Year model of 4th gen to stay away from?

[A_mod_too_far]

I have a 2013 dodge Ram express went through hell new cam shaft lifters at 109,000 new started (well dealer said new but was remanufactured) 3 batteries now going on a new starter again , new oil pan just junk should have never bought it but I learned never Ram Truck again

That sucks man, hope you find something that works for ya.
I've had some issues but it was due to how the previous owner used the truck, so far I havent had any problems that I'd say was poor engineering or build quality to my knowledge, but I'm sure I'll be going through the lifter thing eventually.

 

[Jeepwalker]

Ole Buck (OP):

Here's something neat to keep in mind: They make newer-looking grilles for older trucks.

Let's say you like the look of the newer 2013+ trucks of a certain model (different models have different grilles). But you found a pretty good deal on a pre 2013 truck and don't care for the cross-hair grille. You're in luck! There are several aftermarket 'upgrade grilles' (Ebay, Amazon, etc) of different styles which *look* like the newer 2013+ truck grilles but shaped to fit and bolt into a pre-2013 truck. So, for example, a guy could put a newer Big Horn style grille with LED's into a 2011 for example ..chrome/black some with LED's etc. Many of these hybrid grilles. are geared towards the 1500's I'm not sure what's available for the 2500's (they're taller).

The older 1500 grilles were trapezoidal-shaped. In 2013 Chrysler changed the shape of the newer grilles ...they're notched at the bottom corners. A sort of polygon shape. So they don't interchange with 2012 and below trucks. The F bumpers are different too. The aftermarket has responded with solutions, however.

So ...looks alone don't have to necessarily determine if you buy THIS truck or THAT truck.

Example (below)

 

[Logjammin]

Since I'm on an anti air suspension rant these days...avoid anything with that system...especially if you're in a cold area. Beyond sux when that starts to be a problem.

 

[Octane]

I remember the nightmare Lincoln Town car air susp. in the mid 1990s.Never will I have air susp on anything but a semi truck.

 

[billyw]

I love my 2015 1500... EXCEPT that it is extremely finicky with electrical upgrades like LED headlights, etc. Other model years seem to be easier to deal with.

 

[DILLIGAF]

All 1500 suck if you actually use them as a truck.

 

[Jrod]

Love my 2016 sport, although I wish I had a 2018 with factory Apple carplay / Android auto..

 

[Atcer2018]

The 5th gens make it really easy to get to the security gateway bypass (driver footwell) but I think on ALL the 4th gens it's behind the radio. If 21 or 22 they changed it someone chime in.

My 2018 bypass cable is in the lower driver side knee panel next to the OBD port. Can’t speak for other 4th Gen years. Personally I’d go for a 2018 model as by then all the bugs had been worked out.

 

[danielmid]

Love my 2016 sport, although I wish I had a 2018 with factory Apple carplay / Android auto..

I upgraded my wife's 17 Durango to the newer factory unit and it sure is sweet, added a wireless AA adapter so she doesn't even have to plug in either. That's now high on my next mod list for the Ram.

 

[svtnos]

I personally wouldnt go older than 2015, only because of the bigger spot for your cell phone in the center console. lol