Transfer Case Failure x 2

[SCF Truck]

I don't think a bad engine or transmission mount could change the shifter position. The shift lever is bolted to the transmission/t-case, so any excess movement of the engine/transmission, the shifter would move with it, not pull it out of gear.

I am running out of ideas....

Interesting. My theory is that the shifter would not move much when the transfer case moves from engine torque. The shifter is rigid mounted to the body. I contend that the input selector gear was just a hair shy of engagement. Then it partially began to engage into 4H when the engine torque under downhill conditions moved the txfr case but the shift linkage remained in place.

When I ckd it with a friend at his shop we found the shift linkage to be approximately 1/2" off from correct factory settings.

 

[SCF Truck]

So my truck is home. The 4th txfr case installed. At this point Im considering doing the following. Inputs welcomed.

1. Be Happy. Keep the truck now that I have personally verified the linkage is set correctly per FCA specs and the current txfr case is new.

2. Replace the truck because I dont trust it to pull a loaded goose neck with 13,500 lbs once every six months.

3. Seek FCA engineering analysis to confirm the root cause. FCA has never pin pointed the cause of the failures. I have a slight concern that there maybe additional collateral damage though I dont exactly know what would be.

4. Close the loop with the original dealer's ownership. In particular how the service manager's unprofessional practices cost them a future customer.

Thanks

 

[TCDiesel]

#4.......... its like this...Dog poop after time gets hard and does not stink...Now walk up it and stir it up with a stick and it stinks all over again.

 

[Shiner]

#4.......... its like this...Dog poop after time gets hard and does not stink...Now walk up it and stir it up with a stick and it stinks all over again.

Kinda takes me back to a certain "Cheech and Chong" episode......

 

[WMonroe]

I would probably go with #3 & #4 at the same time and then depending on the outcome of #3 choose #1.
Make any sense? Lol.

 

[Wiredawg]

#1. We know the cause of the problem and I'm confident it's fixed. Seems like you've invested enough time on this to get what you wanted. You won! leave the bad dealer alone and do business with the good dealer.

Cheers, Ron

 

[Wayne M.]

Go with 1, and if God forbid it happens again, 3.

 

[jhenderson]

It would be nice to know what the outcome of the first dealerships interaction with FCA was considering the problem was finally diagnosed by the OP and remedied with the help of the second dealer.

 

[SCF Truck]

It would be nice to know what the outcome of the first dealerships interaction with FCA was considering the problem was finally diagnosed by the OP and remedied with the help of the second dealer.

Turns out we might just get FCA involved regarding our truck's transfer case failures. Last week I sent the original repairing dealer an advanced copy of a Lemon Law letter to FCA. I wrote the letter the day I got my truck back from them upon discovering the dealer installed used cannibalized transfer case in my truck and declared my warranty would be "restricted" going forward. I haven't sent the letter yet to FCA but that letter got the dealer's attention. The dealership's COO has called me three times. And yesterday the COO and co-owner called to tell me they are reaching out FCA "higher ups" in engineering to figure out why our truck keeps breaking.

This should be interesting. I think we're all fairly confident we know the reason for the failures; an improperly adjusted transfer case shift lever from the factory. Nevertheless, we'll see where this goes. Maybe there's more here than meets the eye since this dealership has never acknowledged or accepted that shift lever as a probable cause.

More to follow...

 

[TCDiesel]

SCF, if you keep stirring the case its goona stink up...

SCF ,I have been 100% correct in your case..My advice now, is to stop and move on.

Remember these two statements.

We are out of Stock.
We are booked for 3+ weeks.

Every time you contact FCA you are sticking the stick in the Dog poop. The record will be visible to any service dept.

 

[Wayne M.]

SCF, how is the truck? Have you given it the acid test yet?

 

[SCF Truck]

SCF, if you keep stirring the case its goona stink up...

SCF ,I have been 100% correct in your case..My advice now, is to stop and move on.

Remember these two statements.

We are out of Stock.
We are booked for 3+ weeks.

Every time you contact FCA you are sticking the stick in the Dog poop. The record will be visible to any service dept.

Excellent advise and I agree. Thank you!

 

[SCF Truck]

SCF, how is the truck? Have you given it the acid test yet?

Haven't tested the truck yet. Nervous frankly. Probably load up our Ford Transit 250 van on the gooseneck in case the Ram breaks. That way I can drive home.

 

[Wiredawg]

My recommendation is use it to its full capability. You are now one of the Ram Borg, with full operational capability or as we said on the military FOC.
load and go.

Ron

 

[SCF Truck]

My recommendation is use it to its full capability. You are now one of the Ram Borg, with full operational capability or as we said on the military FOC.
load and go.

Ron

Lol. Great point. FMC, Full Mission Capable as we say in Naval aviation.

 

[RVTRKN]

I agree with TCDiesel, if your happy with the truck now, let it go. However, depending on your State laws, you have a strong case for the lemon law, if you want to pursue that.

 

[SCF Truck]

I agree with TCDiesel, if your happy with the truck now, let it go. However, depending on your State laws, you have a strong case for the lemon law, if you want to pursue that.

Well the truck just broke again - third time. Was evaluating it when it broke just like before. Going downhill with a loaded trailer. This time it was a lighter tractor but same issue.

I'm beginning to think the transmission may be a real problem rather then the txfr case. This truck has always shifted slowly with a lot more slippage than the loaner 2018 Ram 2500 6.7.

At any rate FCA has agreed to buy the truck back per the dealership. The selling dealer is looking for comparable unit. I was hoping to keep this truck because overall I like it and the two door configuration.

More to follow.

 

[Shiner]

Well the truck just broke again - third time. Was evaluating it when it broke just like before. Going downhill with a loaded trailer. This time it was a lighter tractor but same issue.
View attachment 111748

I'm beginning to think the transmission may be a real problem rather then the txfr case. This truck has always shifted slowly with a lot more slippage than the loaner 2018 Ram 2500 6.7.

At any rate FCA has agreed to buy the truck back per the dealership. The selling dealer is looking for comparable unit. I was hoping to keep this truck because overall I like it and the two door configuration.

More to follow.

Sorry to hear, but at least you get a new truck. Keep us updated.

 

[Wayne M.]

Unreal. I can’t believe it. I’m glad there’s a resolution.

 

[nukegm]

i have been following this thread. my jaw just hit the floor. sorry for your luck comrade. glad fc will be buying it back...they should hopefully cover your tow bills etc... maybe you can talk them into something on the next truck to make up for all your lost time. because time is money...cheers - hang in there.