by the 3rd brake light or rear windows seal. you can usually tell becuase the headlier back there will be wet or will have water stains or if you have a crew cab, you can see/feel water in the storage cubbies under the rear seat. so just check that.

 

[NockSteady]

Daw14,

Thank you for the info I appreciate you taking the time to help me out. I will do some research on the Redline oil you mentioned.

 

[NockSteady]

^^^^Excellent advice^^^^

Any extended warranty in play?

My OE brake pads still had about 3/16 of pad left at 106k miles.

Definately oil change, RedLine 5W-30 is called Hemi Honey.

Trans service and brake fluid check are definately worthy of checking, especially if any severe duty conditions.

OP, whats your Idle and Run time at?

Yes I purchased the MaxCare from CarMax when I bought this a couple weeks ago. Idle:108 Drive:22, that doesn’t makes sense to me so I don’t believe those are true numbers.

 

[Daw14]

Those numbers are off .
I believe that is coming from your instrument cluster , however the actual should be accessible from the ecm.
I do not know the procedure , however others with lots more knowledge will add their nickel.

That third brake light leak can be fixed by going to Home Depot and buying outdoor weatherstripping made by. M-d
I think it was 3/16 inch thick and had to trim for the needed width. Try the search for specific intructions , there are a few write ups I believe.

 

[Wild one]

Good morning,

I just purchased a 2020 1500 Classic Tradesman 4x4 v8 with 45K miles. I want to ensure I am properly caring for the truck; so what maintenance actions or inspections should I perform? I am already replacing the front and rear struts with Bilstein 1500s. Here’s what I got from Gemini:


1. Immediate "Second Owner" Baselines
Since service history can be a mystery, start here:
* Oil & Filter Change: Even if the dealer said they did it, starting your own clock with a high-quality full synthetic oil (5W-20 for the Hemi) ensures you know exactly what’s in there.
* Engine & Cabin Air Filters: These are often filthy by 45k miles. They are cheap, easy DIY swaps that improve MPG and AC performance.
* Recall Check: Visit the Mopar Recall Site and enter your VIN. 2020 models had recalls for things like tailgate latches and windshield wiper linkages.
2. 4x4 & Drivetrain Service
The 40,000–50,000 mile mark is the "golden window" for 4x4 maintenance, especially if the truck was used for towing.
* Differential Fluids: Inspect the front and rear axle fluids. If the oil looks like chocolate milk or is very dark, change it. Ram 4x4s benefit greatly from fresh gear oil at this stage.
* Transfer Case Fluid: Inspect the fluid level and clarity. Most "severe duty" schedules recommend a change at 60k, but doing it now at 45k is cheap insurance for your 4WD system.
* Transmission Inspection: The ZF 8-speed transmission is excellent but expensive to replace. Check for any leaks around the plastic transmission pan (a common weep point).
3. The "Hemi" Specific Inspections
* Exhaust Manifold Bolts: Listen for a "tapping" or "clicking" sound when you first start the truck cold. Hemis are notorious for breaking rear manifold bolts. If the sound goes away after the engine warms up, you likely have a broken bolt.
* Throttle Body: At 45k miles, carbon can build up on the butterfly valve. Cleaning it with a $5 can of throttle body cleaner can smooth out your idle.
4. Mechanical & Safety Inspections
| Component | What to Look For
| Brake Pads | At 45k, the original front pads are likely at 25-30% life. Check for thinning. |
| Serpentine Belt | Look for glazing or small cracks. It should still be good, but worth a visual check. |
| Suspension | Inspect the tie rod ends and upper control arm ball joints. Ram front ends work hard; look for torn grease boots. |
| Tires | Check for "cupping" or uneven wear, which indicates an alignment issue common in 4x4 trucks.

Thanks in advance!

Bit early to do these ,but if you're really bored with some time on your hands,it's not really expensive to do

Coil cleaning pics

Yea i know my picture taking abilities suck,lol Hopefully you guys can tell how i go about cleaning up the coils from the pic's. The first pic,is just a pic of everything disassembled.If your truck has the resistors under the spring in the coil towers,you'll want to remove them and clean them...

www.ramforum.com

Injector cleaning

Supposed to go cold and snow for the next 10 days,so i figured it was a good time to pull the injectors and give them a cleaning.Got them soaking in injector cleaner,where i'll probably leave them for a couple days before using some carb and choke cleaner to wash them out using my old homemade...

www.ramforum.com

Check your intake manifold bolts

This hasn't been talked about for awhile,but check your intake manifold bolts.They call for 108 in-lbs or roughly 9 ft-lbs of torque,and they should be checked at least yearly,as they do loosen up. I've been doing mine at least twice a year on all 3 of of my hemi equipped vehicles.They should be...

www.ramforum.com

 

[LeeD]

If you find water or moisture under the rear seat and it’s not from the already mentioned back window or antenna check the rear cabin vents. Mine were missing half of the tabs. You have to move the rear seats out of the way and remove the interior cover to get to them.

 

[Daw14]

Rear upper and lower control arm bushings leave a lot to be desired. They can become very squishy,leading to the rear end not feeling planted to the ground.
Also the arms are very flexible, and kinda flimsy imo.
I upgraded to some aftermarket and am very happy at the difference in how it drives.

 

[Adamcr68]

Good morning,

I just purchased a 2020 1500 Classic Tradesman 4x4 v8 with 45K miles. I want to ensure I am properly caring for the truck; so what maintenance actions or inspections should I perform? I am already replacing the front and rear struts with Bilstein 1500s. Here’s what I got from Gemini:


1. Immediate "Second Owner" Baselines
Since service history can be a mystery, start here:
* Oil & Filter Change: Even if the dealer said they did it, starting your own clock with a high-quality full synthetic oil (5W-20 for the Hemi) ensures you know exactly what’s in there.
* Engine & Cabin Air Filters: These are often filthy by 45k miles. They are cheap, easy DIY swaps that improve MPG and AC performance.
* Recall Check: Visit the Mopar Recall Site and enter your VIN. 2020 models had recalls for things like tailgate latches and windshield wiper linkages.
2. 4x4 & Drivetrain Service
The 40,000–50,000 mile mark is the "golden window" for 4x4 maintenance, especially if the truck was used for towing.
* Differential Fluids: Inspect the front and rear axle fluids. If the oil looks like chocolate milk or is very dark, change it. Ram 4x4s benefit greatly from fresh gear oil at this stage.
* Transfer Case Fluid: Inspect the fluid level and clarity. Most "severe duty" schedules recommend a change at 60k, but doing it now at 45k is cheap insurance for your 4WD system.
* Transmission Inspection: The ZF 8-speed transmission is excellent but expensive to replace. Check for any leaks around the plastic transmission pan (a common weep point).
3. The "Hemi" Specific Inspections
* Exhaust Manifold Bolts: Listen for a "tapping" or "clicking" sound when you first start the truck cold. Hemis are notorious for breaking rear manifold bolts. If the sound goes away after the engine warms up, you likely have a broken bolt.
* Throttle Body: At 45k miles, carbon can build up on the butterfly valve. Cleaning it with a $5 can of throttle body cleaner can smooth out your idle.
4. Mechanical & Safety Inspections
| Component | What to Look For
| Brake Pads | At 45k, the original front pads are likely at 25-30% life. Check for thinning. |
| Serpentine Belt | Look for glazing or small cracks. It should still be good, but worth a visual check. |
| Suspension | Inspect the tie rod ends and upper control arm ball joints. Ram front ends work hard; look for torn grease boots. |
| Tires | Check for "cupping" or uneven wear, which indicates an alignment issue common in 4x4 trucks.

Thanks in advance!

Lots of great advice already given by members who know a lot more than me, so I’ll just say, “post up some pic’s”.
I bought my 15’ with 52k on it and believe I was fortunate the original owner took very good care of it, I’m at 103k now and my truck is running great.
Following the advise/suggestions I found on this forum, I have done almost everything that has been recommended to you with great results.

 

[Daw14]

If you find yourself in need of a dealer visit, consider.

If you are satisfied with how your truck runs now , you may want to look into a way to prevent the dealer from accessing your obd2 port .

They can make changes that will decrease mileage and reduce power , while calling it a simple flash , update ,or whatever they named it.

But it may never be as it was ,when you entered the dealership.

I had a recall at less than 6 months , dropped mileage a solid 10 % probably more . And dropped some power .

Needless to say there is no way to reverse that flash.

That was the last time a dealer will touch my truck, even if I gave away warranty work , that would have not cost me a dollar.

 

[DILLIGAF]

If you plan on keeping it

First thing is a custom tune to bump your idle to 750 rpms unless you like low oil pressure at idle.
Red Line 5w30
Id change all fluids and upgrade to a PPE pan and Maxlife for the trans.
Gates HD green belt

 

[NockSteady]

If you find yourself in need of a dealer visit, consider.

If you are satisfied with how your truck runs now , you may want to look into a way to prevent the dealer from accessing your obd2 port .

They can make changes that will decrease mileage and reduce power , while calling it a simple flash , update ,or whatever they named it.

But it may never be as it was ,when you entered the dealership.

I had a recall at less than 6 months , dropped mileage a solid 10 % probably more . And dropped some power .

Needless to say there is no way to reverse that flash.

That was the last time a dealer will touch my truck, even if I gave away warranty work , that would have not cost me a dollar.

Wow that’s ridiculous

 

[NockSteady]

If you plan on keeping it

First thing is a custom tune to bump your idle to 750 rpms unless you like low oil pressure at idle.
Red Line 5w30
Id change all fluids and upgrade to a PPE pan and Maxlife for the trans.
Gates HD green belt

Is bumping the idle supposed to help prevent the Hemi tick?

 

[Gero]

Is bumping the idle supposed to help prevent the Hemi tick?

It prevents the lifter/cam related hemi tick. Or you can just avoid idling especially when your truck is at operating temperature.

 

[knightjp]

@NockSteady Congrats on the new truck. Any vehicle is only as good as the maintenance given to it. Some brands just require more care than others and most of the time, its not even that expensive. Just need to be mindful of it. My best advise when it comes to taking care of the engine is this..

Synthetic Oil

Something that would be an interesting discussion is would there be any benefit for a truck that's been on redline to do a interval with restore and protect. We know the last restore product "Valvoline premium blue restore" was esters and was very popular. Perhaps if you are already on ester...

www.ramforum.com

The 8 speed ZF Transmission is an absolute unit. It has a flaw, but even in a horrible condition where the gear change shudders or anything like that, it just an oil flush and oil change it just keeps going alone. My suggestion is to get ahead of the transmission's flaw and do this mod.

RevMax 8 speed thermostat bypass

Took the wife out for supper tonight,we weren't in any rush and we were on 2 lane back roads,so i had the cruise set at 90 kmh's roughly 56mph,our favorite little eating joint is about 40 miles away,tranny just barely got over 110f in her car.

www.ramforum.com

Once you've taken care of these two and keep up with the maintenance of the differentials and transmission and transfer case, you're set. The truck will just keep going strong.