Attention: TDR Forum Junkies 
A week ago, the morning I was about to leave for a trip, the console lit up upon starting the truck. The ABS light, emergency brake light, and Service 4wd lights were all illuminated. Brakes worked, as did the 4wd, so needing the truck where I was headed decided to leave anyway. No issues on the 400 mile round trip other than the evic constantly reminding me of the warning lights.
Upon return did a detailed inspection and found that a tree rat (commonly known as a squirrel) had chewed the wires, connector and most of the ABS sensor on top of the rear axle housing. Guess those items must be real tasty. Did a quick search and could not find any source other than OEM for the damaged items, and not having the time (bad decision), made an appointment with the closest dealer for the repair.
Dealer did the repair, but while the truck was at their facility, I was called and informed about the left side tie rod recall. I specifically told the service writer NOT to touch that, as I had replaced that tie rod end with a Moog problem solver unit 3 years ago.
When I went to pick up the truck, was informed that they replaced the tie rod end. Was clearly upset, and was also told that they would not re-install the part replaced. Not being in a discussion state of mind, and not wanting to make a scene, paid the bill for the repair, got in the truck and headed home.
Instantly noticed that the steering wheel was a good 20 degrees off of center. It was late, and being in heavy N. Va rush hour traffic, just said screw it, I'd adjust the drag link when I got home.
Later in the week, while adjusting the drag link, noticed that not only was the tie rod end replaced, but the entire drag link for some reason. Then noticed that the HM (hammer mechanic) at the dealership had re-used the castle nut from the Moog tie rod end on the OEM replacement which is NOT drilled for a cotter pin. He should have grabbed a nylock nut as is used on the other side. Luckily I have a number of 14mm x 1.5 nuts, and used one as a lock nut along with some blue loctite.
Had to supress a strong desire to drive back and give the senior person at the dealership a piece of my mind. Instead they (RAM) received a chainsaw enema on their emailed customer satisfaction survey.
I realize that not every dealership has Moe, Larry or Curley working in service, and one of them could also be in independent shops as well, but expected better than that.
Upon return did a detailed inspection and found that a tree rat (commonly known as a squirrel) had chewed the wires, connector and most of the ABS sensor on top of the rear axle housing. Guess those items must be real tasty. Did a quick search and could not find any source other than OEM for the damaged items, and not having the time (bad decision), made an appointment with the closest dealer for the repair.
Dealer did the repair, but while the truck was at their facility, I was called and informed about the left side tie rod recall. I specifically told the service writer NOT to touch that, as I had replaced that tie rod end with a Moog problem solver unit 3 years ago.
When I went to pick up the truck, was informed that they replaced the tie rod end. Was clearly upset, and was also told that they would not re-install the part replaced. Not being in a discussion state of mind, and not wanting to make a scene, paid the bill for the repair, got in the truck and headed home.
Instantly noticed that the steering wheel was a good 20 degrees off of center. It was late, and being in heavy N. Va rush hour traffic, just said screw it, I'd adjust the drag link when I got home.
Later in the week, while adjusting the drag link, noticed that not only was the tie rod end replaced, but the entire drag link for some reason. Then noticed that the HM (hammer mechanic) at the dealership had re-used the castle nut from the Moog tie rod end on the OEM replacement which is NOT drilled for a cotter pin. He should have grabbed a nylock nut as is used on the other side. Luckily I have a number of 14mm x 1.5 nuts, and used one as a lock nut along with some blue loctite.
Had to supress a strong desire to drive back and give the senior person at the dealership a piece of my mind. Instead they (RAM) received a chainsaw enema on their emailed customer satisfaction survey.
I realize that not every dealership has Moe, Larry or Curley working in service, and one of them could also be in independent shops as well, but expected better than that.
