- Thread starter plowhand
- Start date
Richard G.
Well-known Member
My 99 Ram 3500 diesel has been rode hard and put up wet many times and keeps on trucking.
Body is holding up very well except where I have backed into things a couple of times.
I do my own bodywork as it is a farm truck meant to work.
Has over 290,000 miles on it.
Friend has over 400,000 miles on a 74 2500 diesel and still going.
It has been worked hard also.
Richard in NW SC
Body is holding up very well except where I have backed into things a couple of times.
I do my own bodywork as it is a farm truck meant to work.
Has over 290,000 miles on it.
Friend has over 400,000 miles on a 74 2500 diesel and still going.
It has been worked hard also.
Richard in NW SC
I had a 1996 Ram 2500 4x4 with a 360 gas and auto trans. Got it in 1997 ? with 80,000 mi. and ran it maybe 17 years ? and sold it with near 200,000. Still had original trans. I kept it oil sprayed so it still looked good. I had good luck with it. No more GM products for me as I had way too many issues with those. I have an old 1981 F350 we bought in 1986 ? and it has been a good truck.
I would go with a Toyota in a lighter truck unless you needed a heavy duty truck. But they are very expensive. So I'd likely go with a Ram and get an extended warranty too.
I would go with a Toyota in a lighter truck unless you needed a heavy duty truck. But they are very expensive. So I'd likely go with a Ram and get an extended warranty too.
Farmer Rock
Member
I am assuming you are talking about a half ton. My dad has an 04' ram 1500 5.7 hemi 4x4.I have driven it quite a few times, and that thing has a ton of power, and it gets up and goes real good. He has had a skid loader behind it, and it handled it well. It has 130k miles I believe, and no major problems. One of my neighbors has a 2015 ram 1500 5.7 and tows a 10,000lb camper with it, and my other neighbor has a 2011 ram 2500 5.7 power wagon, that he loads down with wet oak wood, that is at least 2500-3000lb in the bed, and it doesn't seem to complain at all.
Rock
Rock
Ken Macfarlane
Well-known Member
Which ram? There's 2 generations of 1500's still on the lots, there the coil/air bag 2500's and coil/leaf 3500's that are basically the same since what 2013 with a bit of a facelift a couple of years ago.
Tgrasher
Well-known Member
- Location
- South Southern illinois
The 2009 to present 1500 has coil springs on the rear which really cuts down it load capabilities. On my 2010 I put air bags and a sway bar, and with load range E tires, I'm able to carry a 450 gal water tank full with no issues even at 65 mph. I tow a 16 ft trailer with a Case 630, 4600 lbs, with no problems, Yes, it does require heads up driving.
Bruce from Can.
Well-known Member
- Location
- Woodville, Ontario, Canada
I have a 2015 Ram, with the Hemi. Just a 2wd half ton, ment to carry me and whatever I need to toss into the box. This truck drives like a full size car from the 60-70’s era. Smooth and quiet, and because of the eco mode, when part of the engine isn’t burning gas, the fuel economy is really great, like 28 mpg. Lots of power for driving and passing, nothing like an old lame 6 banger. This thing will burn rubber if you want to. I have only put 50,000 miles on the truck since I bought it new. And with the strange lock down year we have been enduring, it sits in the shed more now than ever. I don’t have to drive to work like most, and the truck hasn’t turned a wheel since Christmas.. This was the first new truck I have ever owned, and have had Fords, GM and Dodge trucks in the past. They are for the most part all good when new, but most of the good was gone by the time I got them.
I have a 2016 1500 Limited Ecodiesel I bought new and its been flawless thus far.
Its had a couple recalls done. The emissions one, Dodge paid me $3100 and had to extend all emissions related parts for another 100k (IIRC) miles.
It has the full air ride suspension and it rides like my Mercedes, except it rides better than the Benz when you hit a pothole. It just soaks that stuff up. Payload (and towing) is limited though due to the air ride. Doesnt matter though, I have a 3500 dually for towing. The 1500 is the family vehicle that can comfortably seat four tall guys and has enough cargo room for the wifes Costco trips.
Its had a couple recalls done. The emissions one, Dodge paid me $3100 and had to extend all emissions related parts for another 100k (IIRC) miles.
It has the full air ride suspension and it rides like my Mercedes, except it rides better than the Benz when you hit a pothole. It just soaks that stuff up. Payload (and towing) is limited though due to the air ride. Doesnt matter though, I have a 3500 dually for towing. The 1500 is the family vehicle that can comfortably seat four tall guys and has enough cargo room for the wifes Costco trips.
jon f mn
Well-known Member
I always thought the ram would be my second choice after Ford, but when two friends who hade 05 dodges and they both rusted terribly I crossed them off my list. If you live outside the rust belt I think they would be good as any. My 05 Ford showed the first rust through last year when their rams had major rust issues years ago.
James Howell
Well-known Member
95 Dodge 3500 4x4 5 speed standard.
Used primarily as a ride to town with four dogs.
Used primarily as a ride to town with four dogs.
wheat straw
Member
I’ve owned my 04 Ram 2500 5.9 Cummins since 08. Had 80,000 on it then. It’s a work horse. Gets 20 - 21 no load highway. Pressure pump started leaking diesel into crankcase at 415,000. Replaced pump as well as injectors while the mechanic had it in the shop. Auto trans rebuilt at near 400,000. Used in construction and farm since I have had it. Pulls trailers bumper and gooseneck hauling equipment, hay and cattle. Very happy with it. That photo of the odometer was taken a few weeks back. I’ve owned each of the big 3 and at 73 this one is going to be my last one. Got a power steering pump but not on yet. First one for it since I owned it. Couple of water pumps over the years. Still like it. Had it longer than any vehicle I’ve ever owned. I’ve scraped a fence post, had a mamma cow dent a fender and hit a Deer two different tims so is acquainted with the body and fender man. Body looks good now and has a new 8’ flat bed 5 mints back. Mostly farm truck now. Future projects, doors on the air system are not functioning, replace brakes, and put a repair “skin” over the dash. The dash cracked at 390,000 or so and just haven’t got it fixed yet. All this is cheap compared to a new one.
Super H Mike
Member
The new Rams are good looking trucks, and are nice inside too. Come a long way in that dept. My old 2001 R2500 V10 is still in excellent shape with only 80K on it so I am not in the market but if I was it would be a Ram, next GM. Never Ford for me.
Chris in SK
Member
I've got a 2006 2500 'Power Wagon' model with Hemi. Its a farm truck and occasionally pull a goose neck trailer with it and it does ok. I put about $1k into the front end at about 150,000 miles.. normal stuff - TRE's, ball joints, track bar bushings front wheel bearing and UJ's.
Other issues have been broken exhaust manifold studs which is pretty common with the hemi (cold tick) and a few minor electrical issues - diff locks not working, wiring to the rear door locks/windows breaking in the rubber boot where the doors open and the turn signals act weird occasionally which is probably the switch.
The 3/4t Rams ride pretty rough but 1/2t that I've been in seem ok. I also had a 99..... I'd buy another Ram.
Other issues have been broken exhaust manifold studs which is pretty common with the hemi (cold tick) and a few minor electrical issues - diff locks not working, wiring to the rear door locks/windows breaking in the rubber boot where the doors open and the turn signals act weird occasionally which is probably the switch.
The 3/4t Rams ride pretty rough but 1/2t that I've been in seem ok. I also had a 99..... I'd buy another Ram.
greenmech
Well-known Member
- Location
- Lakeville MN
I have a 2016 with the hemi and like it. Decent miles/ gal and I can pull a decent load on the trailer. Ron MN
08 Ram 2500. Bought new (13 years ago). $27,000.00
2 door, regular cab, 4wd, 5.7 liter hemi. 110,000 miles. Hauled 4,000 lb -- 8,000 lb tractors about half those miles. Plowed my own snow all those years (driveway, shop & barn)
Been good to me, owes me nothing.
Couple things -
4wd U-joints @ 50,000
Rear upper fender wells rotting (they all do, inexcusable really)
oil pan this past year (rotted)
Frame is starting to get rusty (New England winters)
Several sets of brakes
Get about 55,000 miles on BF Goodrich Rugged Trail tires.
Still original exhaust
Avg about 13 mpg
2 door, regular cab, 4wd, 5.7 liter hemi. 110,000 miles. Hauled 4,000 lb -- 8,000 lb tractors about half those miles. Plowed my own snow all those years (driveway, shop & barn)
Been good to me, owes me nothing.
Couple things -
4wd U-joints @ 50,000
Rear upper fender wells rotting (they all do, inexcusable really)
oil pan this past year (rotted)
Frame is starting to get rusty (New England winters)
Several sets of brakes
Get about 55,000 miles on BF Goodrich Rugged Trail tires.
Still original exhaust
Avg about 13 mpg
Doug - Iowa
Member
2014 2500 with the 5.7 hemi, RamBox, MegaCab, just under 80k miles. I like it but it has its minor issues, none should deter you but here they are FWIW:
Rear axle seal leak fixed under warranty
Failure to communicate with in-tank flow sensor, replace the entire assembly which included fuel pump under warranty.
Air suspension posts a service code when temps are below zero. Dealer said normal winter issue for Iowa, if it does it in summer they can replace it under warranty. I always figure 90% of the satisfaction with a vehicle is having a dealer that will work with you.
The Iconnect in the dash and my Iphone have an ongoing connection argument, occasionally it cannot find itself. I think more related to the phone than the truck
Other than that been trouble free. They are a tall truck. If not for a good set of AMP steps I could not get in it, but the seats are great for a full sized person. Love the RamBox, no more tools and dirty chains on the floor. Lots of storage inside the cab too. MegaCab has compartment behind the seats that will hold 2 fully tricked out AR's. Great sound system, great heat and cool. Pulls anything I hook to it, biggest I've pulled about 16k gooseneck. Box sides are tall so you want to check your older gooseneck trailers for enough clearance. Most what I pull is on the receiver hitch ball, air ride height adjustable and backup camera make hitching easy. Mileage about the same as my 454 vortec tonner, 12-13 average on ethanol gas.
Rear axle seal leak fixed under warranty
Failure to communicate with in-tank flow sensor, replace the entire assembly which included fuel pump under warranty.
Air suspension posts a service code when temps are below zero. Dealer said normal winter issue for Iowa, if it does it in summer they can replace it under warranty. I always figure 90% of the satisfaction with a vehicle is having a dealer that will work with you.
The Iconnect in the dash and my Iphone have an ongoing connection argument, occasionally it cannot find itself. I think more related to the phone than the truck
Other than that been trouble free. They are a tall truck. If not for a good set of AMP steps I could not get in it, but the seats are great for a full sized person. Love the RamBox, no more tools and dirty chains on the floor. Lots of storage inside the cab too. MegaCab has compartment behind the seats that will hold 2 fully tricked out AR's. Great sound system, great heat and cool. Pulls anything I hook to it, biggest I've pulled about 16k gooseneck. Box sides are tall so you want to check your older gooseneck trailers for enough clearance. Most what I pull is on the receiver hitch ball, air ride height adjustable and backup camera make hitching easy. Mileage about the same as my 454 vortec tonner, 12-13 average on ethanol gas.
Paul in MN
Well-known Member
Richard,
Likely a typo....
No diesel available in a 1974 Dodge PU (maybe an experimental one with the Onan diesel. I did see one driven by an Onan engineer in about 1980). But most probably a 1994 truck you are talking about...??
Paul in MN
Likely a typo....
No diesel available in a 1974 Dodge PU (maybe an experimental one with the Onan diesel. I did see one driven by an Onan engineer in about 1980). But most probably a 1994 truck you are talking about...??
Paul in MN
white halftrack
Member
Wife just got one. I drive a 99 Ford F-250 but she likes nice vehicles. Doubt it will live a rough life. 2021
1998 (early) 12 valve Cummins Diesel. It's more rust holes than sheet metal. last summer sometime the weird little cable winch that the spare tire is suspended from rusted in two and the spare is gone. I didn't even know it happened. I noticed it later on while cleaning straw out of the bed.
Except for new axle seals at 100,000 I've just done oil and fuel filter changes, and still on the original clutch. It has 180,000 now.
oldwrencher
Member
had a 1995 3500 flatbed dually,only new truck of my life and great disappointment. My bad. Had the engine "tuned" at 75000, then clutch at 90, trans at 100{5 spd} transfer case at 102.sold at 109. My fault as they are built for factory power and no more. I did wofk it with 30 ft trailer and heavy loads. At stock engine it might have been ok. Would only haul 3000 lbs stock springs, 10,000 when i got done with it. replaced it with gvw of 30,000..nothing broke now.Have a 2008 hemi but won't overwork it
oldwrencher
Member
......................
RedGreenGuy
Member
Have 96 3500 with Cummins. Purchased it in 98 with 48,000 on it. Now has 188,000. Have replaced both rear axle bearings. 2 pinion seals, master brake cylinder and scheduled new steering box replace for next week. Like the truck, will never wear it out. Just wish it was a crew cab.
steve-in-ga
Member
02 2500 5.9 cummins w/ 350,000 miles. Purchased new. Have replaced injection pump 3 times. Engine and trans have had no work.
Needs a paint job but that's it. Hope to put 350k more on it.
Needs a paint job but that's it. Hope to put 350k more on it.
casecollectorsc
Well-known Member
- Location
- E central SD.
Got a 04 Dodge with no rust...you have to wash them once in awhile.
wilson ind
Well-known Member
RAMMERS!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have heard it all now!!!
you so called RAMMERS why is a ram in the axx ( changed to get past filter) a GOOSE ???
you so called RAMMERS why is a ram in the axx ( changed to get past filter) a GOOSE ???
Richard G.
Well-known Member
Yep, my brain was not working. 1994.
Thanks.
Thanks.
redih55
Member
- Location
- Carpenter, WY
I have a 2011 Ram 3500 MegaCab Dually with the 6.7 Diesel and a 6-speed manual transmission. This has been the best truck that I have ever owned. Has not given me any trouble, aside from 1 factory recall. I did have to replace the running boards as I screwed up the driver's side after sliding into a snow bank last winter. It only has 85,000 miles on it and I did buy it new. My second one is a 2019 Ram 1500 Warlock with an 8 speed automatic and the HEMI. Hit the gas on that one and it will put you back in your seat. That one is my midlife crisis hotrod. LOL.
Hockeygoon
Member
Other than the Cummins packing crates I haven't heard much good about any Dodge pickup since 1998 - especially the 3.7 and 4.7 powered units.
Their latest versions are extremely high tech and complicated and have been plagued by electronic issues - look up TIPM.
Their latest versions are extremely high tech and complicated and have been plagued by electronic issues - look up TIPM.
I have a 2020 1500 with 5.7. Have 27000 miles on it with no issues. Is nicest riding truck I have ever owned. Have had Fords and GM in past. My next will be another Ram. Motor Trend Truck of Year for third time in a row. I owned 5 Ford F-150s from 2013 thru 2018. None of them compared with the Ram. My wife would rather take the Ram instead of her Lexus.
2014 Crew cab,5.7 20 mpg,cold weather I am down to 17.7mpg. 17600. miles One water pump,two front hub bearings in the back seat waiting for warm weather. And the gauge only works for the first 100 miles after a fill up,that turns on the fuel sensor light,it started right at 110,000.(it was only 18 m0nths old and Ram said no) At the time only Chrysler had a replacement and it was 500.00,now it's about 190.00 and again it is on the spring replace list. My wife has driven it every day since we bought it. Sh has a new 5 year old Chevy, so now I get to drive it.
Steven f/AZ
Well-known Member
Happy with my 2001 Ram 2500 2wd 5-speed V10. Has 124k on it now and I regularly pull gooseneck flatbed with anything from an A Farmall to a 1086 with no trouble. Also pulls our 32 foot 5th wheel with a 6x10 flatbed behind it and bike rack up front. Mileage is as low as 7 when fully loaded and going 75 mph and up to 14 empty. My overall average since I bought it is 11 mpg.
Brother has a 98 12 valve with 212k on it. Been through the 5 speed a couple times, 5th gear falls off... front end needs rebuilt again to stop the death wobble.
Brother also has a 14 Cummins. 55k on it and so far so good. We were using it to haul hay this fall and I don"t really see the benefit of spending $50k+ for it... I would rather drive my V10 and downshift on the occasional long hill.
Brother has a 98 12 valve with 212k on it. Been through the 5 speed a couple times, 5th gear falls off... front end needs rebuilt again to stop the death wobble.
Brother also has a 14 Cummins. 55k on it and so far so good. We were using it to haul hay this fall and I don"t really see the benefit of spending $50k+ for it... I would rather drive my V10 and downshift on the occasional long hill.
I bought my '18 RAM 1500 3 years ago, brand new off the lot. Had driven Ford's for 38 years and right at HALF a MILLION miles. Jumping in my RAM still makes me smile. Quad-cab 5.7L Hemi, 8-spd ZF auto tranny, 4WD with the push buttom trans case shift. Rides GREAT, love the heated seats and steering wheel. I've had it in for 2 recalls, have had a third recall for it almost a year now.
I took it on a 3 day road trip to FARMALL LAND last Sept, 1020 miles in 3 days, most of the miles 1st and last days, got Ave MPG up over 22 mpg drafting an almost identical RAM 150 the last 150 miles home. Never had ANY truck get that kind of mpg running 80 mph, even my 7.3L Ford diesel.
If something happened to this RAM I'd have another one in a heartbeat.
I took it on a 3 day road trip to FARMALL LAND last Sept, 1020 miles in 3 days, most of the miles 1st and last days, got Ave MPG up over 22 mpg drafting an almost identical RAM 150 the last 150 miles home. Never had ANY truck get that kind of mpg running 80 mph, even my 7.3L Ford diesel.
If something happened to this RAM I'd have another one in a heartbeat.
Got a 2013 5.7 1500. Love the thing. I did have a problem. At 34k I had an "electronic throttle" light come on. Slapped it right into limp mode.
Dealer replaced the ECM, crapped again in 200 miles.
They took it back and started throwing parts at it. Wiring harness for both the engine and transmission all manner of sensors, new fuse block. All told I figure they had 6 grand worth of parts and labor into it. I did not pay a cent.
Since then It has been great, I pulled a 6000 lb travel trailer the length of route 66, drove up the coast to Oregon Utah, Idaho Colorado and back to NY. 22,0000 miles in 5 months all told. Three oil changes ,one tire rotation.
Not a hiccup, Mountains , hold the RPM at 3600 drops to second gear pulls like a freight train.
Dealer replaced the ECM, crapped again in 200 miles.
They took it back and started throwing parts at it. Wiring harness for both the engine and transmission all manner of sensors, new fuse block. All told I figure they had 6 grand worth of parts and labor into it. I did not pay a cent.
Since then It has been great, I pulled a 6000 lb travel trailer the length of route 66, drove up the coast to Oregon Utah, Idaho Colorado and back to NY. 22,0000 miles in 5 months all told. Three oil changes ,one tire rotation.
Not a hiccup, Mountains , hold the RPM at 3600 drops to second gear pulls like a freight train.
Buckeye Oliver collector
Well-known Member
Interesting story. Helps to explain why Dodge is getting bought, AGAIN. Last Dodge I owned they started throwing parts at it and never could fix the issue, $5000 in brake work later. A friend of mine bought a 2019 1500 Hemi Ram and it had 9 recalls before he took it home. I switched to Ford and I'll never own another Dodge/FIAT/Chrysler junk product again.
Richard from SE AZ
Member
I have a 1990 W150 ( 4x4 ) that I bought new. It is over 300,000 miles and still going. kind of tired. low oil pressure but still runs good. The only thing that i have done to the engine is change out a bad water pump. All other externals, starter, genny, still original Rebuilt transfer case once. Also 2001 1500 two wheel drive. 170,000 miles. I have done absolutely NOTHING to it but brakes. Also bought new. Both 318. If I ever need another PU it will be a RAM.
Richard from SE AZ
Member
I have a W150 (4x4 ) that I bought new. Over 300,000 miles. The only thing I have done to the engine is change out a bad water pump. Everything else still original. I rebuilt transfer case once. I also have a 2001 1500 two wheel drive 170,000 miles. I have done absolutely NOTHING to it but brakes. Both bought new. Both 318. If I ever need another PU it will be a RAM.
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