Wondering about the front ends of the 1500's

[Haas]

I currently have a Dodge Dakota. It's a 2008 with 216000 miles on it. One thing I've noticed through out its life, was that it seemed to often have front end problems. I've replaced wheel bearings about 3 times on it, ball joints 3 or more times, bushings, tie rods, and recently, both sway bars were shot. Seems I could never go more than about 9 months without having something in that front end start to fail me.

Are the Ram 1500's the same way? Are they just made kinda weak? Is this something you just accept as part of owning a ram?

 

[Ken226]

Ive owned 2 1500s and a Dakota. My current ram has 60,000 miles. I drove my last ram 160,000 miles and my Dakota lasted 185000 miles.

I had a few problems with them over the years, but never in the front end.

 

[Octane]

The 2013 Rams had improved balljoints and torque converters.Frames were strengthened also that year.Mine has 124k on it with only a water pump replacement and brake pads.

 

[kurek]

'dem Wisconsin roads

 

[Haas]

'dem Wisconsin roads

Yes, no doubt that plays a role. Good to hear that the front ends are decent on the Rams.

 

[KeithP]

Just sold my “03” 1500. 208,000 on the odometer. Never replaced any steering components. Upper control arm bushings were shot when I sold it though. My long time mechanic bought it from me for his 16 yr old grandson. He knew what a great truck it was, control arm bushings aside.

 

[Haas]

Just sold my “03” 1500. 208,000 on the odometer. Never replaced any steering components. Upper control arm bushings were shot when I sold it though. My long time mechanic bought it from me for his 16 yr old grandson. He knew what a great truck it was, control arm bushings aside.

Wow, that's encouraging, to say the least. Thanks for sharing that.

 

[RVGuy]

155k miles on my 1500, only things I've had to replace has been 3 CV axles (1 covered under the part manufacturers warranty) and the rear pinion seal (under the new vehicle warranty). Still on the original everything else. Been pretty happy with it, I won't mention names but my last two vehicles were riddled with problems by this point.

 

[BWL]

When I sold my 2011 ram it had a touch over 272000 on the clock and the only front end work it needed was 1 tie rod end. That was with a small front level and slightly larger tires as well as a hard life running on resource roads a fair bit.

 

[Haas]

Wow, this is nice to hear. Keep them coming. Thanks for all the replies so far.

 

[VB712]

74k on my 2014 and I replaced the upper ball joints due to ripped boots. Otherwise it’s been solid and I’ve had 20x12 wheels on it for 30k miles.